[spinalremains]

Im finally starting to take apart my 41 Chevy project car and Im finding that most of the screws holding together whats left of the front end are terribly rusted. These are slotted screws and my screwdriver is destroying the heads. Since i dont plan on reusing these (or the panels they are holding) should i just cut them off with a cutting wheel on my grinder or should i really try to save them? This is my first build and i always read that you should keep everything you take off in baggies.

[matt167]

drill the heads off of them

[shine]

when taking apart old cars always tighten first then them back out.

[spinalremains]

that was another thought i had....just thought cutting them would be easier. but being a novice, i didnt want to do anything stupid just because i thought it would be easier.

[Schoust]

Just went through this as was said get yourself a nice set of sharp bits and a good ***** punch and have at it. A cut of wheel will be quick but it will also make more work for you when you hit the fender,ask me how I know that Ll. Also I used some heat in places where it would not hurt anything and that worked ok too...

[spinalremains]

Thanks for the advice all... Shine, tightening first helped on some, but others just fell apart. I think I'll try drilling them. As you can see (if the pic loads) i dont plan on saving this fender.

[timothale]

I warm the hardware with the torch , squirt on some penetrating oil a few times. and use the hammer and the impact driver. I try to save as much as possible and give away what I won't need to someone who needs a patch panel. and sometimes burn and grind to get it apart.

[123pugsy]

Originally Posted by spinalremains

Thanks for the advice all... Shine, tightening first helped on some, but others just fell apart. I think I'll try drilling them. As you can see (if the pic loads) i dont plan on saving this fender.

If the parts are toast, don't waste time, just start cutting.
You're going to need new bolts anyway.

Oh ya. You're a brave man from what I see of your rust.

[deadbodyman]

Oh yes you ARE brave,and you've got a long road ahead of you.When I started my rust bucket I went around the whole car with wd-40 hitting every bolt then did it again a couple days later.90% of the bolts came right out even the ones that had heads rusted so much a scoket wouldnt work I had to use vise grips.impact drivers, heatsometimes hitting it sideways with a chisel and hammer is what it takes to loosen it up.grind as a last resort but dont be affraid to grind ...whatever it takes...on that old car you'll need lots of bolts anyways.looks like my 48 when I started. Good luck ...Look me up if you get in a slump...

[spinalremains]

Originally Posted by 123pugsy

Oh ya. You're a brave man from what I see of your rust.

My wife said she started crying a little when she saw the car coming down the street on the flatbed knowing that it would be sitting in the driveway until i finished getting the garage cleaned out. but it only cost me $100. it was that or let it go to the scrap yard...

[spinalremains]

[deadbodyman]

LOL,it'll cost a whole lot more than that, buddy But it'll be worth it...

[spinalremains]

Originally Posted by deadbodyman

LOL,it'll cost a whole lot more than that, buddy But it'll be worth it...

HA! not sure what'll cost more...workin on the car or stopping the wifes tears

[deadbodyman]

I been there you gotta lotta kissin up ta do. She'll win out as far as what gets the most time and money.so find your parts cheap.you'll learn two handy little things .....
how to talk a deal and how to be a great kisser.... Just remember who's the boss.........and dont get upset when she puts her foot down.

[Jim Rockford]

buy a case of PB Blaster.. NOT wd-40