Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 116 Series (Alfetta Sedan/GT/GTV & Giulietta Sedan) => Topic started by: scuzzyGTV on November 07, 2010, 02:16:45 PM

Title: Any bright ideas?
Post by: scuzzyGTV on November 07, 2010, 02:16:45 PM
Hi
Whilst changing my lights today to US spec buckets, I had the misfortune of shearing one of the retaining bolts. Does anyone have a solution to this, as I'm afraid if I take a drill to it, I'll slip and bugger something up!
Not sure if you can see a lot from the attached photo, but any idea's would be appreciated a lot. Originality is preferalbe, but not necessary.
Thanks
Scott.
Title: Re: Any bright ideas?
Post by: MD on November 07, 2010, 03:13:57 PM
Scott,

Start with a fine centre punch in the middle of the bole and use a 2mm drill to make the initial drill through the bolt.
Follow this up say a 4 mm drill bit taking care not to the break the drill bits whilst you are at it.
Install a 4mm "easy out" into the drilled hole. Apply some thread release fluid into the area overnight such as WD40 or the like.
Gently start the removal by turning the easy out tool in the same direction as you would when removing the bolt. This should remove the remaing bolt and leave the original captive nut intact.
You may need to use a drill tap of the correct bolt size just to tidy up the thread once the job is done.
Title: Re: Any bright ideas?
Post by: scuzzyGTV on November 07, 2010, 04:04:01 PM
thanks MD, I'll give it a go, just try to have a steady hand!!
Title: Re: Any bright ideas?
Post by: tpalfa on November 12, 2010, 08:27:58 AM
I think those bolts extend through into nylon blocks.

If you take the grill off maybe you can grab the end of the bolt and turn it till it comes out.

It isnt so hard to take the grill off - just a few screws to undo after removing the lights. Apart from the bolt under the front badge which I dont know how to remove. My badge is gone which makes it easy on my one.