Radiator Support Panel Bushings

[Grover]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone here has had to take out the radiator support panel bushing that is attached to the frame? Had to cut the rotted support to get it out, but getting the rusted on bolts off is turning out to be a challenge.. any ideas? We tried the sawsall approach, all that did was liquify the rubber and plug it up again. Thanks

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Use a hole-saw and drill a hole into the rad support so you can get to the nuts.

[Grover]

Thanks.. I guess I should have clarified.. the entire bottom of the rad support was completely rotted. Ended up taking a grinder to cut a big hole in the rad support to expose the nut. Tried grinding it off. If I had a decent torch this would be a breeze.

My question is when I get the donor support panel, am I gonna have to cut a hole in that as well to put a nut on the bolt? I sure hope not.

Unfortunately the van is out of town at a buddy's shop and I never thought to bring my digital camera. Pics will be coming soon.

[SoCalli V8]

Where do you live that your rad support is soo rusty? > coming from a sunny year round climate guy.

[Grover]

I am in Southern Ontario Canada where it's cold 8 months of the year. Salt is used on the roads up here when it snows.. I went to the local boneyard today picking up some headlight pots and for the hell of it I looked in all the Astro/Safari vans they had... every single one of them except for a 2003 model all had the same problem.. completely shot radiator support panels. You'd think GM would be proactive and using galvanized steel or something.