Running board bolt holes

Hey you guys, I bought my rig used it had running boards (OEM) I took them off and want to put the plastic gromits back in the 12 bolt holes that are in the frame. Anybody have them in theirs that never had running boards? I called a dealer they said if I can get a visual they might be able to help me track them down or if you guys have any suggestions of what I can put in the bolt holes I’d be grateful. I’m thinking of bolts but don’t want anything that will f/up the threads in the holes…

 

You might consider:
https://www.mcmaster.com/hole-plugs/sealing-plugs/

 

SS bolts with teflon tape.

 

I was gonna suggest to pack it with grease......

 

I took mine out. Can't remember what I did with those plugs? (I'll take a look when I get home and if I can find them I'll let you know)
You can put some silicone in the holes and that should seal them up.

 

I bought a box of those cheap plastic plugs that are used all over our trucks off eBay. They come in different sizes and I used them to plug the unused holes.

 

ya I found similar on Amazon but no clue if one or any would fit and stay in. Might have to trial and error a bit

 

Thanks man I don’t want to silicone them in case I want them again some day. Might have to buy a bunch of sizes and just trial and error them..

 

would you know the size that will fit I don’t want to try the wrong size and mess the threads

 

The bolts are M8 1.25. You can buy a short length bolt just for the sake of filling the hole.

 

If anybody knows the running board bolt size I could go that way rather than gromits..like a fool I sold the boards and didn’t measure the bolts before I gave them to the guy

 

thanks man much appreciated, I’ll see if I can get gromits otherwise bolts are another option

 

I went to a local hardware store and they let me try a few different sized grommets before I found one that fit. Then I just went back in and bought the rest. Bolts would also work - grommets are just cheaper!

 

ya bolts ain’t cheap lol

 

May I suggest getting nylon bolts to plug the holes? Will not mess up threads, light weight and easy to install/remove.

 

@Signatureinc: Metric nylon bolts may be hard to find at your local hardware or big box store which is why I suggested the plugs. Filling the holes with silicone may preserve the threads but it'll be a b!tch to remove in the future should you decide to utilize the holes. Using 316 SS M8-1.25X30mm bolts would cost you about $1.15 each at the site I recommended. Might take a day or 2 to get them if you order today. You might have to buy 15 cuz they come 5 to a package.
BTW I do NOT have any association with McMaster - I have simply used them for decades for the hard to find stuff.

 

Before you put plugs in there, spray the insides of every hole with fluid film (also pull the rubber plugs on the rockers and spray in there) Or you will get a good amount of rust in there.

 

I run sliders now so I put the bolts from my OEM running boards back in place with some thread sealant.

 

I would have done the same but I sold the running boards

 

I found some on Amazon may just go that route thanks for the tip