When I removed my center console, both of the nut that go into the tunnel just spun as I tried to loosen the bolts. I had to get underneath and put visegrips on each one to keep them from turning. These nuts look similar to rubber with brass insert "well nuts", but they are all metal. Is there something I can do to secure them? Or maybe they or the mounting holes are stripped out?

Thanks for any advice,
Pete

Those are called rivnuts, i have the kit/tool to install those(love yardsales!) ,but i still ended up just zapping a quick spot weld to hold them in place to stop spinning.

Bob

I have dealt with Riv Nuts trying to install the one for the LH OEM traction bar in the rear frame rail.

I would tack it like Bob suggests.

If you have to replace it, here is a cool site on how to make a tool to install these from metal scrap (free):

Homemade Riv Nut Tool

It worked for me!

I got rid of the riv nut and used those rubber well nuts. Drilled the hole out to 1/2" and inserted the nut.

I drilled the hole(new floor) put my bolt in from the top nut under the floor and tacked it. May not be o/e but it's not going anywhere. No console no carpet at the time.

I figured out what is going on. I'm becoming convinced that Magilla Gorilla has done work on my car. The Rivnuts take a 5/16x18 (course thread) bolt, but Magilla decides to use a 5/16x24 (fine thread) bolt like the ones used to bolt down the seats. So of course the bolt cross-threads and jams. Magilla twists harder and strips the Rivnut in the body - not once, but both of them. One fits snug, but spins. The other has quite a bit of play in the hole.

I tried using the homemade Rivnut tool, but the nuts are already compressed and won't tighten up any more. I think the spinning Rivnuts have reamed the holes out too much for new ones to work. I have a welder and the console and carpet are out, so I can tack them in place. Thanks for all the advice.

Pete