Drilling screw in 91 sl panel removal

[tswafford]

I am having a door lock problem after a new lock actuator was installed by a local shop. I am attemping to remove the panel to check the vacuum line. When I removed the front pocket screw I found a very large machine screw that was very hard to remove. The back screw was stripped, ie, it would turn but not unscrew out or in. I tried a lever to push the panel against the screw to no avail. This back screw is buried in the panel plastic about 1.5 in.
Then I attempted to drill out the screw head. I have used bosch titanium drills and a home depot colbalt drill. These bit are not able to drill through this head. I have a little progress but it is not progressing.
Any ideas on how to procede? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[TnBob]

If you just paid to have it installed, why are you working on it ?

[97 SL320]

What size drill bit are you using? Start with a stubby 1/8" diameter to get a pilot hole going.

[lsmalley]

take it back to the shop. You should check the work order for warranty. If you tamper with it, it might void your warranty.

[tswafford]

You are right. I got delayed with an upholstery and carpet job on my porsche. The top is still out. I was trying to determine the status of my vacuum pump before taking it back to the shop. Too many $1000 shop bills.
I should not have started drilling. I am going to try a smaller drill however i need length to keep the drill out of the panel upholstery.

[97 SL320]

OK, use a high sped drill ( 1,200 RPM would be good ) and don't push too hard as a long bit will break. Also, don't let things get too hot as it will melt plastic.

For max speeds see this chart.
www.imperialsupplies.com/pdf/I_Drill-Bit_PRMChart.pdf

[tswafford]

I took your advice on starting with a smaller drill size. The bosch titanium bits were not tough enough. I bought some dewalt cobalt drill bits today and I think I have gone through the head. I will pull the panel tomarrow to see what kind of mess I have to clean up. more later.