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Hey Guys, Thanks for all the suggestions. I would have to use inserts vs. heli coils if I went that route due to the diameter of the existing holes. The problem is getting the correct centerline when you drill by hand. As you know drills will lead to where they want to go and there is no guarantee that you are drilling 90 degrees to plane surface by hand no matter how good you think your eyes are. Larry, I don't want to do anything to the hand brake assembly which would mean drilling the ratchet plate if I went to 3/8" bolts. Dominik, the mounting bracket is normally just a mild steel fabrication welded to the chassis so there is no problem drilling or filing on it. I am also considering making new threaded bushings and yes it will be time consuming removing the old ones. The thing I don't like is getting in there and welding the new bushings in place with fear of having sparks go somewhere I do want them to be. I know I would have to cover up everything. Fortunately the floor panels are not installed. Have to talk to a friend about using TIG instead of MIG which is how I usually weld. How much easier this would have been at the time of paneling if I caught it then. Anyway I really appreciate all the input. Will let you know how it goes. Regards
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