2000 Sierra body mount bolts

[john2115]

so went to install my new nerf bars and I finished the driver side and started removing the body mount bolts on the passenger side. The center and rear came out easy and the front decided it was going to snap, I was left with about 1 inch of bolt stuck in the hole sitting flush with the body. I could not fit anything in there to try and turn it, I ended up using an extractor but that didn't work. My final choice was to drill through the bolt and then re tap the hole. my question is just in case tapping It doesn't work like I want it to, is there a way to go from the top? I was thinking dropping the new bolt from the top and using a washer and nut on the bottom. I am stumped on this and kinda worried I oblonged (sp?) the hole which would be no good to tap it. I know for the sure the nut is still attached and was not harmed at the top because I got the bolt almost all the way out before it gave up. I pulled the carpet up and could not find anything, the floor was smooth. I love GM and never really had too many major issues with my trucks but if they made this truck with no access to the nut on top I am going to say they are complete morons.

[xXZ-71Xx]

I am getting ready to do this same thing and am afraid of the same thing happening. I was under the impression that there was a plug that allowed access under the carpet but if that isn't the case I have no idea. Hopefully someone pops in that knows.

[john2115]

I kept reading about an access panel as well but when I pulled the carpet up there was nothing there. im getting the feeling it was on the OBS the 99 and earlier. It seems the top of the nut is enclosed in the body and cannot be seen, I am going to try to tap the bolt hole today and hopefully that works. My only suggestion for you when doing this is go slow and if it gives you any resistance back off it and squirt some more PB in there. I was impatient and assumed a bolt that size should be able to handle a breaker bar, but I guess I was wrong.

[xXZ-71Xx]

Yeah, I will be going as slow as possible. What is the best way to get penetrating oil on the threads? I was going to spray them from the top but I guess that isn't going to happen. Let me know if the tap works.

[Corey Flaherty]

Any updates on this?