roof bar bracket problem

[kenyanscott]

Good Morning everyone,

Ive got a small problem and I am hoping that someone can help me!

I have a ford focus setec 2008 model.

And I am installing roof bars to the car.

I received the kit and manage to get 3 of the brackets on with no problems what so ever!

however,..............

the last bracket, when I went to take out the plastic screw protector before installing the bracket, the head sheared off the plastic screw leaving the body in the screw hole (which is metal/aluminium)

I drilled out the plastic screw body since this was the only way I could think to get the plastic out to put the screw into, however now when I got to put the screw in, it only goes in so far an wont go down any further.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can fix this, I go away this weekend and need to get the bracket on so I can install the roof bars.

im in glasgow, incase anyone wants to volunteer to help me!

[ayjay]

My guess (and it's only a guess) is that you may have damaged the thread when you drilled out the plastic protector.

If you have the right tap you could run one down the hole to clean it up - if you don't have a tap, a spare bolt can be used if you cut a slot through the threads along the length of the bolt and run that down the hole to clean it up, use a bit of light oil for lubrication when you do it.

[kenyanscott]

if that doesnt work what other options do I have?

can I fill the hole with an epoxy and then retap the hole?

Or can I use an epoxy glue to attach the metal bracket to the car so I can istall the roof bar?

would it be an idea to use pop rivets, I could buy a gun and then somehow use the pop rivets to seal the braket in place?

im open to any suggestions here.