The outer Fiero door skins are attached with maybe 7 or 8 large plastic Phillips head screws (although I seem to recall seeing some that have a Torx head) on the hinge end and the latch end of the door frame. Every time I have tried to remove them from various cars (mostly in junk yards) I have stripped out the plastic head. The screws are so tight that the plastic gives way rather than turning the screw. I have tried it with a large Phillips but have had better luck with a standard flat screwdriver that fits into the slot. But either way most of them them strip the head. Is there a trick or a special tool for removing these cleanly?

[This message has been edited by Rsvl-Rider (edited 05-16-2017).]

Yes, two tips.

Before you start unscrewing them, use a razor blade to slice off the plastic covering over the head of the screw. This will reveal the metal screw head underneath, which is a lot more durable than the plastic (fortunately, new screws are available from the Fiero Store). Secondly, don't use a regular screwdriver to unscrew them. Get the appropriate-sized Phillips (or Torx) socket and use a ratchet. You can turn the ratchet handle while bearing down on the ratchet head with the other hand to make sure it doesn't ride up on the screw and damage it.

Been there, done that, and learned the hard way!

Use a drill bit that just fits the center of the torx and drill the plastic out of the center. This allows the torx bit to better engage the head of the bolt.

I put the torx bit in, give it a few firm taps to seat it the best it can, and twist. Works every time.

About 50% of the time you can't remove door skin bolts without removing the plastic covering that encases the head. Most of the time you can get new ones in place using the plastic hex with some oil on the threads.

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You hit the end with a hammer to give a 1/8 turn twist to break screws loose (or tighten).
Motorcycles use a lot of Philips head screws and this is the only way to break them loose.
The weight of the hammer gives the twist, but also 'pushes' the bit down into the screw head.


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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 05-19-2017).]