Inertiaman
Well-known member
My post you quoted was somewhat early in my fastener eval. Further study of galvanic corrosion, and the relationship of mass of anode vs cathode, implied that my concern was largely unjustified. Zinc plated is still preferable to stainless w.r.t. galvanic corrosion w/ aluminum, and also cheaper, so I eventually settled on relatively standard zinc-plated, hex key flat head bolts. I bought most of them from McMaster-Carr. One example is p/n 91263A565 but I bought various lengths. These had ideal head sizes for my track. Head size is the one thing that can really kill you when installing L track; if the head is too large relative to the track hole, and/or the countersink angle doesn't match, the head can stick up and inhibit movement of any L track anchors through that section.What did you decide to use and where did you source your plusnuts?
Most of my placements had access for washers/locknuts behind. For the long runs about 12" below roof, I used full length 1/8" plated steel backing plates. Based on the specs for the bolts, plus the backing plate, that particular L track should meet/exceed reqs to use for shoulder strap anchors. I anticipated possibly having removable one-person seats, and these track could provide the upper anchor for shoulder mounts; otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered with the full steel backing plate (although it wasn't difficult to use). On other track locations, I just used zinc plated fender washers.
Handling the nuts and washers behind the various van wall structures can be tedious. It helps to refine a method w/ specific tools, for example a ratcheting closed end wrench helps to blindly hold and position the nuts.
I did use rivnuts in the C and D pillars to mount 14" vertical L tracks that provide 4 adjustable locations to mount my bed rails. Each "corner" has 4 bolts/rivnuts across the 14" track, so very strong and redundant. Also used rivnuts in some floor locations. Bolts installed w/ loctite and 5 years / 80k miles later I've never had anything loosen.
Hope that helps.
EDIT - oops, forgot to mention I sourced all rivnuts from McMaster-Carr also. Worth noting they carry a unique rivnut called an "Aligning Rivet Nut" which can accept an off-axis bolt; these were critical for installing a plumb L-track onto the curved C pillars.
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