Spinning nuts the hold on rear spoiler

[Teeter]

I got a replacement rear spoiler/wind deflector for my 2001. It's not OEM (but close) and comes with it's own mounting brackets (the OEM mounting brackets didn't quit line up with the new spoiler).

I went to remove the old brackets and sure enough, one of the bolts just spins. The "nut" is a round insert into the top gate. The bracket is still on, so I have nothing to grab on to.

Any ideas here? Worse case, I don't mind breaking apart the bracket to try and get something to grab onto to prevent it from spinning, but I'd prefer to save that as a last resort so i don't damage the paint trying to break the bracket.

 

[LJE]

I got a replacement rear spoiler/wind deflector for my 2001. It's not OEM (but close) and comes with it's own mounting brackets (the OEM mounting brackets didn't quit line up with the new spoiler).

I went to remove the old brackets and sure enough, one of the bolts just spins. The "nut" is a round insert into the top gate. The bracket is still on, so I have nothing to grab on to.

Any ideas here? Worse case, I don't mind breaking apart the bracket to try and get something to grab onto to prevent it from spinning, but I'd prefer to save that as a last resort so i don't damage the paint trying to break the bracket.

If you pull the interior trim around the inside of the door/rear window, can you get access to the nuts/rivnuts from back there to grab onto them?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

If you pull the interior trim around the inside of the door/rear window, can you get access to the nuts/rivnuts from back there to grab onto them?

Negative. Those are rivnuts install at "port" for USDM cruisers. You can't access them from inside.
Cut off the bolt, drill out the nut, put some black paint to protect (it will be covered with the mouting bracket anyway) and install a new rivnut.
Use silcone/fipg generously when installaing new mounting brackets, it is cheap insurance against water leaks and subsequent rust issues.

 

[virafp]

Does anyone have the part number for the metal insert that attaches to the rear spoiler bracket, where you attack and screw in the actual spoiler?

Thanks

 

[Exiled]

Any chance that some Loctite might do the trick? Otherwise, @ClassyJalopy 's suggestion of cutting/drilling and replacing the rivnut is the only alternative.

 

[badlander]

When I removed my spoiler I ran into the same issue but was able to grab the rivnut with a pair of thin jaw vice grips to hold it from spinning. Been a long time and dont remember if the spoiler leg was still in the way. If yours is, cutting it away to get acces to the screw may be in order.
Also, if you havent doused it with penetrating oil yet, some thin bodied super glue around the nut flange may wick in and be enough to hold it to crack the screw loose.