In <000201c52535$c3339840$6501a8c0@cbetest12>, on 03/09/05
   at 09:55 PM, "Jere Hawn" <jghawn@earthlink.net> said:

>Hi

>Here's my humble opinion:

>Buy the VW tool (about $20) 1/2" drive and a 3 lb sledge this will help
>you put it back on.

Thanks Jere,

I appreciate the idea. I am not adverse to even grinding the bolt off,
very carefully, and maybe only to where it is thin enough to chisel it
off, although I know it might be catastrophic if I screw it up. The truck
shop seems a decent option.

Anyway, how can I put the bolt back on to the proper torque with a sledge
hammer?

I have visions of the scenario which you played out, wherein the existing
nut simply will not come off no matter what is done with a breaker bar and
the appropriate calistenics (sp) so I am counting the number of
recommendations to go to a truck shop, and it seems that idea is winning
out.

Has anyone had a mechanic say no to this request, based on the liability
of sending someone off with their nuts loose? (been wanting to use that
phrase since I started this thread <g>)

Like I said, I am now officially overthinking this, and need to do
something and get the rust and the  grease flowing. I guess first I will
try and get it past the inspection and emissions tests and if that goes
well, the  next step is obvious.

I hate this time of year because of those damn tests. Off in the distance,
there is a huge trash/tire/whoknowswhat fire been going on for like two
days. The fire dept is just letting it burn. A few weeks ago, a Butane
truck overturned and burned for what seems like a day or two. They just
stood and watched it burn, telling the reporters how it will just
dissipate into the atmosphere. I show up with my vanagon and have three
PPM of HC too much, and they get all bent up and make me pay a fortune to
have the guys tweak it till it drops below their stupid, imaginary number.
Then I get a paper thanking me for saving the environment. What is wrong
with this picture?

Sorry, I digress.....

Anyway, much obliged.

John