Hardtop Liftgate removal issues

[Gweiner]

Hey Everyone - bought a hardtop that needs restoring. missing glass in liftgate. I am trying to remove the liftgate at the hinges by removing the hinge screws at the top. Sprayed the rusted bolts twice and let it soak but they are frozen and wont budge. Thinking of drilling them out but concerned that I wont be able to put new bolts back in later if I destroy the threads in the hardtop. Any suggestions or tricks to removing the liftgate?

 

[Slowleak]

The screws go into removable metal plates in the top. I'm sure you could find some plates or make some if needed. If you can, just leave the hinge attached to the gate.

 

[Gweiner]

Thanks. Initial t looked like the screws go into welded tabs or something fixed in the top. Will take another look.

 

[THEBONE]

Try putting some heat on them.

 

[Teal68]

Good suggestions above, and I have found the cordless 1/4" impact drills are amazing for stuff like this.

 

[Gweiner]

Thanks everyone. I was trying the screws on the liftgate side of the hinge by hand for fear of stripping the heads but they wont bugde. What do you think about the eassy out reverse drill bits? considering that but know they have budged so could be a waste of time and have no screw head after trying...

 

[Slowleak]

Thanks. Initial t looked like the screws go into welded tabs or something fixed in the top. Will take another look.

I just removed mine recently. They are wavy metal plates and they will come out.

Best solvent I have found for rusted bolts is a mix of transmission fluid and acetone...

 

[THEBONE]

Try this: Apply some heat to the screw, then put a little valve grinding compound in the screw head for grip, then attach a pair of vice-grips to your screw driver for better turning power, then try to turn. Works for me most of the time.

 

[NicksTrix]

You are redoing it, take the torch to the bolts and heat them up to break the rust bond

 

[Gweiner]

alright, some good suggestions here. back to the lab tomorrow for another try. Thanks again everyone.

 

[k13evin]

Just cut the bolts. You'll need new bolts and nuts anyways. I always take the metal tab out of the top and weld my nuts to the wavy metal plate. Make it easy to screw back on.