removing carrige bolts without a torch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bschoolz1 · 12-08-2012, 08:12 PM

im guessing the only way to remove these bolts is to grind each one of them off with a die grinder

**Captainfab** · 12-09-2012, 12:26 AM

Exactly which carriage bolts are you talking about?

bschoolz1 · 12-09-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Exactly which carriage bolts are you talking about?

The bolts holding down the rails for the wood floor
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ValveTubeHead · 12-09-2012, 09:28 AM

If you're not intent on saving rails or wood... I found the righty-tighty technique worked best (about 60-70%); basically, tighten the bolt until it pops. I think I just used a long handle 3/8" ratchet with 8pt socket on extension. For the rest I used reciprocating saw/sawzall mostly. Cutoff wheel works well on ones that are accessible to, not so good in tight spots. dos centavos

Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

dwntwn · 12-09-2012, 11:09 AM

I used a set of vice grips to snap the bolts that were rusty. Grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times, the bolt is done. It didn't bend the bed strips— the holes were the original round style (not squared off for a carriage bolt like the ones they sell now) I dollied the holes that were hogged out. This way didn't ruin the wood either.

ol_skool_chevy · 12-09-2012, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwntwn

I used a set of vice grips to snap the bolts that were rusty. Grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times, the bolt is done. It didn't bend the bed strips— the holes were the original round style (not squared off for a carriage bolt like the ones they sell now) I dollied the holes that were hogged out. This way didn't ruin the wood either.

"Grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times"???????

you sure abut that???

dwntwn · 12-10-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

"grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times"???????

You sure abut that???

haha!!!

bschoolz1 · 12-10-2012, 09:30 PM

ripped out the rotted wood and used angle grinder not as bad as i thought harbor frieght
$9

ol_skool_chevy · 12-10-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwntwn

haha!!!"Grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times"???????

you sure abut that???

I dont think they picked up on that.........

RBW · 12-02-2018, 03:00 AM

Dredged up an old thread here. Am about to tackle removing all the bolts that are holding the metal strips over the bed wood. Some are corroded solid. The wood is too solid for easily pulling it out of the way. Looking for tips on getting those bolts out of there.

Sillyoldman · 12-09-2012, 02:43 PM

My wood was so rotten I used a hammer to knock it all out. I stood the bed up and used a grinder to cut the bolts. It went fairly fast and was easy on my back. I'll see if I have a picture.

slorio · 12-09-2012, 03:34 PM

My wood was so rotten that I pulled it out in chunks then used a pair of bolt cutters like you use for reinforcing wire for concrete. It cut through the 1/4" rusted bolts in record time.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

jonzcustomshop · 12-09-2012, 04:55 PM

On one project I used a mig welder, and welded a nut the top of the carriage bolt, then used a wrench on it.
On a suburban floor that I had to pull out at the wrecking yard I brought a couple battery powered drills, I can't remember the bit sizes, but I drilled a pilot hole, and then a big hole, some the head snapped right off, and on a couple that started spinning, I was able to get a socket on the back side to hold them.

**mongocanfly** · 12-02-2018, 08:58 AM

Are you trying to save anything ? If not a torch will dl it...or a grinder with cutoff disc....

**Chevy Fleetside** · 12-02-2018, 12:55 PM

I used my sawsall with a metal blade.

RBW · 12-03-2018, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I used my sawsall with a metal blade.

Were you cutting the heads off, in the bed, or cutting the nut and bolt shaft off from underneath? Either way, I don't get how you find clearance for the saw and get the blade against the bolt.

mikie 1954 · 12-03-2018, 02:04 AM

Get a nut buster , brake the nuts then take them off. I think I called it by the right name, it goes over the nut and you titen a wedge up against the nut till it splits.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 12-03-2018, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBW

Were you cutting the heads off, in the bed, or cutting the nut and bolt shaft off from underneath? Either way, I don't get how you find clearance for the saw and get the blade against the bolt.

When you remove the wood you can get in between the rail and bed sills. Cut off wheel works that way also, just creates more sparks.

Of course this works if the wood is rotted.

**jayoldschool** · 12-02-2018, 01:44 PM

I uninstalled my entire bed/wood with:
- 3lb sledge
- grinder
- sawzall

12-08-2012, 08:12 PM	#1
bschoolz1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 41	removing carrige bolts without a torch im guessing the only way to remove these bolts is to grind each one of them off with a die grinder

12-09-2012, 12:26 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch Exactly which carriage bolts are you talking about? __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

12-09-2012, 09:28 AM	#4
ValveTubeHead Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sf Bay Area - EastBay Posts: 54	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch If you're not intent on saving rails or wood... I found the righty-tighty technique worked best (about 60-70%); basically, tighten the bolt until it pops. I think I just used a long handle 3/8" ratchet with 8pt socket on extension. For the rest I used reciprocating saw/sawzall mostly. Cutoff wheel works well on ones that are accessible to, not so good in tight spots. dos centavos Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Matt '65 LWB Fleetside '63 SWB Fleetside

12-09-2012, 11:09 AM	#5
dwntwn Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 101	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch I used a set of vice grips to snap the bolts that were rusty. Grab on the nut, squeeze, work back and forth a few times, the bolt is done. It didn't bend the bed strips— the holes were the original round style (not squared off for a carriage bolt like the ones they sell now) I dollied the holes that were hogged out. This way didn't ruin the wood either. __________________ _____________________________________________ 1966 c10, short fleet, 402ci 700r4 1988 r20 Suburban 454ci tbi, th400 (12v Cummins soon) 1980 shovelhead, hardtail, open primary 1998 FXDWG

12-10-2012, 09:30 PM	#8
bschoolz1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 41	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch ripped out the rotted wood and used angle grinder not as bad as i thought harbor frieght $9

12-02-2018, 03:00 AM	#10
RBW Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 115	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch Dredged up an old thread here. Am about to tackle removing all the bolts that are holding the metal strips over the bed wood. Some are corroded solid. The wood is too solid for easily pulling it out of the way. Looking for tips on getting those bolts out of there.

12-09-2012, 02:43 PM	#11
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch My wood was so rotten I used a hammer to knock it all out. I stood the bed up and used a grinder to cut the bolts. It went fairly fast and was easy on my back. I'll see if I have a picture. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

12-09-2012, 03:34 PM	#12
slorio Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 375	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch My wood was so rotten that I pulled it out in chunks then used a pair of bolt cutters like you use for reinforcing wire for concrete. It cut through the 1/4" rusted bolts in record time. Regards, Steve New Orleans

12-09-2012, 04:55 PM	#13
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch On one project I used a mig welder, and welded a nut the top of the carriage bolt, then used a wrench on it. On a suburban floor that I had to pull out at the wrecking yard I brought a couple battery powered drills, I can't remember the bit sizes, but I drilled a pilot hole, and then a big hole, some the head snapped right off, and on a couple that started spinning, I was able to get a socket on the back side to hold them. __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

12-02-2018, 08:58 AM	#14
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch Are you trying to save anything ? If not a torch will dl it...or a grinder with cutoff disc.... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

12-02-2018, 12:55 PM	#15
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch I used my sawsall with a metal blade. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

12-03-2018, 02:04 AM	#17
mikie 1954 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: caliente ca. Posts: 297	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch Get a nut buster , brake the nuts then take them off. I think I called it by the right name, it goes over the nut and you titen a wedge up against the nut till it splits.

12-02-2018, 01:44 PM	#19
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,176	Re: removing carrige bolts without a torch I uninstalled my entire bed/wood with: - 3lb sledge - grinder - sawzall



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