Any ideas?

My convertible top shop used sheet metal screws to install my boot channel, so now the proper screws -- it requires very short machine screws to avoid ripping the upholstery on the rear seat -- won't fit.

Is my best choice to find a larger diameter machine screw and tap new threads?

Or is there another option?

Many thanks.

Thanks for the suggestions, 66forfun and BarnStang.

Since the next larger diameter machine screw now fits in the whole -- albeit without proper threading -- I'm guessing I cant get the tap for the right size to work.

So I'll certainly check with the parts houses on a larger screw, though I'm afraid the head will be comically huge in this application.

I like the nutserts plan for a long-term solution. No idea how to do it, but I'm always up for learning.

My "It's Sunday afternoon and I have to get something done" solution was to use small, almost flat speed nuts on either side. Since there is not a lot of weight or force being borne by any of the eleven screws, this seems to work well enough for my current needs of not ripping the rear seat upholstery and not being reminded of the bad work.