Tackling Evo rock skin install, any tips?
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 2
From: Prescott, AZ
Installing my Offroad Evolution Rock Skins this weekend. Any tips on the install of the rivnuts? I'll be using the bolt/nut/star washer method. How do I make sure every hole is perfectly marked/drilled centered so all 19 holes on each side line up once I install and start torquing down the skins? My only worry is that I'll end up with holes not lining up, and be screwed. Thanks for any tips.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: Soldotna, AK
Just put some Smitty Fenders on the other day with a buddy and I definitely learned a few lessons.
1. Use a awl or o-ring pick to mark the outside of each hole. (you'll drill it out anyway)
2. Use a punch on the center, but don't hit it too hard, the sheet metal is weak.
3. Don't push on drill too hard, while drilling holes.
4. When inserting nutserts, USE Anti-Seize or something equvilant as a friction lube on the Bolt-Washer-Nut install tool. (This will make it a ton easier and if it is stainless like the one we had, you will gaul the threads and literally weld the threads and nut together, and then have to find a new bolt and nut, which sucked.....
5. Have someone help you hold up the Armor while your put all bolts in, and then tighten up.
Hope this helps and good luck..
1. Use a awl or o-ring pick to mark the outside of each hole. (you'll drill it out anyway)
2. Use a punch on the center, but don't hit it too hard, the sheet metal is weak.
3. Don't push on drill too hard, while drilling holes.
4. When inserting nutserts, USE Anti-Seize or something equvilant as a friction lube on the Bolt-Washer-Nut install tool. (This will make it a ton easier and if it is stainless like the one we had, you will gaul the threads and literally weld the threads and nut together, and then have to find a new bolt and nut, which sucked.....
5. Have someone help you hold up the Armor while your put all bolts in, and then tighten up.
Hope this helps and good luck..
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 2
From: Prescott, AZ
Originally Posted by vandegrift
Just put some Smitty Fenders on the other day with a buddy and I definitely learned a few lessons.
1. Use a awl or o-ring pick to mark the outside of each hole. (you'll drill it out anyway)
2. Use a punch on the center, but don't hit it too hard, the sheet metal is weak.
3. Don't push on drill too hard, while drilling holes.
4. When inserting nutserts, USE Anti-Seize or something equvilant as a friction lube on the Bolt-Washer-Nut install tool. (This will make it a ton easier and if it is stainless like the one we had, you will gaul the threads and literally weld the threads and nut together, and then have to find a new bolt and nut, which sucked.....
5. Have someone help you hold up the Armor while your put all bolts in, and then tighten up.
Hope this helps and good luck..
1. Use a awl or o-ring pick to mark the outside of each hole. (you'll drill it out anyway)
2. Use a punch on the center, but don't hit it too hard, the sheet metal is weak.
3. Don't push on drill too hard, while drilling holes.
4. When inserting nutserts, USE Anti-Seize or something equvilant as a friction lube on the Bolt-Washer-Nut install tool. (This will make it a ton easier and if it is stainless like the one we had, you will gaul the threads and literally weld the threads and nut together, and then have to find a new bolt and nut, which sucked.....
5. Have someone help you hold up the Armor while your put all bolts in, and then tighten up.
Hope this helps and good luck..
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 0
From: Coastal Bend
Any lubricant, be it anti-seize, WD-40, or your personal favorite will work.
They're easier to line up if you use a power tool to install the nutserts. By line up, I mean to keep them perpendicular to the sheetmetal. It also makes it easier. Just turn down the power so you don't shred them. I used a DeWalt cordless set on "17". Worked like a charm, and none of them were angled.
They're easier to line up if you use a power tool to install the nutserts. By line up, I mean to keep them perpendicular to the sheetmetal. It also makes it easier. Just turn down the power so you don't shred them. I used a DeWalt cordless set on "17". Worked like a charm, and none of them were angled.
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 2
From: Prescott, AZ
Originally Posted by Dr.McNinja
Any lubricant, be it anti-seize, WD-40, or your personal favorite will work.
They're easier to line up if you use a power tool to install the nutserts. By line up, I mean to keep them perpendicular to the sheetmetal. It also makes it easier. Just turn down the power so you don't shred them. I used a DeWalt cordless set on "17". Worked like a charm, and none of them were angled.
They're easier to line up if you use a power tool to install the nutserts. By line up, I mean to keep them perpendicular to the sheetmetal. It also makes it easier. Just turn down the power so you don't shred them. I used a DeWalt cordless set on "17". Worked like a charm, and none of them were angled.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 4
From: Hammond Louisiana
Mark about 3-4 holes, drill and install nutserts, bolt it up, then mark the other holes, then take the skin off and drill/ install the other nutserts. Then bolt up. Rock skinz are a beotch. Make sure you have an extra set of hands.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 0
From: Coastal Bend
Mark and drill the holes to whatever size the manufacturer recommends. Then paint/silicon/whatever the holes so they don't rust. Insert nutsert. The "tool" that came with my Teraflex sliders had a hex head, so I just found the appropriate hex key for my drill. Hand thread the nutsert tool. Then holding the non-rotating part with a pair of pliers, use the drill motor to tighten the screws. Lube the screw between each nutsert.