Bumper Removal Problem - Real Rusty Bolt

Tesla · 15 Mar 2006 at 18:23

I wanna take the Rover off the bumper so I can fit all of the front end properly as it's a little scew-wiff.

Now this in itself is an easy job, just a load of screws, nuts and bolts.

All of them come out a doddle except one, it's behind the front numberplate. Rusted right up and I just cannot get any sort of grip on it at all.

Any ideas?

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 18:25

You mean you want to take the bumper off the Rover not the otherway around

Best thing to do is soak what ever you're trying to undo in WD40 makes life easier.

Don't you have a socket set?

Tesla · 15 Mar 2006 at 18:55

Enfield said:
Don't you have a socket set?

Of course I do but the bolt is just so rusty I cannot grip it, I hammered on a smaller socket and the same just happenes again.

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 18:57

Sounds like you've rounded it off

I guess you'll have to drill it out?

Scottland · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:00

Bend a metal bar to about 90° and then weld it onto the bolt?

Simon · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:06

What Rover is it

saitrix · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:06

Can you flatten the sides again and just use a smaller socket?

If not then just have a hissy fit and start screaming at it.

saitrix · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:06

Simon said:
What Rover is it

Bubble shape 200 if i recall correctly.

Simon · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:07

Hammering on a smaller imperial works well. Eg a 1/2" on a 13mm head

Spamalot · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:07

Simon said:
What Rover is it

a rusty old one, sorry that dont help much thats only 5% discounted.

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:08

Have you tried using some molegrips?

NickXX · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:08

WD40 and hammer?

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:09

NickXX said:
WD40 and hammer?

A hammer?!

saitrix · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:12

NickXX said:
WD40 and hammer?

You do realise a hammer is a tool that does not turn bolts but instead just crushes them?

NickXX · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:14

saitrix said:
You do realise a hammer is a tool that does not turn bolts but instead just crushes them?

Lol, sorry, use the hammer to *gently* tap the bolt after using the WD40 on it - it might loosen it enough.

Failing that just whack the bolt with the hammer until it breaks off - I'm sure it won't matter if it's missing.

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:15

NickXX said:
Lol, sorry, use the hammer to *gently* tap the bolt after using the WD40 on it - it might loosen it enough.

Failing that just whack the bolt with the hammer until it breaks off - I'm sure it won't matter if it's missing.

Did commonsense stay on your pillow this morning

If it breaks off how is he going to get the rest of the screw out?

lol

Scottland · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:16

Enfield said:
Did commonsense stay on your pillow this morning

If it breaks off how is he going to get the rest of the screw out? lol

There's nothing to stop the bumper coming off then though, he'll just have 1 less bolt to secure it to the car.

NickXX · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:19

Enfield said:
Did commonsense stay on your pillow this morning

If it breaks off how is he going to get the rest of the screw out? lol

Hmm, good point.

Ok - new plan. Look underneath the driver seat for spare change, then park this Rover in a field. Walk away with the spare change and buy one with a straight bumper.

Job done.

Enfield · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:20

Scottland said:
There's nothing to stop the bumper coming off then though, he'll just have 1 less bolt to secure it to the car.

Would be a shame if that bolt was holding one side up otherwise it'd be hanging down

Scottland · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:22

Enfield said:
Would be a shame if that bolt was holding one side up otherwise it'd be hanging down

Yeah, it'd look like a beat up old rover then