frozen strut nut removal

[Ken <kkeith@qnet.com>]

Hey all,

Does anyone have any advise on getting a rusty, frozen strut nut off of
the 
top of the strut.  My 4ksq is a CO car, and that may be part of the
reason 
I can't get it off (rust buildup on threads).  I've put alot of force on
it, 
but I can't get it to budge.  <sigh>

For tools I'm using a big pair of needlenose Vice-Grips, and another
pair of 
big regular Vice-Grips on the "blade-style" strut shaft top (it's not
the 
allen style).  Of course there's gotta be some better tools to use. 
What 
are the proper tools?  (I've used this method successfully many times 
before, until now)

I've sprayed penetrating oil in there, but I don't think it's getting
where 
it needs to get, because of the nylon threads at the top making such a
tight 
seal.  I filled up the little gold cap with the oil and soaked it for a
while, 
to no avail.

I need to save the strut cartridge, BTW, so there won't be any
Vice-Grips on 
the shaft for this one.

Should I try to get a hold of a torch and heat it up?  I tried a
disposable 
lighter, and after burning my finger, the top of the lighter melted and
dripped 
off!

So, I'm stuff for now. :-(

Hey, the guy that bought my old Coupe GT and wrecked it, remember?  He's
buying 
an '83 ur-q from Karquattro and should have it delivered in early
December.

Another thing:  I need to find a post-'85 Audi turbo motor, so if anyone
has one 
or knows of one near Southern Kalifornia, email me.

Thanks,

Ken