CRC 'FREEZE OFF' spray for removal of seized screws ?

[David K.]

Hello;

I recently saw an article in the Restorer with reference to the CRC brand of "FREEZE OFF" for removal of rusted screws and bolts. I'm replacing my rocker panels with GM NOS units which I recently bought from another member & want to replace the retainer strip underneath for the new GM parts as well. The six screws on either side are seized with paint and rust and I am concerned that the phillips heads will strip if I force them for removal. Any suggestions other than the Freeze Off product - or is this the way to go? Thanks in advance !

[Donald H.]

Re: CRC 'FREEZE OFF' spray for removal of seized screws ?

If your talking about a C2, I just took my 1966 rocker moldings and retainer off. The retainer is held with U nuts to the fiberglass underneath the retainer. So, I don't think the Freeze Off or anything else will help much. Since they screws are in U nuts, which are thin, you should be able to break the screws loose. You may just have so much paint that you just can't get the screws to turn. If they are frozen by paint, then I would use something to get the paint off enough to get the screws loose. If the screws are rusted to the retainer then I would think you could put a screw driver on the screw and tap on the screw driver to try and break the rust loose.

Don

[David K.]

Re: CRC 'FREEZE OFF' spray for removal of seized screws ?

Thanks Don. Confirmed; it's a 1965 convertible. The retainers were completely painted when the car was restored in 1983. I will therefor try to chip off and clean the paint around the screw heads prior to attempting a removal. I can see the back side & the ends of the screws are clean. I have all new screws, u-nuts etc.., hence; my objective is to avoid damaging the fiberglass. Thank you!