Breaking Tailgate handle screws loose?

[custom10nut]

I have my Tailgate off so I could repair some rust holes, and figured I could take the Latch Handle off, to clean it up and prep for painting later.
It appears that the mounting screws have never been loosened since the truck left the Factory in 1970.
My question is this:
Is there an easy/safe way to get the Three mounting screws loose without stripping them out?
As I was leaving the shop, I sprayed them with penetrating oil, and tapped on them to help with the process.
In the morning, I’ll spray the other side the best I can to hopefully get the threads penetrated.
I’ve been fortunate (so far) with any disassembly I’ve done, in that the bolts are coming loose without me breaking off any of them. I hope my streak continues

[67 twins]

Impact driver. Something like this. Also make sure you have the correct bit. It looks like it's a #4 Phillips which is a larger bit than a lot of people have.

[Jason Banks]

Heat them up. I use a propane torch, just have to hold it there a long time.

[72 tigger]

I like the impact driver and heat ideas. Believe it or not, if they don’t break loose trying to back them out, I’ve tried tightening them with a few wacks and them go back to loosening

[Louisvillekytruck]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

i like the impact driver and heat ideas. Believe it or not, if they don’t break loose trying to back them out, i’ve tried tightening them with a few wacks and them go back to loosening

x2

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

I like the impact driver and heat ideas. Believe it or not, if they don’t break loose trying to back them out, I’ve tried tightening them with a few wacks and them go back to loosening

Yep, I did that today after they soaked in “Deep Creep” all night. They seemed to turn a little to the right and then back. Today I sprayed the threads in behind the latch handle, gave the screws a couple whacks, and left it for the night.
Tomorrow I’ll play with it a little more. When I go to town Saturday, I plan on getting an Impact Driver, so one way or another they’ll come out
BTW the thread ends look to be in good shape and not too rusted.

[custom10nut]

Update:
Today, on a whim, I tried to turn the screws, just to see I they would
Hallelujah! All three loosened with very little effort!!!.
Tomorrow I finish up with the welding on my Tailgate, then move right to the Rocker Panel repairs

[72 tigger]

Good deal!!

[Getter-Done]

Glad you got them loose.

I am late to the party for suggestions

I have had good luck with regulator and tailgate screws by using a Milwaukee impact driver.

Link: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...9790_200709790

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Glad you got them loose.

I am late to the party for suggestions

I have had good luck with regulator and tailgate screws by using a Milwaukee impact driver.

Link: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...9790_200709790

Yes sir!
The next time I go to town (im in the country, 25 miles out. )I’m coming home with one.

On a side note:
Sea Foam “DEEP CREEP” is awesome stuff.