Hello all,

New to AcuraZine and an owner of a '98 CL 2.3. I've got an issue regarding removing both the front and rear license plates/frames. It seems that the bolts there are a bit rusted and stuck, do any of you have any solutions aside from sawing it off or using liquid nitrogen to break it off?

Thanks in advance, appreciate your responses.

 

PB blaster;

 

+1

 

primrosecl,

First, I would recommend using WD-40 to try and pry the rusty bolts out. Clean the residue off the rusted bolt with a small brush.
Spray liberally with WD 40 and tap the head of the bolt with a screwdriver or hammer. This rust treatment will allow the WD 40 to penetrate the grooves on the bolt and will get more solution to the root of the problem.

Next, let the bolt sit for 5 minutes. Then use pliers to test the bolt. If it still doesn't come off then you can spray a larger amount of WD-40 on the troublesome bolts and wait 30-45 minutes for the WD-40 to set.

As the other posters have stated, PB Blaster would be the more drastic solution to this problem. Spray the bolts with PB Blaster and let it set 5 minutes. Then try to remove the bolts with vice grips

On a related note, have you removed the 6MM Clip nut that is located below the plate? (ref #43 in this CL bumper diagram)

 

I like PB Blast versus WD-40, but don't let the PB sit on the paint, wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

 

Appreciate the help guys. I tried WD-40; however, the bolts would not budge even after many many tries. I'll have to try this "PB Blaster" and hopefully it'll work. Again, thanks.

 

Update: Finally, got the frames and plates off. PB Blaster worked easily for the front and though it was tough, it did loosen up the bolts for the rear. Thanks for the help.