Removing Center Console Vent control knobs
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 806
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Removing Center Console Vent control *****
1971 non air. The allen set screw on the first came out easily. The second allen screw is rounded on the inside and the allen wrench merely spins. It s at a downward angle so I can't get any kind of extractor or drill on it. I'm concerned about bending/breaking something if I try to force it off. Suggestions? thanks
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,334
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Try a T8 torx driver (T7 might be too small if it's stripped), might bite into whats left of the hex. You might also be able to grind down a small flat screwdriver to grab
Absolute worse case is to sacrifice the plastic **** by cutting away the back of it
M
Absolute worse case is to sacrifice the plastic **** by cutting away the back of it
M
Last edited by Mooser; Oct 22, 2019 at 06:07 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
As a last resort, I would drill out the set screw or just cut the vent **** and buy another.
And another thought, I filed down a larger hex wrench size to fit the set screw, now my custom speciality tool, ha. You might try the same routine and get enough bite to remove it. PB blaster would help too.
And one more, heat the **** with a hair dryer and see if that will break the seal when you find or make something to turn the set screw with.
Hope this helps.
And another thought, I filed down a larger hex wrench size to fit the set screw, now my custom speciality tool, ha. You might try the same routine and get enough bite to remove it. PB blaster would help too.
And one more, heat the **** with a hair dryer and see if that will break the seal when you find or make something to turn the set screw with.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by 20mercury; Oct 23, 2019 at 11:40 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
I agree with putting a bit of JB Weld [stick/putty] epoxy on the end of the allen wrench and leaving it in place for 24 hours. Just make sure that you don't get excess epoxy on the exiting screw threads. You will likely have to hold the Allen wrench in position while it sets up....either manually or with a piece of [light duty] tape. {If you use duct tape, you won't be able to remove it without damaging the epoxy joint in the set screw.} When you attempt to remove the set screw, start with very light torque and gradually add more load to it until: 1) the screw comes loose; or 2) the epoxy breaks and you need to go to Plan B. Also, be very careful that you ONLY twist the allen wrench around its axis. If you put any significant bending moment on the wrench, it could easily break the epoxy joint.
If the screw comes loose, replace the set screw...but you can clean up the allen wrench with a wire brush, once you pull the old set screw off.
If the screw comes loose, replace the set screw...but you can clean up the allen wrench with a wire brush, once you pull the old set screw off.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Oct 23, 2019 at 01:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 806
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Melted the **** with a soldering iron. Came right off. In my 50 years of the Corvette hobby I believe this was the most robust piece I have ever dealt with.
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