Rusty Nuts

[Safari Tim]

I just ordered up 4 shocks for my Safari.

I also wanted to order eight bolts for the shock mounts. But my bolts are welded on

My worry is they are rusted up pretty well and I don't want to break or strip one out.

I got some Liquid Wrench to start putting on the nuts to help get them off.

I was wondering what is the best stuff to use to get these apart w/o problems?

Any other shock replacement tips are welcome.

Once again, as most things with this trailer, this is new teritory for me

[j54mark]

I have had great results with PB Blaster. But sometimes there is no substitute for concetrated heat - like an acetylene torch.

Of course, this is also a good way to burn up the coach if you do not know how. It is worth thinking about nearby propane lines.

Mark

[Pahaska]

I found that "Naval Jelly" will remove the rust from the portion of the bolt that protrudes past the nut. I have used the stuff to salvage tools that were dropped outdoors and lay and rusted all winter. It is nasty stuff, so wear gloves.

Heating the nut quite hot with a propane torch will help free it. Heat it, then cool it rapidly several times. That, and some Liquid Wrench will probably do the trick.

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

I just ordered up 4 shocks for my Safari.

I also wanted to order eight bolts for the shock mounts. But my bolts are welded on

My worry is they are rusted up pretty well and I don't want to break or strip one out.

I got some Liquid Wrench to start putting on the nuts to help get them off.

I was wondering what is the best stuff to use to get these apart w/o problems?

Any other shock replacement tips are welcome.

Once again, as most things with this trailer, this is new teritory for me

Steel back then is pretty good grade. the Liquid wrench will most likely do it. If not, heat it up a bit, not red hot, cool it with the liquid wrench. This draws in it into the threads. USE caution, that stuff is very flamable.. If you know wny auto mechanics they deal with stuck fasteners all the time and may have a trick or two...

[Happycampers]

Like Mark said PB Blaster, that is the best stuff I have ever found, it dosen't work like wd 40, you will need to let it set for several min. for it to have time to weep in if they are bad which I am sure they will be.

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

My worry is they are rusted up pretty well and I don't want to break or strip one out. ... I was wondering what is the best stuff to use to get these apart w/o problems?

Tim:

The absolutely best rust buster is AeroKroil, available by mail order from the manufacturer, Kano Labs. Details can be found here:

http://www.kanolabs.com/

[Safari Tim]

Thanks for the ideas everyone.

Based on Fred's recommendation I ordered the AeroKroil.

Wish me luck!

[balrgn]

Kroil Rules. Didn't even think of that! Used it in the Machine Shop years back It is by far the best.

[nickcrowhurst]

As I would want to fit new nuts, I would use a nut splitter to remove the nuts without the possibility of damaging the bolts. Then clean up the bolts, if necessary by using a die, if a wire brush and rust remover doesn't work. The nut splitter is driven by a wrench, and a chisel blade slices across the nut. Ace has one for $12 at http://www.acehardware.com/sm-vpt-pi...i-1290356.html
It's an easy tool to use. Nick.

[Rebee]

I have posted this in th past but forgot where.

This is what I would do and have done in the past.

Get a Small hand held "burnsmatic" torch and a candle (any candle). Heat the nuts with the torch until very hot, red if possible. Then put the candle on the threaded part. Repeat this cycle several times. The wax will migrate through the threads and a wrench will loosen the nuts very easily. The wax will flame up when you put the torch on a second and third time. Just keep any flammables away from the work area. If nervous keep a wet rag available.

This works for any rust frozen bolts. Use a wire brush to remove any heavy rust.

[Royce]

I have found Rust Bomb by Conklin works wonders on rusty fasteners. Squirt it on and come back the next day. It has proved indispensable when working on the 55 you see in my avatar. I keept that truck running for over 24 years and never broke or stripped a bolt.

Royce

[Anon]

The only reason I pulled up this thread is because of the title!
I thought, "YIKES!"

[davidz71]

Lou,
Try out www.trucknutz.com for an added accessory for your Airstream. Note that they also come in chrome but cost more. I'm thinking about stringing a set from one of my axles.

[Anon]

Originally Posted by Royce

I have found Rust Bomb by Conklin works wonders on rusty fasteners. Squirt it on and come back the next day. It has proved indispensable when working on the 55 you see in my avatar. I keept that truck running for over 24 years and never broke or stripped a bolt.

Royce

Royce,
Can you find Rust Bomb on the Internet?

Thanks,
Lou

[Anon]

Originally Posted by davidz71

Lou,
Try out www.trucknutz.com for an added accessory for your Airstream. Note that they also come in chrome but cost more. I'm thinking about stringing a set from one of my axles.

I was thinking about the green Nutz! Hang them from the bottom of my trailer axle!
Nah! The wife would kill me!

[Jim & Susan]

Lou and Craig,

I think you and I had the same, horrifying thought. I was afraid this thread was going in a whole different direction that was not going to be pretty. Especially when I read:

“Rusty nuts….to help get them off….”

Man, I’ve got to go take my medication now.



Jim

[Royce]

Lou,

This URL should help. http://www.conklin.com/catalog/prod_info.asp?prfID=772

[Safari Tim]

Well.... at least I know how to get my questions noticed

If your interested, I can tell you about the $30 I had to pay for a screw...

...for my main door lock...

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Lou and Craig,

I think you and I had the same, horrifying thought. I was afraid this thread was going in a whole different direction that was not going to be pretty. Especially when I read:

“Rusty nuts….to help get them off….”

Man, I’ve got to go take my medication now.



Jim

[davidz71]

And I thought that Royce had just saved the thread heading to the cutting room floor!

[Anon]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

Well.... at least I know how to get my questions noticed

If your interested, I can tell you about the $30 I had to pay for a screw...

...for my main door lock...

Wow! Did you buy that from everyone's favorite vintage A/S parts supplier?
If so, that was probably the sale price!