Rusty/stuck bolts...

[giant_mtb]

So there were fog lights on my car when I got it (aftermarket) and all the wires were cut so they weren't really in working order...so I bought new ones and want to take the old ones off, but the mounting brackets are stuck on the frame-rail of the car 'cause the bolts are stuck and rusty.  I gave them a good dose of WD-40 and I still can't get them out.  Today I cut off most of the bracket but the main mounting points are still intact and I want it off completely so I can put the new ones on...

How the heck do I get them out?

[280Z Turbo]

My usual routine is:

1.) Pound on end of rachet/wrench with a hammer
2.) Use PB blaster and try again
3.) Get a cheater bar and try again
4.) Try drilling them out
5.) Give up

You can also try a torch to heat the bolts up and see if that helps.

[giant_mtb]

Thanks...I like number one.  Dunno why I didn't think of that before. 

[MX793]

Torch usually works well, but you need an acetyline torch.  Propane isn't usually hot enough.

[BartsSVO]

Torch usually works well, but you need an acetyline torch.  Propane isn't usually hot enough.

MAPP gas works very well.

I have also heard that melting wax and allowing it to wick its way into the threads of a stubborn fastener can help lubricate it and may help it come off easier.

[AutobahnSHO]

MAPP gas works very well.

I have also heard that melting wax and allowing it to wick its way into the threads of a stubborn fastener can help lubricate it and may help it come off easier.

Dremel tool- cut the end off, hammer it out with a punch, or pull with vicegrips.

In fact, if your wrench is slipping, a pair of vice grips latched on really tight will sometimes help.

[Eye of the Tiger]

OR, get a set of these:
I found a set on line for $100. Belive me, they will grip ANY nuts. Something will happen, of course that could mean anything from breaking your socket extention or snapping the bolt or actually turning the nut.
S&K Turbo Sockets.

[S204STi]

Turbo Sockets rawk!

If those fail I use MAPP gas or oxacetylene, depending on the situation, often times in conjunction with the turbo sockets.  With a small fastener like that you may just have to drill it out, and then you can use self-tapping screws to fasten the new foglights. That would be cheaper than spending $100 on a tap and die set. (sp?) 

[giant_mtb]

Well I gave up on those stupid bolts.  First, I'm going to mount the new fog lights in a different spot so I don't necessarily need to get the old brackets off.  They aren't noticeable, anyways.  I hooked up the new lights to see if they work and I was impressed with how bright they are.  They're just those 20 dollar 55W fog lights from Wal-Mart.

The only problem is that I have to route the wires through the firewall and into the car for the switch.  No thank you!  I decided that I'm going to return these fog lights and get the ones with a wireless remote (key fob) for 20 dollars more. 

[Rupert]

There might already be holes in the firewall you can use...

[Eye of the Tiger]

There might already be holes in the firewall you can use...

I bet the firewall in a Lumina is a lot harder to get at than one in a Trooper; especially the under the dash part. Wireless would be kinda neat. If you live in a state tought inspections, you still might have to wire a relay that shuts off the fog lights automatically when the high beams are on.

[ifcar]

"Belive me, they will grip ANY nuts."

It's a good thing Wimmariner isn't reading this thread.

[giant_mtb]

There might already be holes in the firewall you can use...

Indeed there is.  I guess you've never looked under the hood of a 3.4L Lumina or Monte Carlo before, hey?



I dunno if you can tell by that picture, but it is absolutely packed in the engine bay.  It's hard enough just getting your fingers through all that mess.  Good luck gettin' through the firewall without taking out a bunch of things.

We don't have inspections here in MI, so I don't need to worry about a relay, and the wireless remote idea is so much simpler and easier than everything else.  I dunno why I didn't just buy those ones to begin with.

[VTEC_Inside]

When I wired up the fog lights on my Accord I used a relay under the hood with one wire going to a factoy master cruise control switch for that factory stealth look :). I used the swich to ground the relay, so I didn't even need to find a power source inside, just go to the switch and then ground somewhere. :)

[omicron]

"Belive me, they will grip ANY nuts."

It's a good thing Wimmariner isn't reading this thread.

I'm surprised no-one picked up on this rather humorous little insertion from you, Iffy.

[AutobahnSHO]

I bet the firewall in a Lumina is a lot harder to get at than one in a Trooper; especially the under the dash part. Wireless would be kinda neat. If you live in a state tought inspections, you still might have to wire a relay that shuts off the fog lights automatically when the high beams are on.

Which still seems retarded to me- if you have the brights on, why can't the fogs be used??
It's not like you'd be blinding anyone....

I had rewired the switch on my SHO so you could use the fogs w/ brights or even if just the parking lights were on...

[giant_mtb]

So, I got different fog lights yesterday...wirelessly operated with a key fob.  SO much easier!  I mounted them and hooked them up in a flash and they work great.  They are surprisingly bright and the remote operation is very handy.  They're 55 watts and I could drive with just the fog lights if I really wanted to.  I didn't have to set up a relay 'cause we don't have inspections so I can use them with my brights and low beams.

I'm satisfied.

[S204STi]

Just because you don't have inspections in your state doesn't mean it is legal to do that.  You may want to check it out.  A cop could possibly fine you for it if is is illegal.

[280Z Turbo]

Just because you don't have inspections in your state doesn't mean it is legal to do that. You may want to check it out. A cop could possibly fine you for it if is is illegal.

Who cares? This is Michigan we're talking about!

Step 2: Gutting the cat! Muhahaha!

[AutobahnSHO]

Who cares? This is Michigan we're talking about!

Step 2: Gutting the cat! Muhahaha!

Easier to just replace it.... 

[S204STi]

Easier to just replace it.... 

I agree, then at least you have a $800 part lying around if you need it, instead of $750 worth of monolith laying on your driveway and $50 worth of metal still intact.

[Rupert]

Who cares? This is Michigan we're talking about!

Step 2: Gutting the cat! Muhahaha!

That's not easy to do neatly. I'd get some practice on a hamster or gerbil first...