[Hammertime]

I’m removing my front sway bar on my 73 trans am. I have one bolt that goes up into the frame and the female end is spinning when I try to remove the bolt. I need suggestions on how to remove it and how to get it to accept the new bolt if I end up cutting it off. The other three bolts all came out.

[Scarebird]

Where the other 2 came out - was the frame nut-serted?

IIRC the factory simply drilled/tapped where the frame rail halves overlapped.

[Hammertime]

Yes there are inserts that are pressed into the frame I believe. The entire bolt and insert is spinning. I see PTFB has a repair kit that is plate steel with two threaded holes. Not sure how those get installed whether inside the frame or welded outside the frame.

[Scarebird]

I was not aware the GM used inserts that early.

My guess is if you cut the bolt and drive the insert in it may leave enough material to use an aftermarket nut-sert. I did this on my 71 Lemans even though the holes were not stripped but getting "soft". I did make a PTFB type backing plate but the uneven surface of the inside of the rail made it useless - I then used a nut-sert.

[Hammertime]

I will have to speak with Dave at PTFB and get the how to with his plates. Thanks for your insight.

[SS-TA]

My 1973 Trans Am had the Front Sway Bar retained to the frame with nut-serts. They eventually began spinning, so I welded them to the frame 40 years later still OK.