C1 Door strike removal

[Bob S.]

I am preparing to remove the body on my '59 and was going to use the door strike position as one of my pickup points (along with the firewall hood latch position) but I can't get the door strike screws out. I tried an impact wrench but that just broke of the driver tip. Never budged the screw.
What's the secret?
I am reluctant to use penitrants because the body has been stripped and I will be painting hopefully in the next couple of months. With the fiberglass on the door frame pretty much bare, won't that affect how the paint sticks?
Thanks

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

I am preparing to remove the body on my '59 and was going to use the door strike position as one of my pickup points (along with the firewall hood latch position) but I can't get the door strike screws out. I tried an impact wrench but that just broke of the driver tip. Never budged the screw.
What's the secret?
I am reluctant to use penitrants because the body has been stripped and I will be painting hopefully in the next couple of months. With the fiberglass on the door frame pretty much bare, won't that affect how the paint sticks?
Thanks

With the gas tank cover removed you can get to the nuts with penetrating oil then use a hand held impact tool to brake the screws loose.

[Bob S.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Thanks Roy. I just went out and checked it out. I'll put some PB on it tonight and try the hand held inpact in the morning.
How hard can I hit it? That kind of makes me nervous.
ps: While I have the body off I will be mounting the brake booster you told me about.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Thanks Roy. I just went out and checked it out. I'll put some PB on it tonight and try the hand held inpact in the morning.
How hard can I hit it? That kind of makes me nervous.
ps: While I have the body off I will be mounting the brake booster you told me about.

I dont really know so-so it's worked for me in the past.
Good luck it's the cheapest way to get power brakes I love mine in my 55 and it keeps the Corvette original looking

[Bob S.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Once again Roy, Thanks for the help. It's much appreciated.

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Bob...
The stamped metal striker nut plate may require a PB soak over several days. Drilling them out is the last resort, but you can drill the heads off with a drill about the same size as the screw threads. Good Luck

[Bob B.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Bob,

Why not just leave the door striker as is? Most people use the convertible top brackets for lifting anyway. If yours is a hardtop only, you should still have the screw holes to use. Plus, since you are lifting from a higher point, there are fewer things to scrape like along your door opening.

Bob

[Bob S.]

Re: C1 Door strike removal

Dennis,
I am trying the PB method now but with no luck so far. I plan on giving it a soaking every 12 hours or so until Sunday and then I'll probably have to go the drill route.

Bob,
In trying to get the striker plate off I have moved it around so I am committed to getting it off to be able to align it properly. As for the top brackets, that looks like the best solution. I have looked in the archives and bought Nolan Adams DVD and this is the first time I have seen this. It's a great idea. Thanks,

Sully