1959 cruise control question

[S_Clark]

Is there a source for a socket to remove the odd torx like screws holding the 59/60 cruise unit together?

[spolij]

Any decent hardware store will have torx tips that fit in a special screwdriver

[S_Clark]

Any decent hardware store will have torx tips that fit in a special screwdriver

True, but these are 10 point instead of 8 and appear to be 1960 anti-tamper fasteners to keep people out so I'd assume they aren't metric.

[spolij]

I bought anti tamper bits from  Do it best hardware. Lowes and home depot have them also.

[S_Clark]

I had to get a picture. I've seen security bits at hardware stores and have 6 types in a driver set. But none like this. (pictures of the body of the '60 Cruise unit)

[spolij]

When you said socket and tork I got confused. That looks like a 12 point socket would work - or a pipe wrench lol. I would take it or a picture to do it best and see what they recommend. if all else fails i would use a pipe wrench.

[spolij]

You may also look on the net for speciality car sockets. There are a few that you may call and ask.

[S_Clark]

It's tiny, and curved a bit so pliers/vice grips slip off. 6 and 12 point sockets don't grip it, or inside torx.
I'd wondered if I could put saran wrap over it and cast epoxy into a slightly larger socket.

Is there such a thing as a wrench with adjustable wire pins that'll grip a bolt? I thought I'd seen something like that but can't find it now.

Searching for specialty sockets turned this up (thanks!), I think I'm going to grab the set to see if it'll work.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Is there such a thing as a wrench with adjustable wire pins that'll grip a bolt? I thought I'd seen something like that but can't find it now. 

There is such a socket, or sets of sockets, but never wanted to buy one, as I have sufficient of most measurements to enable me to undo any bolt/nut that I will ever find before I kark it.

It is in the centre, but size could be a problem.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pin+socket+wrench&rlz=1C1CHFX_enAU679AU679&oq=Pin+Socket&aqs=chrome.1.0l8.6196j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Bruce.

[foxsnout]

I had the same problem. Searched for a socket with no result. I took a bent needle-nose plier and it came off really easy without damaging these little bummers. Give it a try!
Marco

[spolij]

Bruce's product should work. Now size is the question. This works great on rounded bolts.
That set of sockets are probably expensive.
Maybe there is a mechanic shop in your area that works on classics you could ask them.
Check this out   https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200413664_200413664

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Here it is in close-up.

2020 Gator Grip Universal Socket Multi Function A Hand Tool Set Repair Kit

Bruce.

[35-709]

I've had one of those in my toolbox for many years, thought it was neat when I bought it but never tried it out.  Probably should after all this time.   

[Lexi]

Yes, they do work well. I have one also in my tool set which is seldom used, but pays for itself when it is called upon. Think mine came from Sears years ago. Clay/Lexi

[S_Clark]

First, thanks for all the feedback!
I just tried some bent pliers. Mine are too tight for that trick, dammit!
I ordered one of those sockets, though it may be too big. I searched for a smaller one but the only variation I found is an even larger one that doesn't have a center gap. The head being so small, with little room around it on one side makes the specialty wrenches where pins come in from the sides too big to fit.
Somewhere there must be 8 point inside torx looking sockets in that size that the factory used though, right?

[spolij]

Call a shop that works on clasics. Do you belong to a local club? They may know of a shop that will help you out.

[Cadillac Fleetwood]

I had to get a picture. I've seen security bits at hardware stores and have 6 types in a driver set. But none like this. (pictures of the body of the '60 Cruise unit)

These same fasteners with 8 points were used on the centre of the steering column lower cover on all 1963 through 1968 Cadillacs, in order to make access to the ignition switch and its wiring more difficult.  I seem to recall that the shop manuals of the time made reference to a Kent-Moore tool (KM) which was supplied to the dealership service departments.

Charles Fares

[S_Clark]

These same fasteners with 8 points were used on the centre of the steering column lower cover on all 1963 through 1968 Cadillacs, in order to make access to the ignition switch and its wiring more difficult.  I seem to recall that the shop manuals of the time made reference to a Kent-Moore tool (KM) which was supplied to the dealership service departments.

Exactly, that is the other place I've got one of those screws. But that was was finger tight, dammit!
Is there somewhere in the shot manuals or Cadillac master parts list that'd have the Kent-Moore tool part number? I thought I'd search for that if I could find it... Everything I found in those or the National Service Data (Mitchell) manuals but everything referred to sending the cruise unit back to the factory for service. That doesn't sound promising for tool availability. Looking on Ebay I see that units from, say, '62 have normal screw heads... Frustrating!

[S_Clark]

Well, I got the two type of sockets without luck. I'm going to try casting epoxy before considering something that could damage the fasteners.

[foxsnout]

...that sounds like fun ...keep us updated..pictures, pictures!