Today was not a fun day. Decided to install my morryde hinge kit, figured it would take like 5 minutes to remove all the bolts on the stock hinges.
I was wrong. It took me at least 8 hours.
Most of the stock torx heads stripped extremely easily, I did not use an impact or anything just a small breaker bar but I could barely apply any pressure since the heads were so soft. I did use a torch to heat up the bolt and soften the threadlocker, but still had no luck.
I decided to try using an easy out despite everyone warning that it could break and be even harder to get out. And of course, it broke in there and was even harder to get out. Luckily I was able to get it out with a cutting disc using a v shaped cut. I tried drilling the bolts out, but it was not working well I think my drill bits got dull. So I ended up grinding down the bolt heads and the factory hinge enough so it would pop off.
It worked, but it took all afternoon. I was able to use pliers to grab the threads and twist them out, except for 2 which are soaking overnight with penetrating oil:
I plan on wire wheeling and painting the area under the hinges before I install the new ones tomorrow.
The aftermath of my factory hinges:
Lesson learned: A 10 minute project can turn into a MUCH longer project very fast. it did not help that I only had 2 batteries for my grinder, and my Milwaukee brushed grinder eats batteries very fast so I had to wait for them to charge
