Tips on removing the stepside fender bolts.

[Shawn5800]

Hey Ladies and Gents,

Just wondering if anyone had any special tricks to removing the original Phillips head bolts which hold the step side fenders onto the box. I have tried a few different bits but most broke and will not budge those bolts. I was thinking about grinding wheel and cutting reliefs in the heads to break off.

Any help appreciated!

[dell72]

I have not tried removing those bolts/ screws. One option would be one of those impact drivers that accept various bits and the user strikes the end of the tool with a hammer. A combination of heat, penetrating oil and an impact driver might be enough to break the bolts loose.

[Greasey Harley]

I would spray them all with a good penetrating oil, twice a day, for several days, before I even attempted to remove them.
A 50/50 mix of Acetone and ATF makes a great penetrating oil.

[Fry]

I made this for my model a, it removed every stuck 90 year old fastener.
It’s quite amazing.

[MidLifer]

First I would spray PB Blaster and let it soak for a day. Then, heat - if you don’t have an oxy/acetylene torch, then get a MAPP torch from the hardware store. (Yellow cylinder). A standard propane torch may not get it hot enough.

And you may still break some of the bolts.

[72 tigger]

I’ve heard of a few guys using a impact to break off old bolts by tightening the nut until they snap

[Boog]

I've heard heating the bolt up and melting candle wax over it helps though I've never tried it. The heat expands the nut and it wicks the wax into the threads I suppose. I have already bought new bolts for my stepside bed so I intend to hit the old ones with the grinder and try not to mess up the fender or bed panel.

[Getter-Done]

I drilled a hole in the center of the Fastener.
I chose a Twist Drill that would just
fit it the Phillips head recess.
Then I tighten the nut and they twisted off.
The first ones That I try to loosen before
trying this method I had to use vice grips to hold the
bolt so I could drill the hole.

[cypressbog]

I cut them off from the backside with a cutting torch. You have to be down there to get to the braces anyhow.

[Shawn5800]

Thank you all. I will try some of the ideas and report back!