Badly rusted screws and nuts
 

What would you do when you encounter a badly rusted nut and screw? I am trying to take the 8 nuts all along the undeside on the chrome trim on the front bumper, but they are REALLY rusted. I tried greasing and lubricating them... and penetrating oils didn't do anything.

I am thinking of the following, but I am afraid what my plan is, is a bad idea.

Can I just saw off the nuts and screws? Or will this cause a severe problem? I am pretty sure I can go out some place and find eight of the 10mm nuts and screws to replace them. But anyone else have a suggestion?:confused:

I'd pull out the side grinder and whack those babies off. The key thing is to try to have at least one that is not cut/destroyed that you can take to the local "industrial fastener" house and match up. You are not going to want to put those rusted one back anyway. Make sure you replace them with stainless steel.

Before you cut them off, you might want to get in touch with your parts guy and find out the cost/availavbility of the bolts. I'm not sure if if it's going to be as simple as going to the local hardware store to replace them.

I will call the dealership tomorrow.. they "should" have it. Either way... the chrome trim HAS to come off since its to a point where the metal is flaking off and just the chrome plating is intact:eek:

420 - I agree with you. It may not be as easy as going to a local hardware store. Let me clarify - there are stores that all they sell are fasteners. I guess I take for granted some stuff that others may not know. Anyway, I am lucky in the fact that right around the corner from where I work is a place called "Industrial Fasteners". All they sell are nuts, bolts, washers, allthread and locktite. The only MB fasteners I have not been able to purchase from them is the countersunk allen head bolt that secures the top of the rear strut on the 300TD and the head bolts for any of the MB's. I would suggest to everyone that is a diyer to search out the local fastener supply store in their town - and it ain't gonna be the Lowe's or Home Depot. Also, these type businesses usually sell in bulk 100's and 1000's of fasteners and if you develop a "relationship" with them they will just give you one or two fasteners as you need them. That is how it works with me but on occasion at work I do purchase large quantities from them.
Thanks for the clarification and heads up.

You should replace rusted bolts with stainless steel. They also make rust resistant ones too, I think they're galvanized.

If you can find a product called Maltby, it is a spray penatrent works wonders on rust! It even cleans tar and tree sap etc. off your paint. Funny thing it won't harm fine finishes but knocks the hell out of rust. Maltby is almost the most important tool in the box. It was carried in most parts stores in the 80's and now is hard to find, I have a source here in So Cal, if anyone needs help.