Good morning.....quicky question. I was moving the wiring on my horn on the weekend and removed the chrome dome nut and lock washer on the instrument cluster panel. When I went to tighten the nut back down, I got about half way when the carriage bolt itself started turning, so that I couldn't tighten or take off the nut. Any Suggestions on an easy fix, without starting to remove the heads/jugs, etc.?

 

Can you get a hack saw blade under the nut to saw the bolt into 2 pieces? If so you can you could remove the console panel to see why the bolt is turning. Or you may be able to slip a flat head screw driver under the nut and apply enough upwards pressure on the bolt that you may be able to remove the nut.


www.bigmikespinstriping.com

 

I would think that just applying some upward pressure to the cover should put enough tension on the bolt to keep it from turning while you loosen the nut. You also could try to get something between the nut and the cover to hold the bolt like maybe a piece of safety wire wrapped around it.

 

Thanks Ironass.....tried all that.....looks like a Dremel cut off job is next.....Bummer........

 

I would hold off on the Dremel tool until you check around to see if you have or can find a nut splitter.
Harbor Freight usually has them fairly cheap, yes I know they sell crappy tools, but this isn't one your going to need very often if ever.
A nut splitter will get that nut off without the chance of a Dremel tool slipping or the cut off wheel breaking and messing up the dash panel.
Either way the nut & bolt are gonna be toast so get ready to take a trip to the nearest Ace Hardware for a replacement set.
They have chrome acorn nuts like the original, but you might consider replcing them both with a Stainles Steel setup. Put a little anti sieze on the threads (even Vasoline or Dielectric grease will work) and they won't 'stick' together on you again.