Eurovan Camper mods

Fixing Fiamma Mount

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Updated 2017-03-21 : First version.
Updated 2017-03-33 : Update with success

Introduction

After having my Eurovan Camper for nearly a decade, I finally had a problem with the awning - a wind gust caught the fully opened awning and twisted it up. Although the awning itself and mounting brackets are OK, the Rivet Nuts connecting the brackets to the van were bent or destroyed.

Notes:

• Rivet Nuts are also known as NutSets, Poly Nuts, and a few other brand names.
• My van may have been repaired once before, as I noticed two different sizes of RivNuts on the front and back mounts. I ended up replacing them all with the same size.

Parts:

• RivNuts of the correct size. I used NAPA Balkamp 5/16-18 (1/2" OD) PolyNuts part # 770-2881. The tool (see below) did not come with nuts large enough for me.

Tools:

• A nut/thread setting tool. I tried using home-made ones which failed, so I ended up purchasing this one from Amazon for $70. It worked great. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and oil the tool before use. Astro Pneumatic 1442. Note: the company name is "pneumatic" but it's a hand powered tool.
• A drill to match the size of your rivnuts.

Step-by-Step:

(click each picture for full size)

1. Damaged front mount
   
   
   
2. Damaged back mount
   Since the holes were damaged, I drilled these out to the new 1/2" size in preparation for replacement with larger Rivet Nuts.
   
   
3. The RivNuts (PolyNuts)
   Part #770-2881, and I was able to find these at NAPA.
   
   
4. The Tool
   
   
   
5. Replacing the nuts
   
   
   
6. Final result: repaired Fiamma Mount