Bumper Bolts

[SteveDX89]

I've got a hell of a problem. One of the bolts on the bottom of my bumper is stripped bad. I can't get the damn thing out. I need to take my bumper off because the sides are sticking out. The slide things popped off. This bolt is holding everything back. All the others come off. Any ideas on how to get it out. Sawing the head of the bolt off will be a bitch cause the bumper is in the way. Help please!!!

[k-roy]

Thats a really annoying problem.
Sears sells a bolt extractor. Its basically a socket with spiril blades on the inside. It works by actually cutting into the bolt. They have saved my ass several times. It is the best $20 I have ever spent. Oh yea, I think I used them for my rear bumper too.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1189568366.1077558329@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccgladckkhgejedcehgcemgdffmdflh.0&vertical=TOOL&pid=00952160000

[RobT5580]

Only thing i could suggest is possibly a dremmel with the flexible shaft and a cutting bit. They are pretty small and with a bit under a inch so it works well in places like that. But if im thinking of the right bolt you may need the flex shaft to get at it cause the dremel body may be in the way.

[Vinny]

Drill the head off the bolt, don't worry about cutting it. Find a GOOD quality drill bit the same size or a tad bigger than the shaft of the bolt. Use a center punch to make a starter hole in the center and then drill. The head should come off when the bit makes it to the shaft of the bolt. Have a nice day

[shepherd79]

air cutoff tool. they work great in tight spaces.
if you don't have that, try prying out and turning at the same time.

[k-roy]

I have drilled and cut bolts before, its a bitch.
http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/52160/00952160000-dlv.jpg
Sears Calls them "Bolt-Out™ Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set"
Tell ya what, if you buy them and don't like them I will buy them from you. Thats how strongly I feel about them. You will not be disappointed.

[lightbulblxi]

try a vise grips, they have worked on stripped stuff before for me.

[SteveDX89]

The head of the bolt is not stripped. The threads inside are stripped. I have no problem putting a wrench on it and turning. It just turns and turns. It won't back out. Sorry for the confusion. I should have been more clear.

[Vinny]

Try and get something under the head to pry it out as you turn it. Thats gonna be your best bet

[k-roy]

Oh the threads are stripped.
I agree with Vinny.
You could clamp the head with a vise grip and try pulling while rotating.

[SteveDX89]

I've tried sticking needle nose under the head. That's all that fits and turning but it still won't back out. I'll have to try the drill method Vinny said. That sounds like it should work.

[Vinny]

Depending on how hard the steel is it may not be easy. Just make sure you use a starter punch or something on the sort so the bit doesn't walk on you. Make sure you have oil to lube it as you go and drill slow. Ok none of that was meant to sound sexual. A secind thought is always trying to get under the backside of the bumper and try and pry the bumper fwd as well as the bolt head

[jlaccord89lxi]

if its shaking around alot chances are the nut that is welded to the inside of the frame where the bolt goes into has come loose (broken welds). That means you can't really do anything.