What hardware do I need?

I hope it's not poor form to answer one's own question, but here goes. The hitch I'm trying to install is manufactured by Curt, so I contacted them on the outside chance that they might actually know what the thread of the welded nut is. I actually got a timely response from one of their tech people who informed me that the nuts are M12x1.75. [So if you know its M12x1.75 why do you ship 1/2x13? Whatever!] Off to the hardware store I go. Yeah, good luck finding an M12x1.75x7" in Rochester, NY!!! Five inches was the longest, and that's going to two of the best stocked hardware stores around here. For a moment I thought about all-thread which they actually had in that thread but it was too soft of a steel. OK, long story short. Since I had the proper length and strength bolts already I decided to investigate retapping the nuts to 1/2x13. You'd need at least a 5" long tap to go from below, so I wound up going from above. It requires removing the tailgate so it can be place in the bed [14 bolts for the interior panel, 4 hinge bolts, 2 support cable bolts], and then pop out the 6 plugs holding down the bumper cover located on the topside near the tailgate. The bumper cover can now be pulled back enough to allow access to the two hitch mount nuts. Carefully retap with a 1/2x13 using some lubricant. That's all there is to it! I haven't actually finished the installation yet due to some shipping damage to my hitch, but when I get the replacement I plan to use some threadlocker on the bolts for some added insurance since the nuts were retapped. The tap felt quite solid during the tapping, so going without the threadlocker would proabably be fine, but that's how I roll! Hope this helps someone. Dave