Windshield hinge bolts won't come loose

[SGTJ]

Hi!

In my first post regarding my thermostat I mentioned that I had installed a new windshield frame and glass. I actually installed the glass in the new frame but cannot put it on my Jeep yet because I cannot get six of the eight T40 boots out. Here is what I’ve tried...

1. Torch. I have given all eight bolts lots of heat. 2 easily broke free with a T40 and socket wrench. One was a painted bolt and the other the black one with the washer behind it. Both on the passenger side. Seriously on all the threads here about this issue everyone talks about heating the bolts and they just break free. Not so much on mine.
2. Hand held impact tool....they won’t move with this at all. And I used heat with this too.
3. Extractor. I tried an extractor on three bolts. Now they are just a mess.

Any other suggestions? At this point I thought about just torching the Jeep and selling my beautiful new painted frame and glass (Patriot Blue) on eBay.

Thanks for any insights, observations or condolences...
SG

 

[Chris]

I couldn’t get two of them out on mine, so I got out a drill and the extractor bit set. That did the job!

 

[SGTJ]

I couldn’t get two of them out on mine, so I got out a drill and the extractor bit set. That did the job!

That didn’t work either or I had a wrong technique. I now have butchered holes in three of the bolts. The extractor just spins and doesn’t catch.

 

[Jeffreybomb]

I couldn’t get two of them out on mine, so I got out a drill and the extractor bit set. That did the job!

Got a link to the extractor set you used? I really, really want to get my long distance lights mounted, but the hinge bolts are being a huge pain in the ass.

 

[Armytruck6x6]

I used two different techniques...

1. Welded tapered lug nuts to them.

2. Drilled out center, then used star socket...

 

[toximus]

Are they stripped yet?

 

[MaloStapalo]

I had the same problem and no one could get it out. Even took it by a friend's shop.

 

[SGTJ]

I used two different techniques...

1. Welded tapered lug nuts to them.

2. Drilled out center, then used star socket...

I don’t have welding skills but I have star sockets so I’ll try that. Thank you.

 

[Armytruck6x6]

I had trouble with most of those kids of bolts, such as on the tailgate... clean off paint, and weld nuts to them. Heat plus nut will solve it!

 

[SGTJ]

Are they stripped yet?

The stripped ones are the ones I tried to drill out. Three are not stripped.[/QUOTE]

 

[Armytruck6x6]

Understood...drill out center, try not to strip "star". Once you drill it will allow some "give".

 

[toximus]

I have not had an issue with any. I always use an impact (air or battery) and the correct size bit. Push the impact tight into the fastener as it works.

 

[Armytruck6x6]

I agree... cleaning out the paint to allow a good seat with the star socket it key. Use a sharp pick...

 

[toximus]

Check that your torx sockets are made correctly. I've had a few Craftsman bits that aren't well made and cause issues.

 

[SGTJ]

I had trouble with most of those kids of bolts, such as on the tailgate... clean off paint, and weld nuts to them. Heat plus nut will solve it!

I unfortunately don’t have the tools or knowledge for that.

 

[SGTJ]

Check that your torx sockets are made correctly. I've had a few Craftsman bits that aren't well made and cause issues.

I bought a brand from HD. They seem to be of good quality.

 

[Chris]

Got a link to the extractor set you used? I really, really want to get my long distance lights mounted, but the hinge bolts are being a huge pain in the ass.

Unfortunately I don't. I borrowed it from my neighbor. It was just a small enough one that it worked perfectly.

 

[DetroitTJ]

I’ve never actually tried it, but I’ve wondered if that JB Weld stuff would allow you to bond a nut to the stripped bolt and extract with a wrench. An option for those without welding capabilities.

When I took mine out the heat made all the difference in the world. Those bolts all have loctite on them.

 

[SGTJ]

Thank you. Lots of good suggestions here. I don’t get the heat thing at all. I held the torch on one bolt for two minutes and it still wouldn’t budge.

 

[Armytruck6x6]

What kind of torch did you use? A propane torch will just piss it off and do nothing.