Do it yourself. The kits are 'reasonable'.  Helicoil vs. the other brand-all
seem to work.  Buy the appropriate size kit, a sharp new drill bit and
assorted studs. Consider borrowing an angle drill if tight clearance.
Practice on a piece of aluminum scrap, don't drill too deep. Replace bolts
with studs where practical.
Alternative: buy the studs that are dual diameter- i.e. 10 mm one end, 8 mm
other end; rebore & retap larger size.BOL Geo.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Bonin [mailto:icculus22420@YAHOO.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 4:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: can anyone in CT helicoil ?

Hi, I have an exaust leak at one of my headers on my 85' Vanagon 1.9 L.
Found that it was a gasket, went to replace the gasket, found one of the
bolt holes is stripped (so bad a longer bolt won't even catch any threads) ,
and that it has already been tapped and dyed once, so this means it needs to
be helicoiled. Does anyone in CT know how to do this and if so could you
help me out?
thanx a bunch,
Tracy
85' GL "Ripple"
65' Splitty