Tote Gote Resto: Rear Axle Removal?

[OddJobGarage]

Looking at the hardware, it seems like the top side nuts are welded to the frame, which seems to contradict a video I watched where a fella just took those off and the rear axle dropped right out. The bottom side are mismatched and the hex bolt has no visible threads. Couple of questions then; Is this factory or am I dealing with someone’s patch up job? And, what should I try next?

 

[Davis]

Factory.

 

[Richard Trotter]

The original bolts would have been 1/4" grade 8 fine thread. They have been changed and probably stripped or cross threaded. This could be a battle, good luck.

 

[OddJobGarage]

The original bolts would have been 1/4" grade 8 fine thread. They have been changed and probably stripped or cross threaded. This could be a battle, good luck.
View attachment 311806

That’s what I was worried about. Alright, I’ll see what I can try next!

 

[sparkwizard]

Just looking at the pictures, I think I would use a cutoff wheel to cut the welds under the original nuts, drive the bolts out of the axle and remove the axle. I would get new nuts and bolts, and weld the new nuts back in place of the originals.
Good luck,

 

[OddJobGarage]

Just looking at the pictures, I think I would use a cutoff wheel to cut the welds under the original nuts, drive the bolts out of the axle and remove the axle. I would get new nuts and bolts, and weld the new nuts back in place of the originals.
Good luck,

I'll give it a try tonight and see if it'll work! Hoping I'll have space to get a wheel in there, that's the main problem I think.

 

[sparkwizard]

Best of luck, Sir!

 

[OddJobGarage]

Best of luck, Sir!

Reporting back, grinder worked like a charm and the axle is off! Chains, axles, bearings all off now. Next is the engine and a few pieces here and there like the brake, and I'm ready to start buffing off all that rust. Thanks all for the guidance!