Technical Seat mounting insert

[Ducato Dackel]

Hello Fiat Wizards!
I am in the process of converting a Ducato Campervan. When we removed the seat base frame we found one of the threaded inserts is missing from the passenger side. The mounting bolt was there but not being attached by anything other than the weight of the seat.
Has anyone ever seen this problem?
Is a normal car workshop able to mount a threaded insert into the frame? Like a Riv nut?
It looks like it could be an M12.

I appreciate any info on the subject. I have an appointment later this week with a workshop but I would like to know more.

 

[Communicator]

Hi,
In answer to your question, M12 steel rivnuts are available from eBay but you may have to buy 10 off. See here for an example. If you scroll down the advert, there ia a table of dimensions which you could use to check dimensional suitability. I have set smaller rivnuts without special tools, other than spanners and matching HT long threaded bolt (setscrew), plus nut, spanners and spacer, which is often a larger sized nut.

 

[Philblack]

I'm guessing this has been missing from new, check the thread pitch as I'm pretty sure the front seat bolts are fine pitch rather than standard so those rear studs might be also.

 

[Ducato Dackel]

Thank you for the responses and suggestions.
The workshop was able to locate the original insert inside the frame cavity and weld it back into the original position. This must have been extremely difficult as the access holes are very small in this area.
It is a big relief to know the seat is properly attached!