Ultra Rusted Radiator Bolts

[BigRed51]

We're digging into the family cub, Mike (1950), and although it was stored in a shed, the roof opened up and let rain get to the front half of the tractor. The cub was in the shed for roughly 20 years. As a result, the radiator bolts heads are worn and rusted so that no wrench will take them off. Any ideas on how we should go about taking these off without damaging the radiator?
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[tst]

you can weld nuts to the old bolts, and the heat from welding should help loosen them

[Bob McCarty]

I don't weld, but suggest you do the radiator supports first, then shield the fins when you do the front. You'll probably have to split the Cub to access the bolts on the back of the radiator.

[tst]

I have also used a die grinder and cut a screw driver slot in the old bolt

[Barnyard]

Careful that any heat doest affect the solder in the radiator. Otherwise you will have leaks all over. I have used something like these, only Craftsman, that I bought mine from Sears years ago. https://www.amazon.com/Extractor-THINKW ... mpEALw_wcB.

[JimCub48]

I would spray them with a PB blaster and let sit for a few days and repeat spray a couple of times ,and then attempt to use a socket as Barnyard described. Worst case try to use a left hand twist drill bit.

[staninlowerAL]

For access to the bolts next to the fan, a socket, a universal and several extensions will allow you to get the ratchet/pull bar above the top of the radiator Been there, done that. JMHO Stan

[Ky Cub]

That is a mess for sure. I'm thinking you might end up having to replace the bolster. Keep us posted on if any of the suggested methods work.

[randyny]

My son is the orig poster, and here we stand. I used a needle scaler to get surface rust off. Also out a piece of sheet metal against the fins for protection. I tried many times in the past unsuccessfully to weld a nut. Every time, the nut pops off. Most likely because while I have a welder, I am not a welder... Tried it again on these and the nut twist off. So I jacked up the power and really hit it. Two bolts came out, one head snapped off, and two nuts twisted off. But funny thing, the weld created a cylindrical surface to let vice-grips grab and they came out.

The nut extractor set is something I also wanted, so I watched the Project Farm review them and purchased the Rocket Socket 30pc set.

I also need a way to remove snapped off bolts. I am never able to drill the center. Even with punches and pilot holes they always end up crooked. Anyone know of a guide-type kit that I can clamp/tack weld to a workpiece to keep the drill bit aligned?

[Bob McCarty]

Anyone know of a guide-type kit that I can clamp/tack weld to a workpiece to keep the drill bit aligned?

You might be able to stack the two hold down strips if you have empty holes in the right place to fasten them down to the bolster.

[Gary Dotson]

Have you visited your metric socket set? I sometimes have luck finding a metric socket the will work on an eroded bolt head.

[ricky racer]

I also need a way to remove snapped off bolts. I am never able to drill the center. Even with punches and pilot holes they always end up crooked. Anyone know of a guide-type kit that I can clamp/tack weld to a workpiece to keep the drill bit aligned?

Can you use the radiator flange as a drill guide? You can pick up a set of transfer punches fairly inexpensively. By using the radiator flange as a guide the transfer punch will put the punch mark exactly in the center of the twisted off bolt. Use a small drill to drill a pilot hole. Try to keep your drill as straight as possible when drilling. If you can't get the broken out with an Ezy-Out you can continue to increase the drill sizes until the bolt is completed drilled out.

[Barnyard]

Stack the flanges and bolt them down as Bob and Ricky said, that will make a jig. Then take a 5/16 drill bit and drill just deep enough to put a mark on the stud. Remove the flanges and you will find an exact center to start drilling with a smaller bit.

[NJ Farmer]

You are going to spend a TON of time drilling out and retapping those bolt holes…..

I do not envy your job at all…..you might consider finding a surplus bolster.

NJ Farmer

[Jim Becker]

You are going to spend a TON of time drilling out and retapping those bolt holes…..

I do not envy your job at all…..you might consider finding a surplus bolster.

NJ Farmer

Or take it to a local machine shop. You will be surprised how little time it might take them to do it. This means a bunch of work removing it. But depending on what else you need to fix, you may be doing most of that anyway.