::sigh:: Apparently rust is bad. Who knew?

[PHO2GR4]

I tried (carefully) to simply break off the bolt...no luck, and I don't want to deform the sheet metal on the hood itself. I cannot cut it, as the nut is tight up against the bottom of the hood (no space to put a cutting tool). And PB Blaster probably won't work: it looks like the nut is completely fused with the bolt, and the bolt itself is flush on top with the flower-shaped disk on the outer surface of the hood. It just spins, with nothing to grab onto to try to force the nut to turn. Damn.

And yes, the metal underneath the insert is effing disgusting. Dirt and gunk and bugs and gross stuff. I guess roads are dirty places to drive. Dirt roads, too.

[Cobrajet]

The only thing I can think of is to hold the screw from beneath to keep it from turning and drill out the top. Start with a small bit and make sure it is centered, and increase the bit size until you've drill enough material off the top to pop off the disk.

[orion]

I had the same problem. to remove, just fold two of the tabs till they touch. clamp them together as close to the hood as you can with a vice grip, then hold that and twist the nut till it snaps in half.

[Ldub]

The only thing I can think of is to hold the screw from beneath to keep it from turning and drill out the top. Start with a small bit and make sure it is centered, and increase the bit size until you've drill enough material off the top to pop off the disk.

If Orion's idea doesn't work because of material weakness due to rust...(if the "flower" disintegrates)

I was thinking along the same lines, except where C-J indicates a drill bit or anything related to drilling, substitute mini grinder or dremel...

If you can support the bolt head from underneath, & protect the surrounding paint on top with duct tape/cardboard, then proceed CAREFULLY with a mini grinder or dremel, you should be able to grind off the "flower"...

Same idea, different tool...



Now you have three choices...four if you would give explosives any consideration...

[Cobrajet]

Now you have three choices...four if you would give explosives any consideration...

Hydrochloric acid... that's five!

[Ldub]

Hydrochloric acid... that's five!

I like the way you think...

A well placed, small cal. rifle round would also be effective, but would require removal of the hood...maybe.