I'm at the final stages of getting ready to remove the body and put it on a dolly. The front four body mounts are out. The remaining six are rusted and corroded and the bolts are just spinning in the cages or won't even budge.
Removed
2- Core support mounts - cut to remove
2- Driver / passenger side mounts - removed. Had to replace passenger front pan so had access to cage, cut driver pan to get access. Both were spinning freely so wouldn't have been able to remove without access.
Remaining
2 in front of rear seat - no access holes and spinning in cage
2 - rear axle - spinning in cage
2 - tailgate - won't budge
I have a couple of options for removing the remaining 6 but wanted to hear from folks who have done it to make sure I take the smartest path.
Option 1 (my first thought but am hesitant)
- cut access panels in the floor over each to gain access to the cage. I'm hesitant as welding back in is something I'm just learning and would prefer not to have to do that if I can avoid. I'm still learning.
Option 2
- use a sheet metal hole cutting blade and then replace with rubber body plugs. This seems easier than trying to weld back in and allows for future serviceability if needed. There are also already some so it will look factory if you could actually see them.
I'm definitely leaning to option 2. I can find rubber plugs up to 1 3/4" which I think should be enough. Of course I'd clean, prime and paint edges of cut to prevent future rust.
Anyone have other suggestions that have worked well that didn't require cutting? I've spent days already and done with busting knuckles on this.
A couple of pictures of current state
https://photos.app.goo.gl/r2y3Em1zhRB9MXor8
thanks in advance...matt