Removing dash

[R.E.Co.]

Hi guys, I've tried to remove the flat head machine screws holding the dash in but even getting the nuts cherry red, I can't get enough force on the slotted screw to remove it, not even a budge. Any words of wisdom on getting them out?

[HenryVIII]

Not sure exactly which screws you mean. On 3/8 armor bolts I drill through the slotted head with a 5/16 drill about 1/4 inch deep and give it a tap in the hole with a punch and the head will pop off. Its tough to get started because of the slot though. use a center punch, start with smaller bit and work your way up. good luck. I wrecked a few bits but once you get below the slot the screws are fairly soft.

Henry   

[R.E.Co.]

Did any of you try welding a nut to the topside of the bolt and use an impact wrench?

[steve1973]

You need to be careful due to the cage nut. If you weld a nut to the top of the screw head and then use a impact you will most likely destroy the cage causing the nut to spin. I ended up drilling the heads off mine. If needed I found new cage nut assemblies on ebay.

Steve A.

[Torque]

I welded 7/16" nuts to all the flat armor bolts in front of the windshield and they all screwed out with a wrench. I would not use an inpact, need to be able to feel them turn (or not).

[emptyhead]

Also as steve o has posted you can order new cage nuts from McMaster that's where I got mine. Good luck with the dash. I got creative with the torch and pulled the dash out after a couple of days on and off. Did not think to weld a nut to the bolt.

[steve-0]

here are some cage nuts
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=3%2F24+cage+nut&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X3%2F8-24+cage+nut.TRS0&_nkw=3%2F8-24+cage+nut&_sacat=0

I just used regular nuts on mine. that way you can keep the slots lined up.
if I remember right I used an open end wrench to hold and position the nut. put a piece of paper beside the nut in the wrench to keep it stuck there