Further to my previous query on the door bars I had a look at the fittings for said bars and the hinges. Bought the correct size of Torx bits and proceeded to the removal.
I thought that I'd do the hinges first. JUST WHAT ARE THESE THINGS MADE OF....................PUTTY?
I used the correct size of bit and applied a little (just a little) force. I.e. no air gun or powered ratchet and what happens..............Each fitting is now neatly rounded off. The bits are OK but I'm left with the hinges stuck in place with nothing left from which to remove the bolts.
Such things are so frustrating, I can suggest a couple of ideas, if you are planning to re-paint the doors, you can try heating the screws with oxy-acetelyne or a gas brazing torch, to a dull red heat & then make an indentation near the outer edge with a centre punch & try to tap them round, or, as they seem to be fairly soft steel, drill the heads off which will release the tension from them, then drill into the threaded part & try a stud extractor. Hope this helps.
I have the best results using a left-handed drill in a reversible drill. The screw will usually back out before you finish drilling through it. It should be easy since you have nice round pilot holes in the screws already.
this happened to me last week on 5 of the bolts . to resolve the problem i simply ground some new bolts to a nice pointed tip , mig welded them to the stuck in bolts . let them cool down and hey presto . easy , took about 30 mins
1963 austin Cooper s mk1 1071
1966 Austin Cooper s mk1 1275
1968 Austin Cooper mk2 998
1962 Morris mini super 850
Porsche 997 turbo S
Ford transit van 280s.
All the above are good methods. My preference in this case would be the welding on of another nut.
The most important question here though is WHAT DO THEY MAKE THE NUTS OUT OF?
Thanks guys. No Mig welder or brazing torch I'm afraid. I'll try the "punch" method although if all else fails then I might seek out a tame welder. There's no particular rush although it will hold up fitting new hinges....................On that point anyone know the difference between yer actual "genuine" hinges (£108.39) & the "non genuine" (£54.64)
