C3 Body Bolt Removal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
C3 Body Bolt Removal
Hi, I am trying to remove the body off a 1975 C3 Convertible. Both *4 bolts broke off and looks like #1,2,3 are going to be PIAs by just spinning. I tried soaking them for the past 3-months in PB blaster with no luck. I thinking cut the heads off and fix them when the body is off. Anyone ever ran into this situation before or have any better ideas how to get these PIAs out? '
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 8
From: Pelham Alabama
Hi, I am trying to remove the body off a 1975 C3 Convertible. Both *4 bolts broke off and looks like #1,2,3 are going to be PIAs by just spinning. I tried soaking them for the past 3-months in PB blaster with no luck. I thinking cut the heads off and fix them when the body is off. Anyone ever ran into this situation before or have any better ideas how to get these PIAs out? '
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Just finishing up a body off on my '69 which was a rusty Canadian car. I too had serious issues with my body bolts. I recommend getting a cheap electric die grinder from Harbor freight (the straigh "wand" type not the 90 degree type) and then buy a nice expensive carbide burr from a local industrial supply store. The burr that I had was like 1" long x 3/4" diameter cylinder and the tip of the burr was also rounded.
The burr absolutely ate through the bolt head no problem and the straight design of the cheap harbor freight die grinder fits well into the little cubby for the #4 bolt opening. Once the body is off you will have better access to replace the square nuts under the little brackets on the frame (the bracket will need cut off and welded back on- possibly replaced).
Don't use too much pressure or you will probably burn up the cheap die grinder, but the burr will last FOREVER. I've probably used it to eat through at least 30 bolts and it still rips thru like new. Probably the best $15 bit/tool I've ever bought. On my 3rd harbor freight die grinder
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Last edited by sumcollegekid; May 11, 2015 at 08:47 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Hi, I am trying to remove the body off a 1975 C3 Convertible. Both *4 bolts broke off and looks like #1,2,3 are going to be PIAs by just spinning. I tried soaking them for the past 3-months in PB blaster with no luck. I thinking cut the heads off and fix them when the body is off. Anyone ever ran into this situation before or have any better ideas how to get these PIAs out? '
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
****something to possibly help others*****
IF you are planning on removing the body from the frame. Then...waiting several days, weeks or months on a penetrating oil to do what it is intended to do.....is kinda ridiculous. Because if you know that the body is coming off. If you have stubborn bolts. Cut off the heads. You then can easily get to the source of the problem and get them out much easier. SO...if you use a SIX POINT SOCKET on the head of the bolts and it does not turn and loosen. You will know what to do.
DUB
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Body Bolts/Body Removal
Thanks Sum, The Bur and wand was awesome idea! Thank you!!! It made quick work of the bolts. I am getting ready to remove the body in the next couple of weeks and was wondering if you ran into any big hiccups taking the body off? I built a dolly for the body and engine/trans and gas tank are out already. I still need to remove brake lines and steering knuckle, but I'm concerned about maybe front bumper mount and headlight assembly? I really don't want to make any more work out of this project if possible.
Thank again for all the help!!!!
Thank again for all the help!!!!
