Thanks everyone for the replies. Whatever kind is in there(from the PO), it
has the flat end tip, with no hexslot.
 I put the vice grips on the end of the rod where it has the flat ends and
tried to hold it while turning a wrench on the nut. I think I eventually
started stripping away that top part with the vice grips.
As far as I can tell, there's not enough space to use an impact driver in
there, but maybe a nut splitter will get the job done.
I'll try out some of the advice and see what happens.
Thanks!

On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 1:17 PM, Jake de Villiers <
crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:

> Depending on the brand of shock absorber you'll need either a small wrench
> to hold the flats at the end or an Allen key to slip into the hex pocket in
> the tip of the rod.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>  On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 10:56 AM, Peter Lapp <
> carrothospital@googlemail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hey All,
>>
>> I sent out a message on the list a few weeks ago about installing the
>> front
>> shocks. I decided to try and put my hand to it today and ran into a road
>> block. The nut at the top of the shock shaft will not come off. The whole
>> shaft turns when you try to turn the nut. I've dowsed it with liquid
>> wrench,
>> tried vice grips, etc, but no luck. Unfortunately, I don't have any heat
>> to
>> apply to it. Any ideas?
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jake
>
> 1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX - 'The Grey Van'
> 1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Subie - 'Dixie'
>
> Crescent Beach, BC
>
> www.thebassspa.com
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
>
>