Expert: Dan Gardener - 6/15/2011

Question
I was rear ended and the bumper reinforcement and frame rails were damaged. From a junkyard, I bought a reinforcement complete with frame rails. In order to remove the old frame rails I had to remove a trailer hitch receiver frame which I do not need. I found an extra bolt for the hitch assy coming from inside the frame on each side that seems to be impossible to remove. I can't tell whether the bolt was pressed into place or maybe welded. How can I get the old frame rails out to put min the new ones?

Answer
Hello Mick;

It sounds like the rear bumper rebar needs to be pulled. After that procedure, the rails and rebar should be lined up. Now you should be able to tell if the bolts are welded in place; they probably are for additional safety. You will now have to cut the bolts off and knock them out with a punch.
Hope this helps.
If you need me to revisit this issue, please send me some close up pictures.

Dan.