I am having the hardest time removing the 1/2" bolts on the hinge assembly holding to the body of the deck hinges ( I think the #4 body mount nuts are behind them )

any help is geatly appreciated

You're right, the #4 bolts are behind the brackets. I just replaced mine this weekend. I didn't remove the brackets though. My "cage" nuts were completely gone, and I had to cut the old bolts off from the bottom. To replace them I bought a square head nut and used new bolts, I added a heavy flat washer in the pocket behind the bracket( an old body mount washer, cleaned and painted) and a lock washer at the bolt head and under the new nut. It takes some fishing around in the blind, but you can get the washers and nut started on the bolt and then snug it all up.I even did this alone, I just used a short adjustable pole ( hot rod hood prop) to hold the bolt in place while I was inside the car fishing the assembly together.

When I cut the bottom off can I just push the bolts up or are they trapped in the cage?

Thanks again I never thought it would be this hard to get out 8 bolts.

If the cage is rusted, which it most likely is, the bolts should just push through. If not, use a punch and drive it up. Re-install new bolts as I suggested earlier and you don't need the cage. Be sure to clean as much of the old junk out of the hole, I used a shop vac and a magnet to get the crumbs out. It isn't easy, but it isn't nuclear physics either.

Thank you you don't know how helpful that is, I see all the diagrams and parts you can buy buts its nice to have some one that just experienced it.


Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad I could help! Just let me know how you make out with it. I'm just wrapping up a frame off on my '68 L-71.