CV boot replacement: stripped inner cv joint bolts

[Ben Swann]

Ed,

I'm sure you will get many replies to this that they are not torx, but 12
point or triple square and require the special tool that all VW/AUDI DIY
owner/mechanics should have.  Anyway that aside, here is the brief story of
the my first encounter with these - you are in good company.

'twas the night before New Years around ''82 and I had to have my '76
Dasher wagon ready for New Years Eve.  It needed a clutch and I had parts
in hand.  Forcast was snow and I wanted to go Dashering through the snow to
the New Years Party - please no comments on what a stupid kid I was then.

Although we had a manual (now called the Bentley), I did not read between
the lines and got out an 8 mm allen wrench which seemed to fit fine.  I got
out some of the bolts, but some became nicely rounded out.  I was
determined and Dad recommended a cold chisel.  That did the trick.  No I
did not shear the bolts off, but used it to tap around the outside of the
heads of the stuck bolts at a slight angle.  It only took a couple of well
aimed hits on each one before they became finger loose and I was able to
get them out by hand.

As the snow was falling, I managed to manhandle the tranny back into the
car and have everything bolted back together and made it to the party with
grease under my nails, but happy at my accomplishment.  Don't know what
became of the bolts, I think they went back in at least for awhile.

Dashering through the snow!

Ben

[Set out to replace the driver's side outer CV boot on my 89 200q today...

Three of the six Torx head bolts that attach the inner CV joint to the
transimission are stripped.  The Torx heads are stripped.  Seems the axle
has been removed in the past and new bolts were not used and the Torx was
already compromised.  Joy.

Aside from any ugly approach like saws, drills, or vise grips, does
anyone have any clever ideas?

Ed
Colorado Springs]