Tips on removing spinning bolts on front Fenders..Gah!!

[Yamariv]

Anyone have any advice on how to remove rusty spinning front fender bolts when those cheap clips break?

I've got over half of them that are just spinning. Is it best to try and grind the heads off or should I try a sawsall and try to cut the bolts between the fender and the inner fender?

Any other pointers or other options to solve this issue?

[jaros44sr]

Vice grips?if nothing else, they may act as a wall to keep it from spinning

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Vice grips?if nothing else, they may act as a wall to keep it from spinning

That's the problem, you can't reach the nuts at all

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

That's the problem, you can't reach the nuts at all

Yes. But if you make a wall, it can't spin, bolt head s/b right in front and top

What area are you working on, if front maybe take out headlight bucket

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Yes. But if you make a wall, it can't spin, bolt head s/b right in front and top

I'm really not sure what you mean, a wall? Bolt head S/B?

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

I'm really not sure what you mean, a wall? Bolt head S/B?

If you clamp the sheet metal in the direction to undo the j clip can't spin

Bolt head should be visible from top front

You're not talking about inner fender, right?

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

If you clamp the sheet metal in the direction to undo the j clip can't spin

Bolt head should be visible from top front

You're not talking about inner fender, right?

Ahh I see what you're saying but that won't work. I'm talking about the fender and the 7 or so bolts going around the tire

[geezer#99]

Drill them out.

[JDL]

Take the inner fender off with the fender once you have it off you can reach in and get them out. I you don't care about the paint heat them with a propane torch. An always soke them with PB blaster first.

[dmjlambert]

Mine were spinning and I was indeed able to reach the nuts with hand and pliers all of them except the topmost one. Must have patience. Reach in there and grab them and hold the nut and back out the bolt. On the one spinning nut I could not reach, I was able to use an impact wrench and thin prybar to get under the bolt head and pry a little while unscrewing and that got it backed out by just a thread or 2. Then I used a hack saw like this to fit between the inner and outer fender and cut the bolt.

[LS short box]

An angle grinder with a 36 grit disc would make quick work of the bolt heads. Use a good face shield and safety glasses.

[dmb]

I have had good luck soaking them with Kroil a few days before you try to get them out

turning nuts and broke off bolts are a pain in the a$$. So I soak the snot out of them
David
opps I was thinking 60 to 66 forum, my bad

[Yamariv]

Thanks Guys!! Those are all great tips and what I was hoping for!! Ok, so I have a few options now but unfortunately it sounds like it's gonna be slow going Lol

Cheers!

[dmjlambert]

Yes, you'll get it and it may take a while. geezer#99 said drill them out. That may work best for you on that unreachable one. When drilling hold the bolt head and punch it with a center punch to mark the center and slow RPM and steady will drill it out, and use oil on the drill bit. You can work your way up from small sizes to larger and will get it done. If the hack saw isn't going to work drilling will. I had mine off in a couple hours, but I'm slow. It will be better getting it back together with new u-nuts and then you'll be able to take it off any time you want from that point on. I've had mine off and on for various reasons like convenience of working on steering, A/C, and engine. It's not nearly the same pain now the that u-nuts are new again. Reminds me of the time I had drilling the rivets out for the upper ball joints, OMG that was kind of difficult but got it done.