![]() 03/16/2014 at 17:25 • Filed to: Emma | ![]() | ![]() |
More pics and a rusty bolt removal question after gap
I can't get the rear finder spats off because the bolts holding them on have rusted into place. The rust has turned the threads into junk and rounded off the nuts. I can't heat the stuff because the fiberglass melts and grease catches on fire (I've tried). Ideas? I'd rather not destroy the things because I don't have replacements.
Yes I wear flip-flops while working. I would be bare foot but I didn't want blue all over my feet.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 17:33 |
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Flip Flops, Haha. Don't drop any heavy shit on your feet!
Progress is good, Glad to see the prep work moving along.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 17:34 |
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Have you tried turning them off and back on again?
![]() 03/16/2014 at 17:52 |
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Bro, do you even body panels?
Keep it up, can't wait to see the final product!
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:26 |
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Drill through the bolts and buy new ones. If the threads are crap and the head is rounded of you're not gonna want to keep them anyways.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:27 |
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This is what I use Craftsman brand. And don't forget the penetrating oil in advance.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:30 |
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The problem is there isn't a very large access hole (5in x 5in) and there is no way I can get a drill bit to line up with the bolts which are between the outer and inner sheet metal. The threads are built into the flares.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:33 |
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That stuff works but I can't really get to the damaged bolts. They are located between the inner and outer sheet metal and the only way to see them is through a small 5x5 access port behind the rear armrests that isn't lined up with the bolts.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:36 |
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That stumped me , Bandit.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:45 |
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How about trying some other tools then? Maybe an anglegrinder or a tigersaw or something like that to simply cut the threaded part in half (if possible)?
Do you even need to remove them? If the metal under them is good, I would simply let them stay during body work process. I think you should be able to check the metal from under that "vent" inside the door jamb.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:48 |
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There is a decent sized rust hole underneath :( The saw is a good idea. Aftermarket flares don't even include the bolts that are stuck on mine.
![]() 03/16/2014 at 18:58 |
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Nah most guys just seem to bondo them together with the body and make em stick that way...
Anyways good luck and happy cutting!
![]() 03/16/2014 at 20:55 |
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Since it is rusted and I'm assuming you have already destroyed the hex, have you tried A) using a set ov vice grips to twist it off or B) cutting a slot into the head to fresh metal and try and getting it out with a screw driver or the like?
![]() 03/16/2014 at 20:59 |
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Can't rotate the threaded bit because it is molded into the flare. The bolt rusted round, I can't even get a wrench onto it. I can't even get a cutter in the access hole to reach the nut.