I noticed that the bolts on the passenger side of the my rear deflector are loose and when I attempt to tighten them the rivnuts just spins. I have pulled all the trim on the rear hatch but there is no access to the rivnuts. I can see them spin from small access point near the washer nozzle. I tried using a small screwdriver to secure the rivnut but no luck. Its an 01 Forester.

 

If I need to I can drill 2 small holes thru the sheet metal just behind each rivnut and use pliers to hold them while I tighten the screws but that is plan B. What are my options?

Are you talking about the spoiler piece on top in the back?

 

I'm not of much help, but free bump.

The rear wind deflector - not the spoiler.

Do the screws go into a blind space inside the door panel? You probably need to drill holes. Maybe you can use longer, and stainless bolts and put additional nuts on top of the rivnuts. If the rivnuts are rubber (wellnuts), just discard them.

Yes the screws go thru the blind space in the hatch panel. I figure I will just drill a few small holes to get a pair of pliers in and tighten them. The rivnuts are metal.

The reason the nuts are turning with the bolts might be that they are rusted to them, just something to be prepared for.