Installed new side steps, had to modify the installation. will this be ok?

so the previous owner of my truck stripped the threads of the things the bolts go into for the nfab steps. I didn't have a rethreader bit, so I went to the hardware store and got some self tapping bolts that were the same length and screwed them into the part next to those holes.
I used the flat washer and lock washer that came with the steps still, and only had to use 3 of the self tappers. Two on the drivers side and 1 on the passenger side.

They torqued down good and seem to be holding fine. Do you think they will be ok?

These are the screws i used.



Thanks.

 

Anyone?

 

Aren't the factory holes painted and rust proofed? I'd be worried about long term rust issues but they should hold fine. Maybe put a rubber washer on, or some silicone, to seal the hole?

 

My original holes were very rusty, so I don't know.

 

NO, try other methods or have it weld on!

 

Now why do you say that, out of curiousity? i don't really have any other methods at my disposal.

 

yea...I would say that I would have not have done that! the same hardware store you bought those at should have sold a tap and new grade 8 bolts...just what Im thinking?

 

i really think you should be fine..............for awhile. i mean all your doing is stepping up on that to get in your truck, its not like your standing on them all day and jumping on them. just keep an eye on them every now and then.

 

thats what I was thinking. I don't even use them. the wife asked me to get them so she could use them to step into the truck, cause she's shorter then I am so its harder for her to get in.

I was thinking about spraying the new bolts with plastidip to try to help keep the grime and crap off of them.

 

So if I buy a tap and die set, i would want to tap the old holes with the 9-1.25 tap, since the old hole was an 8mm hole? Correct?

 

That's retarded

Weld it to what , the floor of the cab ?

You know these are Nfab steps the OP is talking about and not sliders right ?

 

HA! I meant rustoleum. Not sure why I typed plastidip.


Anyway. My coworker who is a huge car guy thinks he has a tap for the 8mm bolt holes that wouldnt thread. were gonna try cleaning them up, and hopefully the bolts will then go in. If not, then we will tap them with the 9mm tap and put 9mm bolts in them.

 

I may be mistaken, but I thought those step mount locations were captive nuts, not threaded sheet metal holes.

 

Well, my coworker has a tap and die set for the bolts for the side step. so we are going to retap the holes and properly fix this.

 

I'm going to agree, these type bolts are not for a load that step bars would be subject to. Try to rethread the nuts, weld them on or wait till you have the funds to do it right.
My .02

 

What are you gonna weld nfabs too ?

 

Got the nfabs installed correctly today. got rid of the screws in the original post and filled them with silicone to prevent water from getting in them. My friend retapped the original holes and I ran the screws through the die to clean up the threads. Thanks for all the help!

 

bolts. My bad. I used the bolts that came with the nfabs.