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Mon May 23, 2022 11:00 am

While working on replacing front carpeting on my 84 Westy, the bolt holding the seatbelt anchor above the wheel well broke off.

Before I started drilling the broken bolt, I thought I'd explore the option of bolting the anchor in a new place. Does anyone know what's underneath the little cap shown with the arrow in the photo? Hoping it is a strong enough structure to support the seatbelt safely, and even better if it's already threaded.

Otherwise I'll go to work on extracting the broken bolt.

Any other advice much appreciated!

Mon May 23, 2022 12:39 pm

maybe gold? or candy?

Mon May 23, 2022 12:45 pm

Centerpunch and drill that bolt out.

New, sharp Co bit

Start small, work way up,until it touches the thread, then that bolt will twist out like magic

Mon May 23, 2022 5:52 pm

Given that bolt is a seatbelt anchor, it may be hardened. Good luck!

Mon May 23, 2022 6:41 pm

Yeah that's a standard threaded high grade bolt. Surprised you broke it. It's exposed on the bottom side of your van so the threads get good and rusty. Might as well hit it with some lube.

Mon May 23, 2022 7:11 pm

The cap is the head of a welded M8 stud for the fuel tank breather reservoir.

Mon May 23, 2022 9:57 pm

Thanks everyone for the advice. I figured out after looking in bright day light today that hole is covering some sort of plastic container. I now know what it is.

Time to get some proper drill bits and get at it!

Tue May 24, 2022 12:19 am

Screw it in rather than screw it out, it'll be easier to extract I think. The exposed threads are rusty that's why it's seized and snapped.

Tue May 24, 2022 4:31 am

I would drop the vapor tank before attempting anything.

Doing so will expose the seat belt threads that protrude through the welded fastening captured nut.

Heat the bolt from the top and grab the exposed threads below with some vice grips, now just spin in out (which is actually in ...... if you were working topside)

And no, don't relocate the mounting point.
But do examine the mounting point from below, it is a known rust point,

You would be wise to pick up new vapor tank valve grommets and hoses.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE TANK NIPPLES! They break easily. Cut the hoses to the tank and gently work off the hard stuck on hoses with the tank out of the vehicle.
Once tge seat belt bolt is fixed, do the other vapor tank too.
FYI they come off easily but often fight you going back on.

Dave