I am trying to remove the old screws for windscreen installation. I got 1 off fairly easily but can't budge the other 3 phillips head screws. Tried wd40 and no luck. The screw head is recessed and is hard if not impossible to grab with pliers or vice grips. Any suggestions? I understand heating with a torch may work but possibly setting my car on fire makes me nervous.
I am trying to remove the old screws for windscreen installation. I got 1 off fairly easily but can't budge the other 3 phillips head screws. Tried wd40 and no luck. The screw head is recessed and is hard if not impossible to grab with pliers or vice grips. Any suggestions? I understand heating with a torch may work but possibly setting my car on fire makes me nervous.
Zolsol...XMM found that if you kneel on the seat and approach the screw from the cockpit you can apply a little more pressure and get those screws out. Just be careful to be off to the side a little so if the screwdriver slips you are not in the way and stab yourself.
__________________ I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!
#139640 '07 NA Sly Fully Loaded 12/1/07
#106614 12/15/05 NA Sly Traded @ 35k Miles
Be too blessed to be stressed! ~ Joel Osteen If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.
SolWhat? broke mine loose-not sure what kind of bit he used, but he had to use a *lot* of muscle-don't remember if he broke out the power or not...
I tried with power, and needed more than my weight to lean into it, that or get into the trunk!!
SolWhat? broke mine loose-not sure what kind of bit he used, but he had to use a *lot* of muscle-don't remember if he broke out the power or not...
I tried with power, and needed more than my weight to lean into it, that or get into the trunk!!
Thanks! Used my cordless drill on maximum setting and lots of weight on it and they finally all popped loose. Hoorah!
Great!! I think Pontiac knew we were doing this mod instead of theirs, and issued a memo to put more torque into those screws
LOL, mine came out very easy but I did use a power screw driver.
From my motorcycle days I still have an impact driver for phillips screws. It is a chunck of steel with magic parts inside that takes the force of a hammer and makes it twist the screw
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Great!! I think Pontiac knew we were doing this mod instead of theirs, and issued a memo to put more torque into those screws
I hope not... ordered the Kappashield for my wife's Sol yesterday, so I'll be engaging in battle with those screws soon. Hey, has anyone had their shield etched??
Be prepared to go into battle
SolWhat? did his, a 1k Sol, said getting them out on his was easy...but not the later vins... Just go into it knowing a regular driver won't do it
I think they put a compound on the screws at the factory to lock them in place. i remember seeing a dry residue on the screws when I had them out.
I believe you are correct, I observed the same thing. For being screwed into plastic there's a definte initial bit of strength required to 'pop' them free and they defintely do make a pop.
Whatever you do make sure you use the correctly sized drill bit or you'll strip the screws completely.
A #2 drywall screw bit works the best, and, unless you are real good with a power driver, crack them loose with a hand driver first. Then it's safe the use a power driver.
If you strip the head, they're never coming out.
Mine came out fairly easy (1st 1K). AR's on the other hand, were really well stuck. And yes, it appears that they're using a compound on the screws to lock them in place.
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__________________ "If you haven't seen the future, you haven't driven fast enough" #000741, delivered 10/3/05
I am an aircraft mechanic retired. This is a trick we used to remove tight screws. Get a tube of valve grinding compound from NAPA just put a drop on the head and use a speed handle or new screwdriver with good number 2 bit. The screw will come out most of the time. The old time mechanics use to lable the compound magic screw remover and give it to the new mechanics. It works because it gives the screw driver a much better fit to the screw head. Try it before you distory the screw head.
Still waiting for Aggressive/Ebony Leather but it shouldn't be too long first on Dealers list and he gets two this month..
I am an aircraft mechanic retired. This is a trick we used to remove tight screws. Get a tube of valve grinding compound from NAPA just put a drop on the head and use a speed handle or new screwdriver with good number 2 bit. The screw will come out most of the time. The old time mechanics use to lable the compound magic screw remover and give it to the new mechanics. It works because it gives the screw driver a much better fit to the screw head. Try it before you distory the screw head.
Still waiting for Aggressive/Ebony Leather but it shouldn't be too long first on Dealers list and he gets two this month..
RedHotSol
I was having a heck of a time getting those screws loose...that is until I read your advice. Worked out slick! As I said, You ARE The MAN!
Just goes to show you how valuable this forum is!
