Rivet nuts for body mods

[MurrayRothbard]

I want to bolt aluminum sheet / plastic boards for wheel covers and skirts.

I just learned rivet nuts existed and it is a game changer. Are rivet nuts + bolts reliable or anyone here have experience? For example drill 4 holes in my metal wheel rim, rivet nut it, attach plastic or metal circle cover then bolt it on so I can remove when ever I wish.

Should I have any concern bolts would loosen when driving on the highway? That is my concern. It looks like many availed bolts are allen wrench style tops.

[Piotrsko]

"Riv-Nuts" are a brand, there are others that have been used in cars and aircraft for at least 50 years, particularly in Europe. There were some we used for space.

In my experiences you want to install them very tight in a precision drilled hole, otherwise down the road they will spin instead of loosen. As long as you have access to the back side not a big deal.

Even if the nut loosens the bolt typically doesn't

[aerohead]

I used them under the CRX for the belly pan.
Some 'sheared' themselves loose in their holes.
Perhaps a really 'clean' install, with JB Weld added for extra anchoring might suffice.

[Andyinchville1]

They are reliable for blind installs (where you cannot reach the other side to attach a nut etc) but you have to follow the instructions to the "t" and make sure the bolt you screw into them are not over torqued or you run the risk of loosening up the threaded part previously installed ... I have some installed to hold a skid plate on my car ... I did use anti seize so I am sure to be able to loosen the bolts installed later

[paniwew]

Rivet nuts are definitely a game changer for body mods. They provide a strong, removable mounting point and work well if installed properly. Just make sure you're using the right size and material for your application—steel rivet nuts hold better under stress than aluminum. As for loosening at highway speeds, using thread locker or lock washers should help keep everything secure.