Frame Question

[GavinT]

Ahhh . . thanks, Joe. It looks like the TC is different.

I wonder if there's a possibility of drilling an oval hole sufficient to get a socket onto those nuts . . on the end of a wobble extension?
As I say, without tube sleeves in there, I don't see how it's possible to clamp through-bolts down.

[BERNIEHUMBER]

HI:
I have an S2 and what I hear from Gavin is that there is a chance that the nut (s) are weld-ons which would simplify my life other wise a spanner access would have to be "made" in the frame.
A slot the width of a spanner(plus nut) could be ground in directly above the existing nuts for access then use a box wrench with the replacement nut wedged in to allow a tricky restart of the threads when reattaching the cross-member. 
Why am I not looking forward to this exercise?

[GavinT]

G’day Bernie,

First things first, I reckon.
Try screwing a bolt in - 5/16 inch UNF.

[EuropaTC]

That's intriguing Joe, I wonder why mine & Gavin's are different, is this the result of "improvements" over the years ? 

But going back to the OP's problem, I think I'd just undo one. If a nut falls away inside then cut away a small section of the boxed section with an angle grinder from inside the engine bay (should be plenty of room) so you can bolt up the new crossmember. Then either weld the plate back or leave it alone, the additional boxed section isn't a standard thing and I only did mine because there was quite a bit of loose rust on the inner surfaces so I covered the section & waxoyled the insides.

Brian

[BERNIEHUMBER]

HI:
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst!!
A good life lesson.
Bernie

[LotusJoe]

Ahhh . . thanks, Joe. It looks like the TC is different.

I wonder if there's a possibility of drilling an oval hole sufficient to get a socket onto those nuts . . on the end of a wobble extension?
As I say, without tube sleeves in there, I don't see how it's possible to clamp through-bolts down.

I think that my be the solution!