Hi,

I am in the process of changing out my hardtop hook locks (the ones that connects to strikers) because they don’t hold as tight as they use to. If you unlatch the locks, there should be two Philips screws. Well I have the rears one out but the ones that are closer in is a pain to get to because the locks are in the way and I’m afraid that I might strip it. I might try a powerful Dewault drill to see if the extra torque might help. Any other ideas on what I can use.

FYI, I can’t recall but I might have put lock-tite on it awhile back. If I did if would be the blue kind. Thanks guys

 

Find the appropriately sized philips head screw driver for the job and use lots of pressure on the head of the screw while turning. I often find that if the head is stripping, moving up to a larger philips driver helps. If that doesn't work, try hitting the but of the screw driver with a hammer while on the head of philips screw.

 

I use a long philips screwdriver , a size with a larger header on it than what you might think will work, the longer screwdriver allows you to get access despite the locks being in the way. Then push towards the base of the locks as much as you can and turn, they should crack loose, they have threadlock on them so they do need some pressure. Using too small of a screwdriver may strip them out and you will be going at it with a bad angle.