New Top Install Problems - Rusty Nuts?!?

[m1009CJI]

I have a new to me '84 M1009 CUCV and I am attempting to install Softopper brand top.

I am in the early steps of the top install and am really struggling with the cage nuts that receive the bolts for the top as they are very rusty.

The problem I am having is that the bolts provided by Softopper (supposed to be size of originals) are not fitting well in the nuts because these nuts are extremely rusty.

Important bit of context, this vehicle was sitting exposed to the elements with no top of any kind for an unknown amount of time (likely MANY months or even years) before I obtained it late last year. It has since been kept out of the elements since I obtained it. I am a beginner, but working on restoring it step by step.

I was able to get several of the side rail cage nuts to cooperate by holding them in place with pliers from the bottom while using socket wrench to tighten bolt. This has been frustrating, but is not that big of a deal as these cage nuts are fairly accessible under the side rails and I can undo any damage I may cause.

However, I am worried however about the cage nuts around the cab of the vehicle. These are obviously not accessible from behind and I want to avoid breaking, twisting, or damaging them. This would prevent me from installing any top.

Any recommendation for this situation? Slightly smaller bolt, clean the nuts with PB blaster and lubcricate, anything else?

Picture of cab area cage nut attached:

 

[Barrman]

Buy a thread chaser kit. Here is a video about what they are and how they are different from a tap. A lubricant of your choice and gently with patience running the thread chaser should get you going:

I do not remember what exact thread size and pitch the bolts are. Sorry.

There is a link in the description of the video for the thread chaser kit.

 

[m1009CJI]

Thank you sir. I really appreciate the assistance.

Got the "OEMTOOLS Thread Restorer Set" from Autozone last night and took a stab at it.

It seems to be helping a little, but some of these nuts are in rough shape (a LOT of rust on threads.) I worked on it for a while with heavy doses of PB Blaster and some silicone lubricant spray.

Is this something I just need to be very patient with or is worth considering more aggressive steps at some point? Like tapping?

Thanks again.

 

[Barrman]

If there is not much but rust in there. Patience and lots of lube with the thread chasers will be the less destructive. A tap will work, but it will remove the most metal while doing so.