Technical Radiator grille - Rusty & stuck screws

[craigV]

Hi folks, So i want to take my radiator grill off to respray but the screws are rusted to hell and are stuck. I have been soaking them in WD40 but are not shifting. Anyone got any ideas how to get these off? And also I am having trouble finding where I can buy replacement screws. Any ideas to help me out?

Thanks

Craig.

 

[ZaphodB]

You need to get your WD40 on the threads not the heads, use a wd40 spray with a straw to perhaps get at those threads.

A fiat dealer parts department should be able to order some fresh fixings.

 

[Communicator]

Hi folks, So i want to take my radiator grill off to respray but the screws are rusted to hell and are stuck. I have been soaking them in WD40 but are not shifting. Anyone got any ideas how to get these off? And also I am having trouble finding where I can buy replacement screws. Any ideas to help me out?

Thanks

Craig.

We keep getting told that basic WD40 is not a lubricant. So perhaps a penetrationg fluid such as PlusGas may work better.

What is so special about the screws? On my x244 they are M6 x 20 Pz3 Pan Head, black phosphated?. If yors are similar, any M6 x 20 set screw would suffice. Have you looked on Ebay?

 

[craigV]

I have been scooting the WD40 blindly under the plastic hoping it will get into the threads.

 

[craigV]

We keep getting told that basic WD40 is not a lubricant. So perhaps a penetrationg fluid such as PlusGas may work better.

What is so special about the screws? On my x244 they are M6 x 20 Pz3 Pan Head, black phosphated?. If yors are similar, any M6 x 20 set screw would suffice. Have you looked on Ebay?

Nice one I will go look on ebay, rather go there than Fiat dealer as ZaphodB suggested purely because I'm a cheapskate at heart

​

 

[ZaphodB]

because I'm a cheapskate at heart

​

Some dealer part prices can surprise you (at both extremes )

Doesn't cost to ask, they'll do all the research based on you telling them what you want and come back with a price.

 

[craigV]

So quick update. Gave the screws another drenching and attacked them with the impact drill. I managed to get all but two out with the drill, mole grips got the second last one and i had to drill out the last. There's some meat left on the last screw so I can take that one out with the mole grips once the grille is off.

I managed to find these m6 bumper screws on eBay that are 99% similar and same length. Think they were £6 for 10. All in all I'm happy to have them released.

Just got the problem with the front caliper pistons not releasing now!

 

[ZaphodB]

I bought a pair of these a few months ago https://www.axminstertools.com/fujiya-engineer-s-screw-removal-pliers-160mm-107522

So good and effective I've just back ordered a spare set

 

[craigV]

I bought a pair of these a few months ago https://www.axminstertools.com/fujiya-engineer-s-screw-removal-pliers-160mm-107522

So good and effective I've just back ordered a spare set

Those look quite good actually. I really needed to clamping power of the mole grips for those screws.

 

[ZaphodB]

Those look quite good actually. I really needed to clamping power of the mole grips for those screws.

They've already been put to good use, nice and sharp grip, clearly defined 'bite'
Proper Japanese precision.