I tried to get to my fuel filter yesterday and two of the captured studs holding the plastic underpanel in place just spin in place, probably corrosion on the nut/stud causing it to break loose from the body pan. These nuts are deeply recessed into the plastic and difficult to get to. I would expect these to be fastened better but there it is. Anyone have experience freeing these?

 

Oldmots,

It happened to me exactly as you described. The fix proper fix is not worth the effort. So what you do is cut the underpan with a hole saw that fits around the problem nut/stud. This allows you to drop the underpan and replace the fuel filter.
Then put some Goop around the problem nut/stud to secure it so it won't rattle. Then secure the underpan with self tapping stainless screws and finder washers. Not too long, right? Problem solved.

 

Tarhealcracker

Very neat !!

 

Great idea, I hated to take it to a shop and have them make a mess of it and charge me for the privilege. I'll do it that way, Thanks.