Pit Cushion Mount Repair

[KWagner]

One of the places I work at has this issue and I am not sure how to fix this. The holes that the cushion mount go into are so egged out that they no longer hold the bolt. Apparently it's been like this for many years and now finally the mount has busted and it just hangs there.

I see Zot and Quality has some kind of mount or fix but I am not sure if that is what I need?

Here are some pictures to better see the problem:

IMG_0131.jpgIMG_0132.jpgIMG_0134.jpg

[KWagner]

It's hard to tell from the photos but they are indeed no longer round and no longer catch any thread of the bolt. Just to clarify the pictures. The only thing that keeps the mount on is that the bolts wedge into the holes and that keeps the shock and mount somewhat there but not secure.

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

You have a couple of choices. You can try to repair the bolt holes using heli-coils. I have done this a few times with mixed results. Depends on how bad the bolt holes are and the condition of the metal. The heli-coil needs a hole a bit larger than the original hole...but the end result will be a coil of wire inside the larger hole creating the original size hole and threads for your bolts. Here is a pic of the kit you will need.

51rQLF5Lz2L._SS500_.jpg

Another option is to use the Zot repair kit. This kit allows you to use "studs" to hold down the pit cushion mounting bracket. You remove the other bracket on the other lane, slide the repair plate over top of the kickback with two bolts sticking up to replace the damaged side and then bolt the other lanes bracket back down over top of the repair plate. The only issue with this kit is it raises both pit cushions ont he sides that the repair plate is located. This may not be an issue...but I have seen it casue issues.

Your last option is to use the Quality mount. This uses whatever bolts are available on the top of the kickback...which appears to be the two for the other lane...and the aluminum bracket for both lanes are replaced by the kit. 12-2543 is the kit you will need.

Hope this helps...

[KWagner]

That will help alot. I think I will order the quality kit and save some time and headache! The cushion bracket is busted around one of the holes anyway so I would need a new bracket if I wanted to go with the thread repair kit. Might as well just spend the extra and get the Quality one.

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

I would look into the heli-coils also. Anything to help hold the brackets to the top of the pit cushion can only help. It won't take you long to drill the holes and install the coils. Easy to do...and will be a stronger repair in the end.

[KWagner]

Ok I will give that a try along with the mount. That sounds like the best and most solid repair option. Sound easy enough. Thanks for the help

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

Let us know how it goes...

[mr.badwrench]

I have a few that I have drilled and tapped 1/2"-13 and installed 11-006506 button head bolts. They are holding up well.

[TheFisch]

I've seen a few people drill a hole in the armor guard so they can install a nut on the other side of the bolt. Never tried it.

[KWagner]

I actually thought of drilling a hole in the Armor guard to do that same thing or just drilling the hole larger and tapping it with a new size. I'm still waiting for the mounting plate to come in to fix this.

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

I would not make the hole bigger nor would I cut a hole in the Armor Plate...a larger hole will mean the mounts will need to be opened up and will not be interchangeable with other mounts. Consistency in bolt size will not be maintained and when in a hurry...you may need to return to the tool bin for a 3/4 socket instead of the 9/16. Just not a big fan of inconsistency...but it would work. A hole in the Armor Plate can work also...but it is not a clean repair. What you decide to do is based on what you want it to look like in the future.

[Roscoe]

Thats like putting a diamond in a goats ass, no

[joeshlep]

it would turn back into coal

[KWagner]

I'm going to fix it the right way once the parts come in.

[KWagner]

Bracket finally came in this week. Need to get the heli coils and then time to fix this thing. I will take a picture of two once I get done.