Help - CLB install day - screwed?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
Help - CLB install day - screwed?
Guys - have as anyone come across this - the first torx 15 screw that I attempted to take out for CLB install in order to the knee panel off is stripped. See pic below. The screw that is below the trunk release button. It just spins. I got the other 3 out but can't get the knee panel down with this screw in place. Any suggestions on how to proceed or (excuse the pun) am I screwed?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Can you put a small set of needle nose type vise grips on it? If so, lock it on and rotate CCW while gently pulling.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
Needle nose vise worked! Didn't think they would as the screw was small and rounded. Good to go, just like that. Thanks guys! Now to get this thing installed before heading out for a date.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Escondido (North San Diego) California
I had this EXACT SAME THING happen to me THREE DAYS AGO. (emphasis added because it's so eerie). Here's what I did: I put a dime on my left index finger and balanced it while I put my finger behind the screw. I made a 'come hither' motion, pushing the pointy end of the screw back through the hole. The dime serves as a fingertip protector and gives you some leverage. Hold the dime against the screw point, and slowly back out the Torx screw. The threads will catch, and you'll see that only about 1/16" or about 1 thread is stripped.
Big tip: don't put the same screw back in that spot. Use that screw in one of the knee-panel holes on the bottom. The knee panel padding keeps the screw from tightening all the way to the stripped part, but if it ever happens again, it's much easier to get at down there.
*** I used a dime because I was so PI$$ED OFF at the stripped screw that I was looking for the nearest thing that would work. Anything that's 'L' shaped and can get behind the point to pull on will work just fine.
If you use the dime, let me know and I'll market it. I'll sell a 'Corvette Dash Screw Removal Apparatus' thats roughly the shape and size of a dime for $19.95. Corvette tax added, of course.
Big tip: don't put the same screw back in that spot. Use that screw in one of the knee-panel holes on the bottom. The knee panel padding keeps the screw from tightening all the way to the stripped part, but if it ever happens again, it's much easier to get at down there.
*** I used a dime because I was so PI$$ED OFF at the stripped screw that I was looking for the nearest thing that would work. Anything that's 'L' shaped and can get behind the point to pull on will work just fine.
If you use the dime, let me know and I'll market it. I'll sell a 'Corvette Dash Screw Removal Apparatus' thats roughly the shape and size of a dime for $19.95. Corvette tax added, of course.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Escondido (North San Diego) California
hrmmmm....while I was typing that essay, you fixed it.
Oh well, I'll have to sell my dimes to somebody else.
>>> My needle nose vice grips must be dull or something...they couldn't grip that screw at all.
Oh well, I'll have to sell my dimes to somebody else.
>>> My needle nose vice grips must be dull or something...they couldn't grip that screw at all.
Last edited by Mo'Phat; Aug 16, 2006 at 04:19 PM.
