How do I find out which screws I can use for rib holes?

[Panda]

Are there universal screws for these? Do people normally just drill a new hole into the ribs? This is a Chevy City Express 2017, I didn't find anything in the owner's manual.

 

[Almost There]

The holes aren't there specifically for you to screw in to. They were access holes for various things and the manufacturer of the rib put them there for their convenience.

You're most likely to find that the holes that are there are never going to be exactly where you want them anyways and since there are several different sizes of holes it's going to be more convenient for you to drill your own holes where you want them. That way you can put the screws where you need them and use the same size screws throughout the installation. You'll just have to dodge the existing holes because the screws won't be big enough to grab.

 

[MrNoodly]

There are things called nutserts or rivnuts that van upfitters (and other people) use. They're like rivets with threads inside. You drill the proper size hole, insert the nutsert/rivnut, tighten it to crush it against the metal. Then you can bolt things to it. That not a great explanation, so here a some video links.

 

[Reducto]

Assuming it's the same as the nv200, the threaded holes are M6-10. Make sure you don't get bolts that are so long they hit the ceiling.

In spots where there were no weld nuts I just used self tapping metal screws.

 

[Reducto]

Download the body builders guide, it has all dimensions, screw sizes, etc

https://www.nissan-techinfo.com/bbg.aspx

 

[John61CT]

Nutsert / plusnuts are only required for supporting heavy loads.

A small guide hole and self-tapping screw is plenty strong to hold up insulation and panels, light fixtures etc.

 

[MrNoodly]

Nutsert / plusnuts are only required for supporting heavy loads.

A small guide hole and self-tapping screw is plenty strong to hold up insulation and panels, light fixtures etc.

True. That's what I did in my van. I used some nutserts to anchor the steel cabinet, though.

 

[Matildas mate]

True. That's what I did in my van. I used some nutserts to anchor the steel cabinet, though.

I looked up nutserts and found three different kinds ... knurled, thin, and standard. Do you know what the difference is and in what situations each type is used? Which did you use for the steel cabinet?

 

[highdesertranger]

Panda some of those holes are threaded some are not. you need to just try different size bolts until you find one that fits. or go to a dealer and ask them. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

I looked up nutserts and found three different kinds ... knurled, thin, and standard. Do you know what the difference is and in what situations each type is used? Which did you use for the steel cabinet?

Standard.

 

[Panda]

Lots of great information, thanks everyone!

 

[johnny b]

Here are a couple of recent threads:

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=33026&highlight=nutserts

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=32430&highlight=rivnuts

 

[John61CT]

PlusNuts specifically are the bomb, long as you have enough (3/8"?) space around the hole on the backside for their expansion.

Specify stainless unless you are sure no condensation there.

Galv paint any raw hole edges, do not allow drilling / cutting swarf to remain, will accelerate rusting.