I am trying to replace the heater hoses with some nice braided hoses I just bought, as well as the control valve.

In addition to being in a brutal place to work while twisted up under the dash, the screws that hold it in place were so stripped out by the PO that the philips head is how a mangled mess.

As you can see from the picture, things are corroding in there so I really want to replace the valve while I am there...

Any ideas how I can get these screws out in such cramped quarters? I can just get a screwdriver on it but no amount of torque that I can get on them do anything but strip it worse.....

I'm sure this is an age old problem but any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks...

I'd first try to get a pair of needle nose pliers on them and if that failed maybe you could try cutting a slot in the heads of the screws for a regular screwdriver to fit.

On another note, I know you like the braided hoses and thought you should check this out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-240z-260z-Braided-Lower-Radiator-Hose-NOS-Rare_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34201QQhashZitem230065736759QQihZ013QQitemZ230065736759QQrdZ1

It looks like the hose clamps have a 5/16" hex head. Get out your WD-40 spray the fitting. Give it a few minutes. Then get a 1/4 drive socket ratchet with a 5/16" socket and give that a try. Some of the older hose clamps had a 3/8" hex head screw.

Well, you could always try getting a standard screwdriver in there, that's what I do when the phillips is stripping or its gauge is larger than my phillips driver.

It looks like the hose clamps have a 5/16" hex head. Get out your WD-40 spray the fitting. Give it a few minutes. Then get a 1/4 drive socket ratchet with a 5/16" socket and give that a try. Some of the older hose clamps had a 3/8" hex head screw.

I think I can get the hose clamps OK - it is the water valve screws that are trouble. I like the slot idea - I'll need to figure out how to get a tool in there...

I'd first try to get a pair of needle nose pliers on them and if that failed maybe you could try cutting a slot in the heads of the screws for a regular screwdriver to fit.

On another note, I know you like the braided hoses and thought you should check this out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-240z-260z-Braided-Lower-Radiator-Hose-NOS-Rare_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34201QQhashZitem230065736759QQihZ013QQitemZ230065736759QQrdZ1

Thanks Moonpup - I am watching that auction as we speak!

Sears makes a handy little tool called a screwout that has a left hand bitting/cutting edge that bites into whats left of the screw head and turns the screw out.

Apologiesin advance. I just read the above posts and found that you were really talking about the small phillips. (Post below is about stubborn hose clamps) Regarding the valve screws... I had to use Vise grips on mine. Parts blaster was sprayed on a few minutes before. They make small vise grips which are ideal for this kind of thing.

Here's the post regarding hose clamps

If you have a rotary wheel cutter such as a dremel or a muffler cutoff tool it's an easy thing to fix. Cut the band and pry the clamp off. I often use one of these to help remove old stuck hoses. Just don't cut through to the plumbing. Oh yeah...wear some eye protection. I once had a wheel shatter.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=331&pricetype=

Sears makes a handy little tool called a screwout that has a left hand bitting/cutting edge that bites into whats left of the screw head and turns the screw out.

Looks like this is what you are talking about:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00952154000

Interesting.......Now if I could just fit my drill up under the dash it might work!

Is it cold in Scottsdale this time of year? Why not do it right and pull the heater out, address the rust issues repaint the box replace all the seals, valve and replace the heater. Fix it one time. If I do not have time to do it right when will I ever have time to do it over? This is a car you are going to keep right?

I was able to use the tiny vise grips to get mine out. As someone else said, you can use a dremel tool if that doesn't work with a flex shaft on it to cut a slot, then use a flat bit on a small 1/4" ratchet which will give you enough room to put pressure on the head of the ratchet while turning it.