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meeerrrk

Member Since: 12 Feb 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 548

2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey

Fitting tow electric socket into crossmember recess

I'd like to fit my 7 pin electric socket into the cross memeber recess.

While using the search function, I've seen some people mention using Rivnuts, is this the only way?

Thanks in advance for the advice.
Mark

21st Feb 2017 11:44pm

Swac3

Member Since: 21 Feb 2015
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 363

Like in the the other thread , I didn't riv nut them , just marked the required screw positions, drilled them and used long self tapping screws to secure the tow socket.

The only real issue with mounting the socket in the hole is the shape of the hole in relation to the tow socket flip up cover, be sure to mount the socket low enough to allow the cover to hinge up.

A dry run before you you drill or fix it in will highlight the issue, on mine the cover doesn't open exactly vertical, due to the available metal in the crossmember and the position of the screw holes on the connector, doesn't bother me but for those with a more OCD personality it might.

Edit... for a 7 pin i'd say the securing is less of an issue as its a push pull fit, the 13 pin on the other hand you subject to rotational forces when connecting/disconnecting the plug. 3 Landrovers

22nd Feb 2017 12:14am

meeerrrk

Member Since: 12 Feb 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 548

Thanks very much, appreciate your input.

I've seen a rivnut tool on eBay for under £20 so I might just bite the bullet. I'd really like it in that recess, it's a bit irrational but it just looks better!

Thanks
Mark My 90 Project : http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic52774.html

22nd Feb 2017 12:59am

zsd-puma

Member Since: 09 Aug 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 2720

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black

Quote:
The only real issue with mounting the socket in the hole is the shape of the hole in relation to the tow socket flip up cover, be sure to mount the socket low enough to allow the cover to hinge up.

The recess is basically an oval shape, you can fit the socket so the hinge is on one side.

Quote:
I've seen some people mention using Rivnuts, is this the only way?

No you can take the diesel tank out and put normal nuts on the back. A bit of an effort though.

Buy a rivnut tool, they're so cheap now and usually come with a kit of rivnuts.

Personally i would fit a 13 pin socket, its a much better plug and socket, little or no corrosion, they dont burn out, just a far better mechanical connection. Even if you don't use all the pins, you can have a reverse light function.

22nd Feb 2017 6:18am

meeerrrk

Member Since: 12 Feb 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 548

I don't fancy removing the tank!

Thanks for your advice, I'll have a think about the plug type before doing it. But I think I'll order a rivnut kit as you suggested and go for it.

Thanks! My 90 Project : http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic52774.html

22nd Feb 2017 8:03am

jonny2tanx

Member Since: 06 Jul 2014
Location: Harpenden, Herts
Posts: 156

2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS CSW Alveston Red

meeerrrk wrote:
Thanks very much, appreciate your input.

I've seen a rivnut tool on eBay for under £20 so I might just bite the bullet. I'd really like it in that recess, it's a bit irrational but it just looks better!

Thanks
Mark

Depending on the type of rivnut tool you may not be able to get it into the recess to operate the tool. The type with 2 handles that you squeeze together needs to be close to the place you are inserting the rivnut in to and will not work on the crossmember recess.

22nd Feb 2017 8:18am

meeerrrk

Member Since: 12 Feb 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 548

Thanks Jonny, I did think that. The ones which look like a normal rivet tool are cheap but the Long two handle ones are a lot more expensive, I'll have to check carefully before wasting money! My 90 Project : http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic52774.html

22nd Feb 2017 8:50am

Super7

Member Since: 05 Feb 2014
Location: South Bucks.
Posts: 131

I think I just drilled and tapped mine.

'99 TD5 Defender 90
'52 Series 1 80"
'99 Caterham 7

22nd Feb 2017 8:54am

meeerrrk

Member Since: 12 Feb 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 548

Sounds like a sensible idea! My 90 Project : http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic52774.html

22nd Feb 2017 9:38am

jonny2tanx

Member Since: 06 Jul 2014
Location: Harpenden, Herts
Posts: 156

meeerrrk wrote:
Thanks Jonny, I did think that. The ones which look like a normal rivet tool are cheap but the Long two handle ones are a lot more expensive, I'll have to check carefully before wasting money!

And they are pretty hard to squeeze together unless you have arms like Garth. I used self tappers when I shifted mine

22nd Feb 2017 9:50am

miker

Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

meeerrrk wrote:
I don't fancy removing the tank!

Thanks for your advice, I'll have a think about the plug type before doing it. But I think I'll order a rivnut kit as you suggested and go for it.

Thanks!

You can get to most bits in the crossmember by just dropping the tank guard, I tend to support my tank on a ratchet strap to the chassis and just drop the guard to the floor. easier with an empty tank!

22nd Feb 2017 11:07am

zsd-puma

Member Since: 09 Aug 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 2720

jonny2tanx wrote:
meeerrrk wrote:
Thanks Jonny, I did think that. The ones which look like a normal rivet tool are cheap but the Long two handle ones are a lot more expensive, I'll have to check carefully before wasting money!

And they are pretty hard to squeeze together unless you have arms like Garth. I used self tappers when I shifted mine

It depends on the quality of the nutserts rather than the actual tool. Cheap ones can be a pig to squash up.

22nd Feb 2017 3:15pm

mse

Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5024

2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey

Anyone ever think drilling the cross member is like saying rust faster to it?

Mike

22nd Feb 2017 7:45pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11240

2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey

Given that the cross member is full of holes anyway, it's unlikely to be a big deal. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

22nd Feb 2017 8:00pm

mse

Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5024

Yes nicely factory painted ones, not drilled uprimed new ones

Mike

22nd Feb 2017 9:07pm

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