1989 wheel cover lock bolt

[MHORNE]

I am having so much of a time to remove the lock bolt, that I am to the point I want to drill them off. ANyone have any insight on a way to remove them without going this drastic? I am so frustarted, when I bought this in may, the covers were not on, which the previous owner stated they were tricky to get on and off, I put them on with ease they day of purchase, which in my eyes made the appearance really look good. Now upon my needing to remove them, I can not get them to move one bit. If anyone can hook me up I would appreciate it. For the drill bits are being sharped right now,haha
Thanx so much

 

[tonylong]

Not to be a wise a$$. but do you have the correct coded wrench to fit the bolts ? If not you can get a flat blade screwdriver and jam it into the head's opening, then press in while turning it off, just like forcing any jammed screw.
I replaced the coded screws with standard hex head screws of the same length to avoid this problem. You could also spray PB blaster onto the screw and repeat for several days to see if that loosens it up.
With persistence you should be able to get the screws out without damaging the wheel or center cap. It's no different in principle then removing a jammed locking lug nut. I too like the appearance of the 89 wheels - the "Fan" blade design stands out from all the "spoked" type wheels that even Ford fiestas and vw beetles have.
Keep us posted on your efforts - someone here will have the solution eventually.

 

[Mad-Mic]

I am having so much of a time to remove the lock bolt, that I am to the point I want to drill them off. ANyone have any insight on a way to remove them without going this drastic? I am so frustarted, when I bought this in may, the covers were not on, which the previous owner stated they were tricky to get on and off, I put them on with ease they day of purchase, which in my eyes made the appearance really look good. Now upon my needing to remove them, I can not get them to move one bit. If anyone can hook me up I would appreciate it. For the drill bits are being sharped right now,haha
Thanx so much

with one hand push in as hard as you can against the tool and with the other hand turn the tool. these were put on way too tight. only have to be snugged for future reference

 

[milehigreg]

Me Too!

I have the same problem on the driver's side rear wheel. Tried the push-real-hard-on-the-tool-while-you-turn method after PB blaster. No luck. Guess its time for the screwdriver or drill approach and then replace with a hex head. Some of the mail order houses sell complete wheel cover lock bolt kits. Pretty pricey and you still have to get the old ones out!

 

[MHORNE]

LET ME KNOW IF YOU TRY THE SCREWDRIVER THING, THATS WHAT IM PLANNING ON DOING. I THINK IM GONNA ATTEMPT THIS NEXT WEEK, WEATHER TO CRAPPY HERE THIS WEEK.