Gas Tank sender screws stripped

[lacolin]

This is my first post! I have been lurking for a couple of years and now I finally purchased a 1969 convertible bug. Heavy fuel smell so I replaced some gas vent hoses and was planning on replacing the gasket on the sending unit. It was covered in a hard putty. Dug away the putty and two of the screws just spin, they wont come out. All I can think of is that the threads were stripped and new sleeves were put in and now they are just spinning.
I was going to try to drill them out, but now I am not sure that is a good idea because I don't really know where to go from there. Has anybody run into this?
I would appreciate any advice.
Colin

[vwjetboat]

[lacolin]

Thank you for the suggestion. I tried sticking a small flat blade screwdriver under the plate and applying pressure as I tried to unscrew the screws, but it didn't work.

Colin

[vwjetboat]

[57BLITZ]

After ya get the screws out, maybe you could use this kit to re-attach the sender.
https://www.vdo-gauges.com/accessories/fuel-sender...nders.html
The plate with the notch fits inside the tank and has threads for the longer screws . . . and it comes with new gaskets too!
_________________
Jesucristo es mi Señor y Salvador!

[lacolin]

thanks for the suggestions!

colin

[Starbucket]

Get a small sharp chisel and place edge of chisel next to the bottom of the screw head and sending unit and a couple of sharp blows with a ball peen hammer and the sending unit will come off, then get a good look at what it will take to get the screw bodies out. Please have someone standing buy with a good fire ext. when working on fuel tank. Maybe drive them through with a drift punch and fish out the remains with a magnet on a rod.

[theKbStockpiler]

Side Cutters wedged under the screw while being turned and maybe the use of a Tack Puller which is like a small nail remover should work.
If you can get on the other side you can use something that resembles a dolly and hammer the hole flat which will make the hole smaller.
_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask.

[lacolin]

Thank you for all the advice. I will try these methods tomorrow.

Colin