John Parodi

Hello. I'm replacing seat belts on my 1970 Coupe. I'm having a difficult time getting the bolt on the center console out. I've tried rust penetrant. I also tried heating it from underneath, but there is a fuel line above which concerned me. The square nut underneath the body seems to be fixed to the frame?

The 13/16 socket keeps slipping off as there isn't much depth to the bolt head.

Any ideas on how to remove this? I'm afraid the head is starting to wear down. I haven't tried the passengers side yet.

I greatly appreciate any help / advice!

BlackC3vette

I can't really tell from the photo if your using a 12 or 6pt socket, but the 6pt is what you need as well as a impact gun to break it loose.

John Parodi

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have both, but I read I should use the 6 pt. Just with the leverage it slips off. I should have mentioned that I haven't tried the impact gun yet. I think with the direct force on the gun, it may not slip?

I can get one and give it a try.

Tampa Jerry

As mentioned above, use a six point impact gun with an impact socket. If it slips, try using a metric socket in the next lower size. You may have to hammer the socket on and use the impact wrench. If that fails, weld a nut to the head of the bolt and that will work. The heat from the welder will brake the rust bond. I had to do that with the seat belt bolt on my 66. Good luck. Jerry

Tampa Jerry

I meant break as opposed to brake Jerry

'75

That should be the battery cable above the nut in the tunnel, the fuel line should be on the right frame rail.

jeffwebley

Before you wear down the bolt head any further, grind, file, sand the end of the socket flat. If you look at the end of the socket, you will see the opening has a taper to make it easier to get the socket on the fastener.
You said it was slipping off, this "trick" will help get full engagement between the bolt head and socket.
Good luck.
J