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Old 05-22-2020, 10:53 PM   #1
steve hackel
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Talking Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

I'll admit, it's been nearly 50 years since either my friend Dave or I have removed a body for any reason, and 50 years ago the body mount bolts were 50 years newer in the A's we were working on. Body mount bolts being cheap, I'm not complaining about cost, just wondering if its even worth the effort? The body is very nice and not a representation of the hardware, as I have had to cut the rear fender bolts, the splash apron & running board bolts, so I doubt the body bolts would be any different. Cut them with a torch, break them off with a really big breaker bar or even an impact wrench? I am open to suggestions, and probably will not have the opportunity to attempt it for a few days because of more rain on the way.
Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-22-2020, 11:18 PM   #2
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

I have been able to break most of the body bolts off using vice grips on one side and a good fitting wrench on the other side. I have also used a cold chisel to split the nuts. So far I have not used a torch on the bolts because of possible collateral damage to the model A. Do what works best for you.
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Old 05-22-2020, 11:24 PM   #3
Synchro909
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

An angle grinder works well to cut them off.
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Old 05-23-2020, 07:13 AM   #4
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

IMO..if the cost of the project is not an issue, cut them off.!.if you're blessed with patience, and a real good friend to hold a wrench, band-aids for skinned knuckles, lots of PB Blaster, well, you get the idea.!
I picked the hottest, most humid summer day, and had my wife help me..!! Ended up getting the bolt kit anyway,.!!

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Old 05-23-2020, 07:51 AM   #5
hop up
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

Steve great to see your working on the car and is this the model A or the 1934? I use one of them Milwaukee impact wrench and let the bolt determine its fate. If she is stuck it will break .. The 34 has some bolts that are harder to get to and as said vice grips on the other side will help if you dont have a helper. Hope all is good buddy and haven’t seen you in awhile...
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Old 05-24-2020, 09:36 AM   #6
dean from bozeman
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

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I like to use a breaker bar or an impact wrench. Usually the bolt snaps and all is fine. I find that when I use a grinder for such things the grinder wanders and mars surrounding surfaces. If you use a little heat and then Kroil or PC you might get lucky and get to use the nut and bolt to put the body back on.
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Old 05-24-2020, 10:36 AM   #7
katy
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

Sometimes a nut splitter will work.
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Old 05-24-2020, 03:27 PM   #8
SteveB31
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

If you heat them cherry red, the nuts will always come off.
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Old 05-24-2020, 04:05 PM   #9
Oldbluoval
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

Dean and Steve are spot on about heat
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Old 05-24-2020, 04:28 PM   #10
Chris Haynes
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Default Re: Attempt to remove body bolts, or just cut them off?

Tighten them until they break. Using Kroil will loosen most of them. Apply it and let it sit overnight. http://www.kanolabs.com/msn/?msclkid...f711366d8ce064
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