The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Spinning BOLT HELP

Hey guys, I got a bolt spinning on me. It is one that attaches the blinkers to the top of the fenders. Ya, It is rusted solid. I lubed up the bolt/nut and began cranking away. It gave about 1/16th of a inch then it started spinning the whole light. So I grabbed the light and cranked some more. Then the inner bulb started spinning. I grabbed THAT and now the whole dang BOLT spins inside the bulb "holder". I cant get the nut to give, and there is nothing I can do to "grabb" it. I cant even get needle nose's in there to hold the bolt. Got any ideas? I doubt I can cut it as it is so close to the fender. So, I am open to ideas guys!

Can you get to the nut to use a nut splitter on it? If so that would be the way to proceed.Oops,I just reread your post.

Have you tried applying some heat to it? That might help. Use a small plumbers torch.
Also, if you can get to it, you might try splitting the nut wiht a die grinder or Dremel tool. Cutting a slot on one side usually will releive it enough to let the threads come loose.

Hmmmm....good idea. keep 'em commin!

As a general rule you can grind or cut off the end of the fastener that you can get to. While that allows you to remove the item it doesn't always solve the whole problem because that doesn't necessarily release the other end of the fastener. I can't offer detailed help because I'm not familiar with your light & don't have one in front of me to look at. Good luck.

Nearly all the trucks had them installed in later years. They are the lights that stick up off the top of the fenders. Like now-a-day trailer aftermarket trailer lights. :confused: I cant get a grinder up in there without grinding off the under 'top' part of the fender, nor get it on the top becauses it sits to close to the fender there as well.
I am thinking (now as I type) that maybe I should cut the LIGHT holder as close as I can to the fender...hmmmm......If it doesnt let go then, I at least may be able to grab it with something...see...I brainstormed right here :hammering:

I used vise grips on all my stuck and spinning bolts. Just clap on with the vise grips hanging
down and move them back and forth untill the bolt breaks. Paul

I don't think that will work well in this situation. The mounting studs on those lamps are usually at least 1/2". Plus, it's on the top of the fender. Bending it might cause damage to the fender.
I'd go with cutting the nut. Cut it on the side of the flats, paralell with the bolt. You might have to do 2 cuts to get it to come loose. Don't cut too deep if you want to try to salvage the lamps. That'll usually do the trick to get the nuts off.

I assume that you can get to the end of the bolt and the nut underneath, so here is what I would do. I would put a pair of vice grips on the bottom of the bolt and then drill a hole up through the side of the nut. With a big enough hole the nut will be weak enough to chisel off.

:hammering:

Sounds like the light is junk?
If so then get out the angle grinder with the cut-off wheel and start trimming the light till you get to the top of the bolt. You will be able to grind it down or cut it off until the light left overs pop off and the rest of the bolt and nut fall through.

Grigg

i think Grigg is on the right track

Sawzall,,,hacksaw,,grinder,,drill,,heat wrench,,cuss words,,etc..........Take 'em both off and fill the holes. Use the parking lights in the grille for the turn signals.
Marty

DELUX,
Thats the plan!

Delux54panel has the right method, it always works for me. Perseverance is the ony thing he left off, never say die.