Removing front 1/4 panels - HELP

[Brand New 70]

I removed the grill and took out all the bolts from the front and top of the quareter panels. However, when it came to getting the phillips head screws at the front of the doors removed &*^%&*()()!!!! Not a one on either side would budge and after soaking them in WD40 for two days I managed to break one screwdriver, a ease out and a tap wrench trying to get these $%^&*( things out!

I finally took my grinder and very slowly, so as not to damage the sheet metal, removed the heads from each screw. I got the quarter panel off, but now I have to drill each of the screws and try to ease them out.

I posted hoping someone, with a heckuva lot more experience than me, could reply and tell us how to properly remove these $%^&*** screws. And if the head does break how to get it out without tearing up valuable tools or even more valuable bronco!

 

[j.blakeslee]

impact screwdriver or heat(torch) or grind the head off and drill out and retap

 

[thegreatjustino]

I can't help get the studs out other than suggesting welding a nut to what's left of the shaft.

I can however, tell you how I got mine out. Mine were pretty well stuck as well. With the door all the way open. I clamped a set of vice grips on them from the side and used the vice grips as a big wrench. Tore up the heads pretty well, but managed to get them out.

You could also try an impact driver. Either pneumatic, or one that you whack with a hammer.

 

[4G5]

impact screwdriver or heat(torch) or grind the head off and drill out and retap

Can't beat applying some heat. I have had to drill out a lot of screws and rusted bolts on mine over the years. You can either drill out the center and see if an easy out will work (but for god sakes don't shear that off in the hole) or completely drill out the screws and retap like blakeslee said. I would def. try heat first though.

 

[Explorer]

I've tried all the above with varied success. Only thing that works 100% is drill them out and retap. I replace all of them with hex head bolts.

 

[surfer-b]

I've tried all the above with varied success. Only thing that works 100% is drill them out and retap. I replace all of them with hex head bolts.

Thats what I'v always done, its not worth the time to try and get them out any other way. I always try with a #3 and hammer first, if nothing quick happens I don't waste any more time.

 

[ep67bro]

PB Blaster, Big Screw driver, Heat, more Blaster, More heat. Big vise grips. They will come out eventually!