8” TLS Brake Gauze Screws Removal

Big Phil · 23 December, 2024, 10:18:38

Hi, I have a 1968 TLS Brake which I am pulling apart and refurbishing. Everything is now apart except for the gauze on the brake plate air intake. The 3 screws that retain the gauze may actually be the originals ones and never removed since being fitted almost 60 years. Before I go in blindly trying to remove them has anyone got advice on how to do so. I was thinking to soak them in penetrating oil and then apply heat but wondered if anyone had previous experience of removing them?

Happy Christmas
Phil

Gup holland · 23 December, 2024, 19:26:58

Yes your right, penetrating oil and some heat. This did the trick .
More important use an perfectly fitting bit, otherwise you ruin the screw.

Succes , gup

Rob Neal · 27 December, 2024, 15:13:45

Agree that some heat and penetrating fluid should do the trick. You're a little luckier than I was. On my project some previous numpty (as opposed to this one!!) had used wood screws to fasten in the gauze would you believe!!! Took hours to drill 'em out and repair the threads.

Big Phil · 27 December, 2024, 19:16:59

Hi Rob,
Thanks you ever so much for your kid reply. I have been soaking the screws in WD40 for over a week and whilst applying heat via a blow torch tried the remove the central screw but it snapped off. I'm in the process of trying to drill it out before I attempt to remove the other two screws. I have punched the screw as centrally as I could and made a start with a small drill bit with decent success. However, being Xmas I can't spent too much time in the garage without getting in trouble with my supervisor (wife🤣). Anyway, I have been told the screws are in fact self tappers so I won't have to re-thread. Could you please confirm as I can't seem to find confirmation of this anywhere.

Regards
Phil

neil1964 · 27 December, 2024, 20:22:12

Yep, self tappers

Big Phil · 27 December, 2024, 20:52:16

Awesome thanks Paul. That makes drilling out the old ones much less stressful.

Alan · 28 December, 2024, 08:23:36

If they are the original screws probably Taptite that form a thread and can be quite hard.

Alan

V500 · 28 December, 2024, 09:06:17

This is true. New screws used to available from Grin's Triumph although I haven't seen any ads from him/them for some while.
They're not common-or-garden self tappers.

neil1964 · 29 December, 2024, 18:10:12

Quote from: V500 on 28 December, 2024, 09:06:17This is true. New screws used to available from Grin's Triumph although I haven't seen any ads from him/them for some while.
They're not common-or-garden self tappers.

Yep as above.
Pozidrive with flat base and slightly domed top (not bulbous like hardware shop self tappers)