main hinge on '73 eldorado convertible broken

[Canuck]

Hi Guys,
I have a problem. The main hinge ( left hand, drivers side ) has broken. I'll try my best to explain it. The hinge is made up of two parts. A stamped steel base and a welded on round tube-like structure I'll call a boss. The boss has broken away from the other part. I know this can be rewelded. My problem is the broken hinge is still attached to the frame of the top. The frame has what appears to be one shoulder bolt that attaches it to the hinge. I can not remove the shoulder bolt. I've tried penetrating fluid, motor oil, 50/50 acetone and trans mission fluid. I have a gear puller on it now applying pressure. The bolt won't come loose. I tried the right hand hinge to see if that bolt would come out. NO. The right hand side I can loosen one turn then it tightens. I can tighten the right hand side also. I'm assuming the right hand side is not bound up. the left hand side is definitely frozen.
  What I need to know is there a trick to removing these bolts? I can't image this is nothing more than a shoulder bolt. I am very inexperienced with convertible tops. Yet I have been an industrial mechanic for 33 years, so I know a little about how things work. But this one has stumped me. I must admit I'm a little gun-shy because I don't want to do more damage. I know this parts will be hard to find.  Thank you in advance
.

[chrisntam]

I had a scissor top, but can't recall the exact issue you're having.  If no help here, give the folks at convertible top specialist or hydro e lectric a call.  They can certainly assist.

http://www.hydroe.com/

http://www.topsdown.com/home.php

both provide free advice (very helpful) over the phone.

chris.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I realise I might be stating the obvious, but isn't there a lock nut on the pivot bolt to stop it from self-loosening?

If there is, and not removed, then you will never get the bolt out.

Bruce.

[Canuck]

Hi Chrisntam,
Thanks for the links. I just got off the hydroe page and I think I've found the answer to my problem.

[Canuck]

Hi Tassie,
Thanks for the reply. The bolt I can't free up is the main pivot bolt, which has a castellated nut on it. I did remove the cotter pin. I believe the bolt you're thinking of is the actuator bolt