I started to remove the body bolts on my 64 coupe. I was able to remove, intact, the passenger side center crossmember bolt. the middle side rail bolt snapped as a result of the bolt diameter's cross section being somewhat rusted away to a taper. However, the driver's side middle bolt's captured nut is spinning in its retainer. I will probably have to drill it out gradually and then tap the threads. I tried wedging a screw driver to prevent spinning but was afraid of destroying the retainer. I just want some assurance that I'm on the right track. All the bolts have been soaked with penetrating oil. Thanks in advance.
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Re: Body Bolts
captive nut "escaping" from all four rear body mounts an almost certainty here in the salted winter east coast road driven c-2 and c-3's. i carefully torch the heads off bolts(fiberglass resin will burn). then pull body and remove the nuts from their cages and replace them. i wouldn't spend the inordinate amount of time it'll take to drill out the threaded protion of the bolts. mike -
Re: Body Bolts
I had to torch the rear bolts off my conv. the same way Mike explained. I kept a bucket of water and a fire ex. close by. The rubber mount did begin to burn/smolder on one side. Luckily I had the water near by. Planning ahead saved me from a disaster.Comment
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Re: Body Bolts
Jack,
The nuts and cages are available from several suppliers so don't waste any time trying to save them. Torch or drill em, weld in another nut and cage and then let the sandblaster and the powder coat man do their magic.
Regards,
JRComment
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Re: Body Bolts
I torch them off and after the body is off I wedge the nut so it can't turn and heat the nut hot and with a pipe wrench remove all four bolts. Save $100. dollars in parts and the nuts are in the right spot. If their rusted bad you must replace them. I replaced them all till I found out how fast I could save them.. LyleLyle
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Re: Die Grinder
I used a die grinder with cut off wheels and just ground the heads off.
Alot of sparks, alot more noise and a bit more time consuming than the torch, but no flames.
Then as the others have stated, lift the body and THEN deal with the bolt/nut remnants where you can get your hands on them.
Just my humble two penneys worth
ChuckComment
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Re: P.S.
I'm talking pneumatic die grinder and air compressor here.Comment
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Re: Yankee Techniques
Members (Northern Members),
Drills, Die Grinders and Torches are the tools of you salt spreading Yankee Carpetbaggers. Does my soul good to read these posts. And the results of all that cutting and banging are one owner, never been hit Corvettes with the original paint and interiors. Next time I run upon a rust bucket I'll remember that you guys know all those techniques used on those pristine Corvettes.
Forgive me but I just could not help myself.
JRComment
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Re: Yankee Techniques
Yep, and it's all those pistine southern wrecks that keep us in parts.
Keep the pedal to the metal BO
ChucksterComment
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Re: Body Bolts
Thanks all for your replies/suggestions. I have pretty much decided that I will cut the heads off and re-evaluate my next move when the body is removed.
My air compressor and grinder will be put to good use. Thanks again.Comment
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Re: Body Bolts
Make sure you have the standard issue safety equipment on when you tackle the bolts, Hearing, eye, dust mask and heavy gloves.
You pretty much have to be at point blank range to both get to, and see what your working on.
If your a seasoned repairer you know the deal anyway. Just the worry wart in me
ChuckComment
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Re: Body Bolts
Chuck, I appreciate your concerns and yes, I have and I plan on using all the safety items that you mentioned.
Jack J.Comment
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