Mounting some fiberglass parts...

[sclay115]

I am working up some fiberglass parts, and since I am making them from scratch, I can use any mounting system I see fit. Problem is, I'm not sure what the 'best' way is. I am building a seat, so the top will be upholstered, so no through bolts are possible. But here is what I am thinking:

Glass in some of these nuts:

And attach with bolts from the other side. No sweat, seems like a great idea. Question is, as I've never worked with fiberglass before, what is the best way to sink these into the piece? I was thinking of actually glassing them into the piece while I am initially building it, but I'm not sure this is the way to do it. Then I was thinking I should construct the seat, without any fasteners, and then go back and attach these into the piece, or some other method of attachment. What do you folks think? I'd just like to do this thing once, and not end up having to scrap it and start again. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Steve

P.S. Dimensions on picture are not the ones I am using, just for a pictorial reference.

 

[CCRider]

I would use these nuts, but cut off the spikes that would normally be driven into a wooden structure. Glass your part and let it cure, then drill a hole in the part the diameter of the OD of the nut. Glue the nut in with some epoxy or resin, then lay a couple of layers of glass over the flange that the spikes were cut off of. When everything cures, cut out the glass over the hole or find a bolt length that won't protrude through the nut. Of course you'll need to protect the inside of the nut somehow to keep the resin out. Packing it with wax from a toilet bowl ring works well.

CC

 

[jay_kent]

You can get threaded inserts that are barbed on the sides rather than what you have there. Those are typically used in wood construction for furniture. Home Depot will carry threaded insert that typically get pushed into a hole but are perfect if you will mould your fiberglass around them.

That way you can pick up your bolts while you're there.

Jay