bostonxpat

I was about to replace those old worn-out door striker bolts on my doors. As I loosened the first bolt it got very loose inside the body frame where it screws into. I stopped immediately because I'm concerned that what ever holds that bolt may fall into the body never to be seen again. Is this a real concern or do those receiving threads (or nut) stay in even when they're loose?

mustangGT86_05

It is loosely set into retainers for adjustment, I believe the stopper for it is closest to the outside of the car, so direct it there before removing the bolt. If it does fall as one of mine did, you should be able to loosen the interior panel with a couple screws and be able to pull it back out.

projectresto83

You will be fine. Its allowed to for the adjustment as stated already.

bostonxpat

As an FYI, the retaining nuts did NOT fall away and I was able to replace the worn striker bolts. For years those doors rattled at the slightest bump in the road and now all those anoying door rattles are totally gone, just amazing and for a mere $8.99 per side. I got the parts at Autozone (part number 38445) and they were IN STOCK!