Someone has been there before. Torx should be easier to remove than OE standard bolts.

Ideas? Hide your father's hammer before he attacks any of the more brittle parts on the car.

Graham

 

Hahaha, in fact they are not any easier. However, from the condition of the bolts used, I would say it was quite a long time ago. The lower bolt is in an awkward position that makes it impossible to get the torx bit head on a screwdriver. A ratcheting wrench with the appropriate torx adapter is too bulky to fit in that space. The torx bolt in question was already stripped when he got it out. Luckily he's a very mechanically inclined guy and managed not to damage anything. However, a 10 mm wrench, or 10 mm ratchet is slim enough to provide ample space to work on. I bought 4 screws to have 1 as a spare. I changed the thermostat ($14.99) and put it all back together. Problem solved.

I agree, someone definitely has swapped the thermostat on this car before. As I have gotten to know this car, I think I can say that the previous owner, before my late father, definitely kept up with the maintenance on it. So far I have only had minor issues (knock on wood).