Removing Seat Track Screws TR3

[CCURTISS]

I am getting ready to install new carpet but I am having a hard time getting the seat rails and seat belts out. What is the secret to removing the stubborn flat head screws that hold in my seat mounting rails and seat belts? They have a flat head screw top and I can not seem to get them out, the heads are starting to round off. They appear to screw into some welded nut bases underneath the floor board.

The only option I can think of is to drill them out and put bolts with nuts on them, thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[DougF]

You have probably completed this project by now but in case you haven't, heat is your best friend. Have some water handy for smoltering or burning carpet.
Oxy-acetylene is best if available. Mapp gas can be purchased at the hardware store and will work with the same tip as propane. Usually in a yellow can.
If the heads are rounded, drill and easy out the remainder. Clean up the nut threads with a tap, and you should ready to go.

 

[Banjo]

Heat is nice, but if you don't have it available there are other helpers.
First use some penetrating oil on those "cage nuts" under the floorboards. Personally I like "B'laster PB" (more commonly called PB Blaster) or Castle "Thrust" But there are countless others to choose from. soak 'em down and let 'em sit a while. It's most effective if you can soak them once a day for several days.
Next go to Sears (or other tool store) and ask for an "impact driver". this is a device that looks like a fat metal screwdriver. you use it just like a screwdriver except that while you have some turning force applied to the screw you hit the back of the handle with a hammer. The tool has some internal movement that amplifies your turning force, along with the shock from the hammer blow, it really does a good job of getting those frozen screws out.
If all that fails, you'll need to drill. you can bend the tabs on the sides of the "cages" holding the nuts underneath to replace the nuts if needed.
cheers Guv'na

 

[CCURTISS]

I finally got all but one screw out and had to drill the last one. I soaked them then bought a huge flat head on a 3/4 socket to attach to my hammer driver and they finally came out. Had to EZ out one of them.

Thanks for the info!