Which should be my new screen name... I know this isn't the place for series talk but I figured this was more of a universal question as opposed to model specific. I have four studs that someone has broken off in my door and let sit for a decade or so. Now, I can't fit any door tops onto my rover. I have read on here about people removing other odd, stuck bits and since I have never had this problem, I thought I would ask how the best way to remove them would be. Drilling? Some sort of extraction device? Only one of them has visable threads coming out of the bottom, the rest are broken flush with the door. Any advice is welcome and thanks in advance.

 

Drill them out. Nothing more exciting than rusted bolts and stripped screws on a classic vehicle, I think every single bolt on my FJ broke. Use a small drill bit and go right down the center, that should loosen it enough to pull it out. Soak everything with Liquid Wrench or JB blaster the night before you go after it.

Good luck...

 

Ditto, the ones that I don't want to McGiver, I drill down center (start small & straight)
gradually bigger and b/4 your @ threads get the correct tap. (gentle)

gobs of wd40 or 3in1 oil - hasn't failed me yet.

I'll come get it & do it here in chicago if you'd like.


luck,greg

 

Thanks for the offer greg but I better keep it here down south! What type of bit should I be using? I have a tendency to break all of my bits so I doubt I have any that would work.

 

Here's a great opportunity to learn to drill carefully - lol

any decent bit set will work

they're probably around 1/4" or smaller, m8 if metric, god knows what if imperial.

I'd start with an 1/8", but try not to drill into door threads as tap is used as a threadchaser, basically.

The closer you get to the threads, the better the tap works.

the brits used odd (for us) size threads back then.

If they're bolts how 'bout rethreading 1/4-20 & using stainless? - It's tuff as hell
& rust resistant.

luck,greg

 

Which bolts are they? The two per door that normally extend from the bottom of the top down in to the door bottom? About 1/2 - 7/16 dia?

 

Yes you are correct Tom and right now I have those homemade toppers but eventually I would like to be able to get normal tops. I posted on a UK forum as well to see if the brits have different advice. Thanks for the help Greg and I will be on that prob next week if this nice weather holds up.

 

For god's sake, I didn't know they were that big.

Drilling those should be easier.(to not screw up or break bits)


luck,greg

 

Then I'd soak them well with some sort of penetrant though the sleeves tend to rust and swell internally. If you can drill down through them, with a fairly large bit you may be able to relieve enough pressure that you can drive them out with a hammer and punch.
Worst case, drill them out completely.
I'd use a transfer punch to make sure you start drilling in the center so you don't wreck the sleeve getting off-center.