Extang Blackmax - screws not going into holes

[kaczman]

Hello all,

I purchased a Extang Blackmax Tonneau cover for my truck. It was missing the screws that go into the bed itself, so they sent some replacements.

When I got the replacements in, one seems to go fine into one of the corners. But the other three, the bolt freezes up like half way, and when you crank it, it sounds like when you overtighten a lug nut.

Is the inside of the threads rusted or something? How can I clean them out so I can put these bolts in properly?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[ncranchero]

If they're going into the same holes the OEM tonneau cover brackets go into then the holes may not be threaded. You can apply anti-sieze to the bolts or, as I did, tap the holes first. I was afraid I'd twist the inserts out of the bed-side. My Extang Freedom uses the same holes.

 

[kaczman]

The 3 bolt holes on the side of the bed? One by the lift gate, one in the middle, and one by the cab right?

I think you might be right. Now one bolt seems like its stuck in the insert. When I try to spin it out, the insert spins as well. Any ideas?

 

[ncranchero]

Happened to me too. I was able to get a pair of needle-nosed vice-grips to grasp the insert long enough to back the bolt about a bit.