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On Mon, 27 Feb 2006 01:42:21 -0600, "Joel" <Joel@cyberbest.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>Yeah, I wish it was going to be this easy. I can't seem to get the remaining
>bolts off the plate as they are rusted solid. I know that will break off,
>as a bunch are now. I'm hoping I can get enough off to be able to put enough
>back to be able to keep the plate from rattling. But they are all rusted
>really badly, I already busted one off. I was hoping either I can drill new
>holes and tap new bolts, or just run without the shield?[/color]

Spray the remaining bolts with "PB Blaster" or "Kroil" penetrating
oil, let it sit overnight, and see if that loosens the rusted ones up.

If it doesn't, you might need to get out "Ye Olde Hot Wrench" and
warm them up to a dull red and see if that'll loosen them up. (Heat
Them CAREFULLY! There are fuel lines, brake lines, electrical
harnesses and other things that melt or go up in big flames if they
get hot, so you don't just wave the torch around wildly.)

But if that does not work try a few more cycles of penetrating oil,
soak time, and heat - no matter how tempting I wouldn't immediately
cut the bolt heads off, because that adds to your removal problems.
Bad enough when they snap off.

I would leave the skid plates on, if for no other reason than it
controls airflow under the hood for maximum cooling effectiveness.
You might not plan to go off-roading and hit stumps and rocks - but a
concrete block or firewood log tossed in the street or falling off the
back of a truck can do the same type of damage. Just try to aim for
it off-center so the debris doesn't jam under the differentials.

Fresh bolts, nickel based anti-seize, and take them off every once
in a while.

Sounds like you live in the 'Rust Belt', you might want to go
through and clean/treat all the important bolts down there now, before
you develop small problems that turn huge because the bolts are rusted
tight...

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
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