Removing Horn Pad Screws

[Melloj123]

I need to restore the steering wheel on my 77 project. Ive had no luck removing the three small phillips heads on the back of the pad. Soaked them and using a very small driver, I cannot get them free. Any reason not to drill off the heads. get the pad off then remove the screws? Any better ideas?

 

[charliemeyer007]

Soaked them with what? I like Kroil, re apply several times over a few days. Take an old screwdriver bit in a pair of pliers and heat it to bright cherry red in a propane torch - press it into the screw and let the heat transfer, several treatments might be required for each screw. Try a new really good fitting bit with an impact driver - might try tightening a little first. Hit it with some spray cool to help break the bond. Drilling the heads off should work to - then perhaps more penetrant and vice grips to work back and forth on the stub.

 

[cstav86]

The problem with Kroil or heat treating is those screws are pretty long, like an inch and a quarter is my guess. So if you spray the head, that kroil is not going to make it where it needs to go. Same with heat. They are pretty specific too as they have a pointy end to help align them since you are inserting it blind, so if you drill them, you may be hunting for screws.

 

[charliemeyer007]

On many occasions I have had modify screws to make a replacement. Turning down heads to fit a recess, using a larger screw to get the proper head, then turning off the treads to get the proper shank - then cutting new threads for the existing hole.

Maybe pull the wheel, so gravity helps if the screw are on the underside.

Lots of ways to skin a cat, none of which are approved by cats.

 

[pb4ugo]

He can't pull the wheel because the nut is under the pad the screws are attached to. He probably could pull the column so he could get better access to the screw heads.

Aren't those screws splayed/angled as they go thru the wheel? Im not sure drilling the heads would be helpful or not, but it might work.