The plan was to remove the heel shift, but the bolt that secures it has either been over torqued or someone used some heavy duty Loctite. Regardless, it seems I stripped the bolt head in trying to loosen it. Anybody got some suggestions on now how to remove the bolt? The bolt head is points down.

 

I have been able to use a Torx in the past to remove an allen head bolt. Just get the size that fits tightly and tap it in with a hammer and turn it slowly. Just take your time.
If you have a set of easyouts, you may be able to try that also.

 

A must have in my toolbox and has worked for me more often than not ... !

 

If you can get to the bolt, drill a hole on the center of the bolt head and use a screw extractor on the hole you drilled on the bolt head. Spray some lubricant on it to loosen up.

 

Definitely try the Torx bit first. You can always try to dremel a slot in the bolt head to see if you can use a flat head screwdriver to get it out.

 

Put a little heat on it if you can safely do so, it will make those extractors work better.

 

I have some tools called Sock it Out. They have an oversize hex cut on a taper. You drive it into a stripped cap screw and unscrew it. I got them from McMaster-Carr. You might try gently grinding a slightly larger allen wrench the same way. Heat may help breakdown locktite.

 

Gotta go try some of these suggestions. I'll let you know what works. Thanks

 

I'm thinking you'll have to remove the foot board to get better access to drill it out with a Tungsten bit (use a little cutting oil). The heat from drilling should loosen it up some and then use a good quality easy-out to back that **** out of there. I would start with a 1/8 bit and work my way up to a point not exceeding the inner threaded diameter. Maybe 3 bits total.

It will come out but walk away and regroup if you get frustrated. No need to make it worse. Take your time.

 

If you do not have the extractors handy, Take a punch or the old hex socket, put it in the head of the striped bolt, give it a few good whacks with a hammer. This will normally shock the threads/bolt, becomes easier to remove. It works well for me all the time. You can normally get the nex size hex head the striped one, tap it in with a hammer. Keep us posted.