Factory Bedliner overspray in bolt holes - how to access bolt holes?

[Terry]

Lucky you! I tried to do that first, minus the gently part haha. So I stripped the head of the screw, removed it with vice-grips, had to find a matching screw with the correct threads, and then get those taps and do it the right way. It had a note about that in the directions for my tonneau cover but I had done it the quick way before with better results. To top it off, I am not very happy with the tonneau itself (Truxedo).

All the install bolts in my Molle were type sized to fit the corresponding threaded component already installed in the Jeep Bed. All I had to do was to insert it finger tight till it stopped after encountering the spray on material and then chase the threads with a ratchet and socket.

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[ShadowsPapa]

All I had to do was to insert it finger tight till it stopped after encountering the spray on material and then chase the threads with a ratchet and socket.

Wow, you really didn't have any bed liner in the bolt holes, then. No way a bolt would even go into the holes in mine. Not a single thread would have started - both trucks were that way.
No way to start a bolt with fingers or wrench.
You were lucky, had it easy!

 

[Vtur]

Gotta be real careful with using a tap to clean existing threads. I prefer a chase bolts for stuffs like this.

You can make one. Dremel with a cutoff wheel and makes 2 cuts to any spare M6 bolt.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Gotta be real careful with using a tap to clean existing threads. I prefer a chase bolts for stuffs like this.

You can make one. Dremel with a cutoff wheel and makes 2 cuts to any spare M6 bolt.

Especially if you not only cut the notch up the length of the bolt, but angle grind the threads away from the notches you cut - make it look sort of like a tap might.
It's a decent idea - free, easy, takes a minute or two and the bolt will be soft enough it may not damage threads.

 

[Geoarch]

You were lucky.

Mine did. Built in April 2022.

 

[Becks]

Without experience using the tools, I would suggest trying a thread chaser first as you may be less likely to damage the threads. Maybe use a lubricant or light solvent first in the hole to loosen the material. Take your time. You may want to try it several times.
[/QUOTE I ended up using a thread chaser (first time) worked perfectly. Was able to get my tonneau cover installed in about 1.5 hrs which included the time to clean out the bolt holes. Appreciate everyone’s input..

cheers,

 

[Steven_B]

Thread chasers will become your best friend on these Gladiators., especially if you need to remove and reinstall any of the seats. Chasers are great when cleaning the nasty loctite from both the male and female threads.

This is the set that I ordered and have used several times since - https://amzn.to/3WzuWb3

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