Screw and Nut on Spoiler stripped, Can't figure out how to get off?

guitarist9008 · 12-13-2007

I got a new, repainted spoiler a while back, and while quickly unbolting my old wing, (all went well the first three) the last one loosened up but once the nut got about half way down the screw, the two just spin, and I can't get the nut to budge from it. It's frusterating, because I can't think of way to get it off. I can't drill it out, since the screw has pointed edge...

Suggestions? I kind of wanted to get this done tonight..

**EagleAutosports** · 12-13-2007

Now that's a tough one. You might have to go get a nut cracker and break it off. Can you tighten it back down? If you can, tighten it back down and cut the end off with a small cutoff wheel.

guitarist9008 · 12-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleAutosports

Now that's a tough one. You might have to go get a nut cracker and break it off. Can you tighten it back down? If you can, tighten it back down and cut the end off with a small cutoff wheel.

No, I tried tightening it back down, but all the nut does is spin with the screw. It seems like the screw is stripped up in the spoiler..

**stlwagon** · 12-16-2007

Agree with Eagle... How about a Dremel?

duckbubbles · 12-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlwagon

Agree with Eagle... How about a Dremel?

Also, can you grab the end of the stud with a pair of small vise grips? Latch onto it if you can and use an open end wrench to turn the nut as far as you can off. Then move the vise grips up above the nut to get it off the rest of the way.
Next stop, a dremel with a tiny cutoff wheel on it, and patience.

I ran into a similar problem putting my GT500 spoiler on. The old spoiler came off without too much problem. the new spoiler used the four original holes and two more outboard towards the edges of the trunk lid. I wish I would have used a tap to clean out those outboard holes of paint residue. When I was tightening the outer screws down, I think I started spinning the inserts in the wing. It was tightened down enough so I let it go. It will probably cause problems if it ever has to come off. (I hope NOT!)

Frank

**EagleAutosports** · 12-16-2007

If it's up in the trunklid, you might not have room to latch onto it. If you grab the end with some pliers, since you have a new one, you might could pull downward while turning it that way, if it's stripped some tension might cause it to grab what threads are left and pull it out. Either that or a Dremel would do it.

guitarist9008 · 12-18-2007

Got if off. Had to use a grinder, and pretty much grind the entire nut and washer off. I put a flat black painted spoiler to replace my silver one. Looks good. I'm adding the hood stripe soon. I'll put up some pictures when it's all finished.