Boot lock problems

[ChrissieDavis]

Trying to replace my boot lock, the four screws to the door catch had mangled heads, and I could not move them at all, trying to drill them out, the catch is now off but the four stubs are still in the screw holes, unmovable! They seem to be hardened steel,

I've tried to get my 8 mm socket on the 2 lock nuts, socket is turning without resistance, and clearly not turning a nut, 7 mm socket isn't fitting on, is there any other socket size I can try, Whit. Imperial? they are totally rusty and I think I will have problems even with a decent socket on it, sprayed WD40 in, any more advice

[bmcecosse]

NOTHING on a Minor is metric......so yes you need to use the correct size sockets. The broken bolts will now need to be carefully drilled - and either 'shelled out' and then retapped - or you can try an easy-out - but risk it may snap of course. Soak in Plus Gas - and apply local heat - may help.

[ChrissieDavis]

I saw somewhere that the two smaller nuts could be 3/8 or 7/16 socket size, I tried a 3/8 but Im not sure it was the right series, it was far too big. I have some old Whitworths and AF sockets that I need to check through, when I find them!

I will try plus gas, WD40 didnt work, the four outer screws are out now, the threaded bits had to come out of the holes, there was no way of undoing them, I guess I can put bolts in, with the threaded ends aimed outwards through the catch, and nuts put on, instead of the screws that were originally there.

[bmcecosse]

WD40 is not a release agent. Could well be BA size.

[ChrissieDavis]

I eventually had to knock out the threaded inserts, if that is what they were, shown in the picture. To put the catch unit back on I fed bolts outwards through the holes, and put the nuts on from the outside.
The two small nuts holding the lock on were 3/8 in the end, not sure which series, I have a handful of odd old sockets.

Has anyone ever thought of putting together a tool kit for the Morris Minor that contains every socket spanner and tool required, and selling them, would have to appeal to people with limited workshops that dont want to buy loads and loads of separate toolkits.

I havent picked up a can of PLus Gas yet, I have a can of spray white grease but I guess that isnt a release agent either.

[ChrissieDavis]

I have tried very hard to put pictures on here but they just dont appear. I choose the file, the name shows in the space below the writing box, I press submit, and the picture is not in there! any ideas what I am doing wrong.

[LouiseM]

The usual reason why photos won't upload is because they are too big. Try reducing the size on your pc and trying again. If you are still having problems send me a pm and I'll reduce/upload them for you.