Trouble Mounting Step Bars

[CleanGene]

I have a pair of 6" OEM step bars installed on my 08 ext cab Silverado. They are attached to the bottom edge of the rocker panels only. For whatever reason, my truck is missing the welded nuts on the back side of the rocker panels. There's only holes where the nuts should be. Are there any suggestions as to how I could attach the top of the mounts without having to have some nuts welded into the holes?

[Portdriver]

Will the clips that go in the other mounting holes work?

[CleanGene]

Will the clips that go in the other mounting holes work?

 

 

No. The lower edge clips are too small for the backside holes.

[AGT]

Can you not just use nuts?

[CleanGene]

Can you not just use nuts?

 

 

I would have to have nuts welded into the holes. Looking for an easier, quicker fix.

[AGT]

I guess my physics mentality is out of wack. Why do they have to be welded to the rocker panels if the bolts are in them. One the bolts are fixed they should stay right in place.