Is there a trick to removing the Frankenstein bolts?

[TheMissus]

OK, so I have worked waaaaaaaay too many hours this week and I am more than a bit doughy (I think I used up all my brain!)

I am trying to remove the frankenstein bolts where the hard top used to be attached. It is probably only slightly tricky but for the life of me I can't figure it out.

I have read all my hand books and manuals and tried google and the search function in here and nothing is coming up of any help to me.

Please help!

[Fatty]

just use a big flat head screwdriver to unscrew them

[TheMissus]

OK, I'm not quite that doughy this morning.

I've tried using a big screw driver to remove them and the bolts keep spinning like the nut underneath is turning with it. I can't figure out where to get at the nut to hold it still so the bold unscrews.

[Tezzax5]

Michelle don't wreak your baby over these bolts...

If you can't get them out i'll just source some others...

I had a look at google images and they should be just like a big screw but who knows how they were put in originally..

Like i said if you get them out great if not.....No Problem it ain't the end of the world..

regards

Terry S

[Alex]

I've heard of the anchoring thread breaking off before, that might be what has happened

[TieNN89]

I've tried using a big screw driver to remove them and the bolts keep spinning like the nut underneath is turning with it. I can't figure out where to get at the nut to hold it still so the bold unscrews.

o dear

sounds like the cage nut has ripped off

is it still fairly firm to turn

[Mr_Q]

... It is probably only slightly tricky but for the life of me I can't figure it out

I'm pretty sure the trick is to leave them on the car and buy a new pair for the other car.

It is possible to remove them, but you seem to have a better chance of breaking them. A new pair is under $50, which is expensive for bolts, but not too bad as part of a new hardtop price.

[TheMissus]

is it still fairly firm to turn

Sure is ... that's a bad thing I am assuming?

[trader]

The nut on the other end of the bolt is obviously turning. Fiddly to get at - you need an open end spanner - a torch and mirror inside the boot will show you the problem. You have to take off the panel inside the boot to get to the left hand side one. From memory it is not much fun replacing them. I glued the nut in position then tightened the bolt.

[TieNN89]

is it still fairly firm to turn

Sure is ... that's a bad thing I am assuming?

no not really as long as its still firm - tight

leave it alone and get another set for the other car lol

[muzza2]

there is actually a tool you can buy to fix this problem

its a screw driver that when you bash it with a hammer on the top end it will actually "crack" stuck bolts
(obviously) in this case u'll have to be very careful, but it kinda works the same way as a rattle gun
once hit, it moves the bottom piece about 30% in a rotation direction very quickly. (like a quick jab)
this may loosen the bolt to then use a normal screw-driver to undo the bolt.

[orx626]

there is actually a tool you can buy to fix this problem

That would be an "Impact driver" Muzza.

Cheers,
Danny

[TieNN89]

there is actually a tool you can buy to fix this problem

its a screw driver that when you bash it with a hammer on the top end it will actually "crack" stuck bolts
(obviously) in this case u'll have to be very careful, but it kinda works the same way as a rattle gun
once hit, it moves the bottom piece about 30% in a rotation direction very quickly. (like a quick jab)
this may loosen the bolt to then use a normal screw-driver to undo the bolt.

and what every you do do not miss otherwise you could hit your precious instead

[muzza2]

there is actually a tool you can buy to fix this problem

That would be an "Impact driver" Muzza.

Cheers,
Danny

hahah, it was around 12am, i was tired and i couldnt think
BUT! yes thats exactly what i was talking about!

[DC1200]

There is a fair chance the bolts have some sort of locking agent ( Loctite thread locker, etc) on them from the factory. You could try to carefully heat the bolts with a heat gun, or a hairdryer first before using the screwdriver or impact driver (don't flog the impact driver too hard or you may damage the panel surrounding the area). Make sure you use the correct size screwdriver, No3, not the common No2 size, to avoid damaging the bolt itself. Good luck, hope this helps.