I am FINALLY getting back to work on the interior project I started 7 years ago & the nuts for the outer seat belt retractors are spinning so I can't get the bolts out. I've tried to fit a wrench up there between the floor board & frame with no luck. Does anyone have any tips on the easiest way to get the bolts out?
Can you squeeze the nut cage with vise grips to prevent turning? Otherwise take a cut off grinder and cut the bolt head off. Maybe a hammer and chisel for the cage and replace with a nut and washer. Are the judges using a borescope on this stuff these days? Last resort is to cut a square out with the grinder, repair, and re-weld back into place.
I was out there trying to grab the nut with a wrench earlier, I stopped just short of cutting the floor with a grinder like you suggested. It’s in a tough spot, the nut is between the floor & frame rail in a pocket so while I can feel the bolt with a wrench I’m not able to stop it from spinning. I’ll give it a little longer before I start cutting.
That nut seems quite accessible. I'd try vice grips and some heat before cutting the floor . If that doesn't work you can cut the nut in half and then it would fall off. You have to weld the nut back onto the brace anyway.
