Can't remove plastic "nut" holding spare tire in well.

[clagrow]

This thing is driving me crazy! I'm trying to remove the "nut" holding the spare tire well cover in place but the bolt is spinning underneath and it just keep spinning...I've tried heating it up with a heat gun hoping that the heat would expand the metal enough for it to unscrew and I've tried banging on it and even pryin up on it while turn in it. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[bsharpminor]

If the plastic is spinning on the bolt, I'd probably try and pull/break the plastic nut off and use a vice grip to unscrew it the rest of the way, although once the nut is off you can get everything out from underneath anyway. Then I'd find the whole bolt with the plastic nut at a junk yard to replace it.
You have a flat that you need to get in there?

 

[spazzz]

before you do that^^^
try with the grips on 1 side and leverage to one side/turning at the same time,trying to pressure the metal insert nut to turn
prolly would take a while.
otherwise yeah like b#min said just have at the plastic until the insert is there
great time of year for the simple things to go wrong

 

[clagrow]

Thanks guys, I've tried the leverage thing but I figured I try asking before just breaking it apart...guess that sounds like the plan.

 

[Slappyn]

Can you try a pair of needle nose lock pliers to hold the threads underneath? If you could rig up an impact gun what would probably work as well. Drill if you have to and or try the other sugestions.

 

[TheNoob23]

Plastic melts

 

[Scottydoggs]

id cut that plastic off so it fits through the hole in the floor board, then go to town on it, junk yard for a new top nut and shaft if needed.

my rod is only held in by a hook under the jack. so if you get the floor off, lift the tire and jack off the floor some, and slide the hook to one side to release it, and then you can work on the ground at least. cut the rod, what ever.