Help - convertible top frame bolt stuck!

[SouthSwedeSpider]

I started my new convertible top project today. Nice weather and all went smooth until I should remove the last of the 4 bolts holding the frame. The lower bolt on the driver's side just turned, but did not come loose, and neither could I tighten it. Finally I had to bring out a metal saw and cut of the head to be able to get the frame out.

It appears to be some kind of self locking nut with a square washer that seems impossible to get to. From what I can tell, the PO has not threaded the bolt properly, so it got stuck halfways. Any ideas on how to fix this? Since the bolt needs to be adjustable to be able to adjust the frame, I guess I cannot weld a new bolt in place. And even it I could get the bolt out of the washer, I'm not sure the old washer will work again. And how the h**l do I get to the washer

I have added a few pictures of the disaster, any help really appreciated:

Before cutting the bolt


After cutting

[redcars]

You could put a screwdriver in the hole above the nut plate and see if you can hold that while you turn the bolt out. If that doesn't work you may be able to drill a small hole in the plate above the bolt and tap it and put a screw in it to hold it. Once you get what is left of the bolt out I would use a tap to clean up the threads. The bolts that where in there are not correct they should be flate head bolts, however what was in there will work.

[124JOE]

that bolt is on a plate
that plate should come out of there
im just saying

[narfire]

That is a captive nut. It slides in a "frame" on the other side giving you the adjustment.I'd be guessing the frame has spread apart enough to allow the nut to spin around. I think the seats have the same thing. The suggestion with the screwdriver has worked for me on the captive nut that spun on my vent window frame. I'd take a file or disk and flatten two sides of the bolt and use visegrips to turn while a screwdriver has jambed the nut.
Spring there yet?
Chris

[SouthSwedeSpider]

I'll try a screwdriver or anything else flat to hold the plate while trying to get the bolt out (my guess is that I have to do it the way redcars suggested, put a smaller screw in the plate to stop it from turning). The plate seat has probably gone fishing, just as Chris thought. The tricky thing will be to get something new in there that will work, but there is always a solution for any problem you may think of, so I'm still hopeful.

And yes, it's springtime here now, 12 deg C and sunny, just lovely. The cranes (i e the birds...) arrived yesterday, a sure sign that spring is here.

[narfire]

but there is always a solution for any problem you may think of, so I'm still hopeful

I'm going back a number of years but its comming back to me now. I had the same problem
I seem to remember cutting 3 sides of the metal a few inches away and folding it back. I had enough room now to use a nut on a new bolt and then folded the "flap" back and pop rivited a small patch over it all. The plastic covers hid the patch. Seems to be holding up after 6 years. Just don't drop anything as there is a too small cut-out at the bottom (access to back of the side badges)
Chris