Community Forums

Never_be_Rich · 07-23-2010, 06:17 PM

Where can you find the hardware that holds the dog house on? I have a 1997 Dolphin on a Ford F53 Chassis. There appears to be some type of insert that goes through the firewall; but if the inserts were ever thread, the threads are long gone. I have looked several times in hardware stores, fastener outlets, etc, but have not found the inserts.

Jimmy F · 07-27-2010, 08:21 AM

I don't own a Dolphin so I'm not sure what the part looks like you need...but just as a thought perhaps you could try one of these places. RV Salvage

Jimmy F

two2go · 07-27-2010, 01:43 PM

Not sure if you have the same setup as us. Our Dolphin has clip nuts. Do a Google search for "clip nut" and see if what is pictured in the various links might work for you.

kennersonf · 07-27-2010, 09:54 PM

Go to the following website Blind Rivets - Rivet Guns - Threaded Inserts and click on Threaded Inserts. I think you'll find what you need. I've had to replace two of my threaded inserts. In fact I did one two days ago. I used the Poly-nuts because I've had the kit for a long time. You'll have to buy one of the installation kits for about $76, but you'll find many uses for it. If I were going to buy a new kit I might go with the Flat Head Rivet Nut kit since it looks closest as to what we have. You'll have to drill out the old insert to install the new one. I had to go to one size larger bolt size (5/16 X 18). My stock doghouse bolts are 1/4 X 20. I have use these threaded inserts in my cargo areas to screw in 1/4 inch threaded "I" bolts to attach rubber cargo straps to. It helps keep everything in place. Give the company a call and maybe they can help you with your decision as to which one to get.

Belgian · 07-27-2010, 10:06 PM

They are carried at Harbor Freight Tools. There are several stores around the USA

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-94100.html

Never_be_Rich · 07-30-2010, 06:46 PM

Thank you for the information ... I am slow in responding because just got back from camping with Grandkids!

A nut rivet or similar type of blind insert must be what the nuts are ...
They do look similar to a rivet in that there is compressed material on both sides of the firewall. I will take a look at Harbor Freight since there is a store near me ... Yah I am cheap

If I don't find them there, I am sure I can get one at an industrial supply house since I now know what to ask for. Thanks again!

KentM · 08-06-2010, 05:21 AM

I used a device called a Tinnerman nut plate. They are riveted in place behind the existing hole. I chose to use the 1/4-28 thread. Then you can use a good grade hex head bolt to secure the doghouse. The original nut device was almost a half inch in diameter and left a large hole when it disappeared. I fastened the nut place in place with pop rivets.