So I ,with the help of my 6 yr old son Scott, dropped the gas tank out of the 54 and are ready to unbot the front axle. I dropped the tank off to be relined at a local shop.

Boy, what a job. Every bolt gave me a problem. The front support arm is well blocked by the whatchamacallit, but we got it off.

You folks must be rusted bolt experts by now!!!!

 

(laughing) I feel your pain. Sometimes I think it might be easier to just try and tighten them and twist them off instead of trying to loosen them. What I try to do is giv ethem all a good soaking a week or so before starting to mess with them (thats on the days when I can get my act together and actually think ahead)

I think its great that you had your little man out there helping you!

Bobby

 

Bobby, actually, you're right, it IS easer to tighten them off since they can turn only so far before snapping. They can be stubborn for 10 threads and then may or may not snap off. Why bother, we don't reuse them anyway. I 1/2" airwrench all old bolts with no soaking so that they snap off faster. Saves air too.

 

If you are working in a place that will not start fire like when I removed the bolts from the fenders and grille. I will heat them till red hot and they tend to come right off. othe suggestion are good as well.

 

In Arizona, we don't allow no stinkin rust! The first time I took apart an Az truck I just backed off all the bolts and the thing came apart, I didn't know what to do with all the extra time.

 

LOL... the first liar doesnt stand a chance!

I cuss and complain on my truck now and again, but what fatfenders56 says is true. Out here in the great SW our rust situation is minimal. I have pulled old farm equipment and car parts out of the desert sand and been able to remove bolts without much trouble. Of course there always seems to be at least one that Murphy has touched that just won't come loose

Man, I'm glad I'm not up in the rust belt
Bobby