Stripped tailgate panhead torx screws

[Stockli]

One more time,

The top body hinge screws have lots of sealing goo on them.

For those that have drilled them how much did this goo interfere with removing the screws?

I’m petrified I will drill the heads off and be stuck hingeLess with stubs left in the body and tailgate. I’ve tackled lots of big jobs on Jeeps over the years but for some reason I’m dreading this and removing the damn door hinges this spring.

I got the screw super hot with direct torch heat and tried not to strip them but they stripped almost immediately.

Dang, I can’t wait till they are out.

 

[astjp2]

Buy an new tailgate?

 

[Stockli]

Buy an new tailgate?

Not a bad idea except half the hinge screws into he body

 

[primetime4]

I drilled two of mine out. The first stub I could remove by hand after drilling the head off. The second one seemed to be permanently bonded to the tub and would not budge. I ended up taking it to a shop and they drilled it all the way through to remove it. I don’t think I’ll be trying something like that again myself.