Cab mount bolt removal.
Posted: January 26, 2008, 4:37 pm
As we all know here, many times things do not come apart easy on these 45 year old trucks. I was starting to remove the bolts by hand. The heads of the front two bolts are thin and as soon as I applied some pressure the socket slipped. I then began to loosen one of the rear bolts. I cranked on one for five minutes and it seemed like I was going nowhere.
Time for a new plan.
I thought I would try to drill one. I started with a 3/8" bit. Drilled down the depth of the head of the bolt then repeated with a 1/2" bit. It worked great. I had the four bolts removed in minutes. I ran my drill at a slow speed keeping the bits from burning up. It was clean safe and easy. Even if you have a "hot wrench" I believe this is the way to go.
My cab now sits about an inch higher and the seams between the doors and the fenders look much better. My tank is relocated but if you ever have your tank removed from the cab for repairs or replacement I suggest you replace the cab mount pads then.
Save them big old washers. I bet they would be handy when installing seat belts.
Time for a new plan.
I thought I would try to drill one. I started with a 3/8" bit. Drilled down the depth of the head of the bolt then repeated with a 1/2" bit. It worked great. I had the four bolts removed in minutes. I ran my drill at a slow speed keeping the bits from burning up. It was clean safe and easy. Even if you have a "hot wrench" I believe this is the way to go.
My cab now sits about an inch higher and the seams between the doors and the fenders look much better. My tank is relocated but if you ever have your tank removed from the cab for repairs or replacement I suggest you replace the cab mount pads then.
Save them big old washers. I bet they would be handy when installing seat belts.