Hood latch removal problem

[Skylark]

I'm doing some prep for paint and I want to remove the hood latches off of the fenders. The other side came off no problem. This side, however, the bolt spins inside of the lower section. I've tried pulsing it with an impact to see if that would work. I've tried wedging a screwdriver and the top of it for some pressure. I tried to see if I could pop what looks like little caps off the end of the pin that holds the rubber. I'm not getting any love. I'd rather not break this if I don't have to.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Been there several time and unfortunately they typically wind up pretty mangled until the angle grinder gets it's turn. I've never been successful at that.

 

[Vtx531]

I had to cut mine off. Replaced with aftermarket ones that arent great so I may pony up for the mopar latches eventually.

 

[MikekiM]

I had to cut them.
Used these about five years ago. Still work and look fine through five NY winters. The plastic on the tether started to crack to I replaced it with some vinyl coated wire leader.

 

[primetime4]

I dremeled down to the bolt head and cut a slot to put a screwdriver in. Even then I could not grip it enough to get the nut off. Ended up cutting the bolt head off. With the captured bolt design inside a composite body, once it starts spinning there is no way to lock it down. Replaced it with these which is way overkill but actually has a slightly lower profile and are all metal.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/kentrol/mechanical-hood-catch-kit-wrangler-tj-80705

 

[TheBoogieman]

I spent one minute with a Dremel, and new latches were $15 a set. Don't criticize me for overspending.

 

[Skylark]

Well that doesn't look good. I guess I'll be taping around it after all. This is a resale project so as much as I wanted to do it as nice as possible, if I have to tape around, it's not the end of the world.