How to replace earth stud in car

[thepurpleblob]

In my recent inner-wing repairs, I chopped out a couple of earthing points. Just a couple of M6 studs welded into the wing.

Perhaps I'm overthinking it, but what is the best way of replacing them? Will just an M6 bolt held with a couple of tacks around the back do that job? I'm a bit concerned about ending up with something that doesn't provide a decent electrical earth.

I couldn't find anybody selling a specific item to achieve this.

 

[langy]

Yup a simple bolt will do just fine

 

[rtbcomp]

If it's welded properly you'll get a good earth.

If you use a zinc plated bolt make sure the zinc is ground off where you weld it, otherwise it will cause contamination.

 

[thepurpleblob]

Cheers... I'll have to go digging. All my 'supplies' are stainless steel.

 

[langy]

Cheers... I'll have to go digging. All my 'supplies' are stainless steel.

I would use a stainless bolt, won't go rusty and give a bad earth then

 

[thepurpleblob]

Right - off to give it a go

 

[Richard.]

Do you have access to a Tig welder. If so stick it on with a drop of 309 filler then that's a proper job. (309 is a dissimilar filler for stainless to steel)

 

[thepurpleblob]

I had some stainless set screws in the right size. Couple of shots with the mig and it all looks good. Hopefully it'll stay that way. It's all under a big dollop of seam sealer now anyway

 

[langy]

Also it isn't neccersary to be welded, bolted with an extra nut would be fine

 

[Robotstar5]

Also it isn't neccersary to be welded, bolted with an extra nut would be fine

I tend to put a serrated washer under the first nut to give a good "bite" into the metal and make sure any paint is removed under the bolt head & nut.