Stripped threads replacing thermostat

[2wrench]

Stripped threads on '69 Chevy Truck replacing thermostat. Advice
on what to do, please.

[z07]

Tap it larger. Use studs and nuts there from now on instead of bolts.

[2wrench]

Thanks, Z.

[2wrench]

Any knowledge on proper torque settings for those buggers?
Thanks.

[z07]

Since you'll have red loctite on the bottom of the studs and anti-sieze compound on the nuts treat it as wet and only torque to 14-18 foot pounds....wrist it only.

[75K30]

All information above is great, however I would like to add, and not necessarily contradict.
I would like to add that one might take caution when considering a larger fastener in a t-stat housing. I say this because many t-stat housings do not have much material around the hole. The 3/8" hole is already pretty thin, and are known to break. Using a larger diameter bolt will mean that you will have to drill the t-stat housing even larger, and the potential for breakage becomes even greater. Also would like to mention that the gasket, or sealing surface between the edge and the bolt becomes less with larger fasteners, especially right between the bolt and the outside of the t-stat itself. This might leak in the future, unless this is an o-ring type gasket.
It is only my opinion that perhaps some sort of thread repair like a heli-coil would be a perfect solution, and will not require a larger hole in the t-stat housing, thus eliminating the higher potential for future failure.
I do like the stud idea, and studs are a very good way to go.
Just a thought, and something to consider when making this type of repair.

[gmctrucks]

Heli coil.