Fender bolts

[Z518 Comanche]

I have a 2012 z518. The fender mounting bolts are loose. I can’t get the nuts off or tighten them up. The bolt spins. I know it has a flush bolt head through the fender. Any ideas to tighten them without taking the step pads off. Thanks

[bassnut1]

Have someone step on them while you tighten them

[OH_Ranger]

Grab the end of the bolt with vice grips and spin the nut with a racheting wrench.

[Z518 Comanche]

Not sure if there is enough to grab, but I’ll try that. Thanks

[JKC191]

If you have room and a Dremel with a cutting wheel you can cut a groove across the domed head of the bolt and use a flat head screwdriver to keep it from spinning.

[high 2]

Buy a can of Kroil penetrating oil and soak the threads of the bolts for a day or two. That stuff can work wonders.

[Z518 Comanche]

I have an update on the fender bolts. I didn’t want to remove the rubber step pads. I noticed a friends boat had the rubber pad missing which I could get a better look. The bolt head is like a washer, about 1 1/2 in across. I pushed up on the loose bolt to see where it was located under the pad. Took a 1/8 in drill bit and drilled down through the rubber pad and the edge of the bolt, just starting into the fiberglass fender. Took a nail and put it in the hole. Was just enough to let me tighten the bolt without turning. I put some silicone where I drilled the rubber pad. Fenders tight. Thank you for all the help.