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Rocker Panel R&R

TexasAg77

TexasAg77

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I have held onto a set of rockers for the '8 for several years. Getting ready to get the repaint going on it and I did them out to look them over. My question is the T bolts are rusted/corroded in the groves tight.

Best way to get them out or am I screwed?

I have up with a dozen good T bolts but if I can't get the old out they will do me no good....

tia for the responses.
 
Usually heat for rusted /oxidated bolts. I don't know if you are painting the rockers or leaving bare aluminum. This penetrating is awesome at breaking it down rust even with out heat. Put on and let soak in, reapply and keep working it to hopefully free up.

Kano Aerokroil Penetrating Oil, Industrial Size, 16.5 oz. aerosol​

 
Use that aerokroil or PB Blaster to help break the rust bond then grab a flathead screwdriver and hammer. Hold the molding up with one end on the ground (consider using some padding) and lean it somewhat against a wall. Keep the screwdriver and hammer direction at a very low angle (as parallel as possible) to the length of the molding. Start with light to medium blows to the screwdriver with its tip against the t-bolt along the inside rail. It may take a little harder pop to break them free but then they slide out pretty easy. Try the bottom half in one direction, then flip the molding for the other. That's worked for me on many of these.
 
DeLuke said:
Use that aerokroil or PB Blaster to help break the rust bond then grab a flathead screwdriver and hammer. Hold the molding up with one end on the ground (consider using some padding) and lean it somewhat against a wall. Keep the screwdriver and hammer direction at a very low angle (as parallel as possible) to the length of the molding. Start with light to medium blows to the screwdriver with its tip against the t-bolt along the inside rail. It may take a little harder pop to break them free but then they slide out pretty easy. Try the bottom half in one direction, then flip the molding for the other. That's worked for me on many of these.
Click to expand...
Have been using Kroil for 30+ years. Already soaked them once, going to give them a second shot. Then the hammer and screwdriver. Just wondered if there was something better...

Gracias.
 
You can get suitable replacement hardware at McMaster-Carr for like $15/set, so I personally wouldn't worry too much about preserving 40y/o rusted hardware.
 
Maybe a mini-ductor if you have access to one. I have had good luck using one, not for your situation though.
 
Grinder with a cut off wheel. Good glasses an ear plugs should do the trick very nicely.
 
x2 on the soak/oil.
I use WD, but anything will work.
Tap one way, tap back the other with a socket extension on the base, but don't dig in.
go easy... too hard and you then make more work for yourself.

cb
 
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