Broken seat bolt and mount

[dan.john]

I've been in the process of cleaning my 95 YJ that I got a few weeks ago and noticed that each seat had one broken bolt. I was able to extract the broken bolt from the passenger side seat mounting hole, but when I went to do the driver side, I noticed that the metal where the threaded mounting hole is is broken. I'll see if I can attach a video. I'm just looking for advice. I know the proper thing to do would be to cut out the metal, weld in a new pieceand drill and tap a new hole. But... I don't have a welder and I've never welded before in my life.

I guess I'm wondering... How unsafe is it to run with just the two studs and one bolt on the driver's seat. How difficult would it be to weld. How much would a welder charge for this? Any advice?

 

[Gilaguy23]

IMO the tub is to thin to provide any strength when welded. My 91 had cracks and other issues and I drilled out the old bolt, used a plate under the tub and ran a 3/8 G5 bolt of appropriate length and snugged it down. If nothing else wear your seat belt and make sure they are secure as they should be.

 

[ytradio]

I've been in the process of cleaning my 95 YJ that I got a few weeks ago and noticed that each seat had one broken bolt. I was able to extract the broken bolt from the passenger side seat mounting hole, but when I went to do the driver side, I noticed that the metal where the threaded mounting hole is is broken. I'll see if I can attach a video. I'm just looking for advice. I know the proper thing to do would be to cut out the metal, weld in a new pieceand drill and tap a new hole. But... I don't have a welder and I've never welded before in my life.

I guess I'm wondering... How unsafe is it to run with just the two studs and one bolt on the driver's seat. How difficult would it be to weld. How much would a welder charge for this? Any advice?



View attachment 124129

View attachment 124130

I personally would do my best to drill out the bolt if I was unable to turn it on out with vise grips from underneath. And put a new bolt through with a nut and whatever size washers or drilled steel plate and call it fixed.

 

[dan.john]

I drilled it out and used a fender washer on either side. Did the trick. It's definitely better than no bolt at all. Thanks for the advice.