removing carrige bolts without a torch

[bschoolz1]

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

[Captainfab]

Exactly which carriage bolts are you talking about?

[bschoolz1]

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]

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
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[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.

[ol_skool_chevy]

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???

[Sillyoldman]

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]

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]

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.

[dwntwn]

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

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

You sure abut that???

haha!!!

[bschoolz1]

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

[ol_skool_chevy]

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]

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.

[mongocanfly]

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

[Chevy Fleetside]

I used my sawsall with a metal blade.

[jayoldschool]

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

[franken]

Originally Posted by RBW

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.

Might want to read what was written years ago and tighten the nuts until the bolts shear off.

[rsd66C20]

My goal was to save the metal strips. On about 80% of the bolts, i cut a "screwdriver" notch on the top with a cutoff tool. Use a screwdriver on the top, and a buddy to use an air ratchet on the nut. On some, the nut only comes down a bit and freezes, but then you can use a cutoff wheel from the top to cut the head off.

For remaining 20%, I used a cutoff wheel to get the majority of the bolt head cut off, then drilled out the center. Once you drill through a majority of the "square" part (about 1/4"), you can use a screwdriver to drive the bolt through.

[RBW]

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]

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]

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.