Hardtop captive nuts

[MJH2454]

One of the captive nuts in the front edge of my hardtop has come loose meaning that the fixing bolt won't tighten up, has any one experience of peeling back the headlining to access the captive nut and lock it back in place? Worst case scenario cutting off existing captive nut cage and welding a new one in place without damaging existing painted finish.

[Colin Lindsay]

If you do manage to access the captive nut is it possible to glue it in place? No doubt some of the team here can recommend a good adhesive but it would save heat from welding damaging the paint... 

[poppyman]

How about knock the nut through and try one of these first?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372228875618?hash=item56aa91e562:g:tYcAAOSwmftdQY~F

Tony.

[Reg Smeeton]

When this happened to me I found that I was able to peel back the headlining enough to get a small pair of Molegrips onto the metal cage that holds the nut captive. By squeezing the cage it also gripped the nut and I was able to undo the bolt.

[MJH2454]

36 minutes ago, Reg Smeeton said:

When this happened to me I found that I was able to peel back the headlining enough to get a small pair of Molegrips onto the metal cage that holds the nut captive. By squeezing the cage it also gripped the nut and I was able to undo the bolt.

This is my final solution, don't want to dislodge the headlining unless I have to, got tottery and thread the remaining bolt length and leave inset, failing that I'll pursue your option, thanks