Softopper Stripped Button Screw Fix/Upgrade!

Howdy everyone!

Hopefully I'm not stealing a previous idea, but I couldn't find anything when I searched. On my Softopper, I have been plagued with several of the snap buttons/screws stripping out from the rails. I think I've come up with a pretty good solution that should last and avoid future issues. Basically I drilled out each hole, inserted a rivet nut, and then threaded snap buttons. This should prevent the issue from ever occurring again. Hope you enjoy the write-up!

Things you will need:
Beer (I only needed one for this, you can have more)
Pliers
Philips Screwdriver
Drill

$76 Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442 13" Hand Rivet Nut Setter Kit - Metric & SAE W/ 60pc Rivnuts

Rivet Gun (I like the Astro 1442)

$20 Astro Pneumatic Tool 1442-8/32A Mandrel and Nose Piece, Black

8/32 Rivet Mandrel & Nose Piece
17/64 Drill Bit
8/32 Rivet Nut (McMaster-Carr 95105A123) x18
8/32 Buttons (McMaster-Carr 95707A110) x18
Blue Loctite (optional)

Step 1:
Look at your sad Softopper with all the stripped out button screws...


Step 2: Have a sip of beer!


Step 3: Lay out them tools.


Step 4: Remove old button screws.


Step 5: Drill out holes.


Step 6: Insert rivet nuts into holes.


Step 7: Screw in new buttons (apply Loctite if desired).


Step 8: Button 'er down!


Step 9: Rinse and repeat on the other side, and you're done!

 

great fix for this!

 

Great solution. I've only had one strip out but I just ordered everything to replace them all. Thanks!

 

This is a great solution, albeit too expensive for me to pursue for my one stripped screw. I'm thinking of just getting an oversized.

 

Thanks for the solution. About (5) of mine are needing to be replaced so just going to replace them all with rivet nuts. Hopefully this solves it.

 

I'm looking for an alternative fastener for the rear most snap that provides a bit easier action than the present snap. My hand strength is slipping with the passing years, and that particular snap fastener often comes un-snapped during activity with the rear flap zipper and cross bar. And it's a BEAR to refasten.

I'm not sure if the classic 1/4 turn "rag top" fasteners would be any easier. Though more secure when done up, the stud is taller than a snap base, so even more distance to stretch.

I've considered sewing a loop of webbing into the corner fabric to provide a finger loop to make tugging easier.
Oh! I do pull down on the frame corner to give the cloth a bit of extra reach. that is awkward at best.

But if you have an idea... I'm listening.

p.s. I coat the snaps with a waxy leather waterproofing compound every year that acts as a lubricant and fights corrosion. It definitely helps mate the snap halves once lined up. It's getting 'em lined up that I need help with.

A nice tight fit Softopper is a pleasure to look upon. '=_