Hi All,

Now that the seats are at the trim shop and belts are out for refurbish I need to fix some things. 

The rear most right seat track bolt, underbody plate, is damaged to the point where it is no longer in position.  A hole is only visible.  This ripped out 20 years ago when I replaced the carpet the 1st time.  You cannot get to it because the body must have been glued over top of it and the rivets are covered up (?) and it is underneath the frame under the car. You can touch it through a hole in the frame but that's it. 

Unfortunately, the rear left on snapped off so only the 2 front bolts were holding the seat in the car. I think I can get that one out, and if not, the plate underneath is accessible. 

Simple things yes but a bit difficult fix. Maybe just a nut and washer on that rear left hole will work if I can get it in through the hole in the frame....a two-person job no doubt. Or cut away the fiberglass to get at the rivets?

Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

(Click for a larger pic)

Drilling out a busted bolt is tough.  Try soaking the busted bolt the best you can with penetrating oil.  After a bit tapping on it with a punch may help break the rust bond.  If the bolt is sticking below the floor pan try getting on it with a vise-grips or a locking pliers and wiggling it, but be careful not to bust it off.  A "fire wrench" may help by cycling hot and cold to get the metal to expand and contract which may also break the rust bond.

I'd recommend using stainless bolt, nut and washers as they are a little less prone to rust.  Otherwise be VERY generous with anti-seize.

My two pennies worth.

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Thanks for the help. I have been soaking the busted bolt for a week now with Kroil, and plan on some heat as well when I feel it might come loose. The bolt is through the other side, I tried vise grips as tight as I can possible get them and no joy. If it rips out the plate I'll replace it - that one is accessible from underneath, and I have the set tool and spare rivets. 

Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

(Click for a larger pic)

Removal of the plate, bolt and all would be my suggestion.  I'd be leary of much heat.  Make sure none of the lines are thin or oozing any material. 

Click on image for full view

Well today I attempted to get that broken bolt out. 

Soaked it for a week with Kroil, heated it up under the car until smoke came from the plate. (!)

Drilled out and used extractor which did not work.

Hit it twice with screwdriver and hammer, the plate fell off the car body.....oh well.

Now I need to find the rivets left over from attaching the battery cables to the body, and the set tool. 

So where did I put those 8 years ago?

Fun

Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

(Click for a larger pic)