JP Posted October 1, 2022 Share Posted October 1, 2022 So, I started my strip down and rebuild today. Trying to get the seats out is not going to be straightforward...Any tips for a tool to stop the bolt head spinning as I try to undo the nut from below? There's not enough clearance to get a socket or a spanner in and a screwdriver wedged in doesn't hold it..Why on earth didn't the builder use hex socket head bolts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 1, 2022 Member Share Posted October 1, 2022 It's a well-known problem with a lot of solutions in the archives.From your current position: if you can't wedge the head with a screwdriver then cut a transverse slot in the free end of the bolt (eg with a cutting disc in a Dremel) and use a screwdriver in that to hold the bolt still while you run the nut down.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 1, 2022 Member Share Posted October 1, 2022 Once that's sorted you have several options to make it easy next time: change the type of bolt (as you say), weld the nuts in the runners... and probably some others.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted October 1, 2022 Author Share Posted October 1, 2022 Cheers. I think the dremel is going to get a lot of use in the strip down process!However, that is going to be very difficult to get the dremel in to the small space for the rear bolts...James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team SLR No.77 Posted October 1, 2022 Leadership Team Share Posted October 1, 2022 Just cut the nuts off underneath with the Dremel and start again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted October 1, 2022 Share Posted October 1, 2022 #4 I think JK means dremel a slot in the threaded end of the bolt under the car and hold it with the screwdriver etc. all done under the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 1, 2022 Member Share Posted October 1, 2022 YesJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted October 1, 2022 Author Share Posted October 1, 2022 Ah, I see...or maybe try to get in and cut the nut off with the dremel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan c Posted October 2, 2022 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Or use a nut splitter to cut the nut then it will come off easily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 2, 2022 Share Posted October 2, 2022 In tight situations I've put an open ended spanner vertically onto the bolt which is often enough to get it undone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team SLR No.77 Posted October 2, 2022 Leadership Team Share Posted October 2, 2022 I've not tried this but .... maybe drill the centre of the bolt from underneath then insert something that will try to turn it clockwise, e.g. a suitable tap, self tapper screw, maybe even a wood screw, locking the bolt and enabling the nut to be removed anti-clockwise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted October 2, 2022 Share Posted October 2, 2022 cut the oldo nes off form underneath, then weld plain nuts into the runners making them captive and use hex machine screws to secure form underneath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted October 2, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted October 2, 2022 JP,can't you grip the heads of the bolts enough with a pair of Mole grips to be able to unscrew the nuts underneath the floor?I'd agree, whilst the seats are out, have nuts or bolts tack welded to the runners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted October 2, 2022 Author Share Posted October 2, 2022 Richard, I think so for the front ones. There is such little clearance for the rear ones, I think the dremel will have to come out. I may trash the support brackets under the floor, but I'm having lowered floors anyway, so that will just be another thing to add to the shopping list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team SLR No.77 Posted October 2, 2022 Leadership Team Share Posted October 2, 2022 With lowered floors the brackets on the underside aren't used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 2, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted October 2, 2022 Plenty of PlusGas or WD40 penetrant spray. But you really need a second person. I can reach the runners nearest the side of the car and stop the bolts from spinning (screwdriver or end of a spanner) but those nearest the tunnel are out of reach.Replace with socket headed bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted October 2, 2022 Author Share Posted October 2, 2022 #15 - Thanks for that - I can be a bit more reckless now!#16 - definitely using socket head bolts next time and copper slip where I can... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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