Lowering the radiator down some shouldn't be that bad.
Since I would not want to be drilling out something with coolant in it
anyway ..
I'd take of a lower rad hose ...and lower the rad 8 or soinches, or just
remove it.
   Particularily if there's no AC condernsor involved..
the radiator comes right out ...4 bolts,two electrical connnectors, two
hoses.
  *Another* area on a vanagon that is Very easy to work on !!

the bolt thread has always looked like M8 X 1.25 to me ..very common
size ( hardware store ) .
I suppose you could install a stainless steel one.

or ...having gone to all this trouble..
invest in an a petcockand pipe thingey from KEP. ( Kennedy Engineered
Products ) .
  Way mo' betta than that silly screw thing.

scott
turbovans.com

On 12/11/2012 2:27 AM, Mike South wrote:
> As the subject says, I was closing the bleeder screw and the head sheared
> right off.  Wasn't applying too much torque, but maybe it was because I had
> done that in the past.  Anyway, the good news is that it was all coolant
> coming out; I think it was adequately burped!
>
> So.
>
> (A) Time to get one of those screw extractor thingies I guess.
>
> Recommendations on which kind/brand?  (I'm looking at
>
> http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/TTN0/16013/N0673.oap
>
> because it says it's in stock and I'm trying to be done with this thing.)
>
> More importantly, though, how am I going to get that extractor into the top
> of the screw?  Bringing up
>
> (B) Bentley 19.12 refers to "lowering" the radiator.  When it's in it's
> "lowered" state will I be able to get at the screw, or am I going to have
> to completely disconnect it?
>
> (C) Does anyone know the specs on this bolt?  Does it need to be a certain
> type of metal?  I would just order one but I'm trying to get this thing on
> the road ASAP so I can check it out thoroughly for a longer drive.  It
> would be nice to be able to just grab one from the hardware store if that's
> possible.
>