I want to drill 4 holes in the bottom of my frame between the front cross-member and the tow hooks. I want to mount a flat piece of 1/4" aluminum I have to cover up some of the empty space left form removing my fan shroud(installed e-fans). The piece is 36.5"x7.675" if that matters. I was thinking holes around 1/4" to 5/16". I know I can drill holes in it but how hard would it be to tap? I was thinking two holes per side with some weather stripping between the plate and frame to keep it from rattling. Any thoughts??? Better ideas??? Pie???

My truck is a 07 BTW.

 

Anyone???

 

I don't see why it wouldn't work. Tapping it wouldn't be any harder than any other steel.

 

tapping it isnt the problem.

it is the thickness of the frame. i dont think its enough to start a thread on. you would probably need to use nuts from the inside.

 

The drilling and tapping ins no big deal. And for just that little piece of aluminum it would likely work just fine. But if not or something heavier, probably have to have some welding skills to slice a small hole in the frame to get inside, weld a nut inside, and weld the frame back shut. Same way people will usually do it a custom car restore.

 

Thanks guys I was able to drill and tap it pretty easy.

 

I saw this a little late but here it another suggestion if anyone else is interested in doing this. Use self tapping screws (pk) if its just something like some sheet metal and not being used as a structural skid (then used self tapping bolts which aren't easy to find). They hold up pretty well. I've had some holding up a PA under the radiator core for the past 50K miles without a hitch and have used them as extra grounding points on various items or to hold relays in sheet metal.

 

Here's the plate I installed. I used 5/16"-18 x 1" stainless steel bolts. Put a little Loc-Tite on the thread and snugged it up good. Thanks for the help!