Whomever worked on my car last wanted to test out his/her muscles and decided to overtighten the screws. I was only able to get 3 of the screws off, the rest won't budge. I don't want to strip any screws, any idea how to get them out?

 

Penetration oil and/or try to tighten them a hair first to break the accumulated rust in the threads.

 

Yeah, I actually have a broken off bolt in the frame, so one corner hangs low. I'm going to get it fixed probably later in May...

 

No rust, I tried loosening it as well as tightening it. It just doesn't budge.

 

what pannel are you talking about? the plastic engine sheild that bolts to the bumper and inner fender?

 

Yea that one, the one you need to take out to get to the oil filter. I dunno the technical name for it.

 

Use PB Blaster. Or WD-40. PB Blaster is better at penetrating rust. Let it sit 5 min. Spray again. Let sit 5 min. Then twist them off.

 

worst case scenario u can just rip the plastic off and never worry about it again...unless u rally ur car

 

i cable tied mine after breaking a bolt thingy. it works. cut it when i need to, put a new one on when i need to. its quick and easy.

 

Ah good idea, I'm gonna use zip ties. Thanks

I want to leave the underbelly panel off but the alternator is exposed, wouldn't want any unknown debris and liquid in there.

 

Penetrating oil (not WD40) and if you're using a screwdriver, switch to a (preferebly) six-point socket of the correct size. If those beaches don't come out, they'll shear off and they were never coming out anyway.

 

Thanks but it is all out now, took me 1.5 hours to pry them out. Went from the wheel welds and worked my way to the center.

 

that's ridiculous. mines hanging by like 1 body clip now... but im going in for bodywork soon, so im refusing to do anything about it... or to wash my car :P

 

why no use a 10mm socket and a ratchet????????

if you have screws broken off use a screw extractor, cost maybe 5 bucks

 

Its sorta hard to explain but it was to the point where I couldn't get the socket on straight, it was tightened to much that the bolt was curved inwards.