How to release the rod from a 2 rivet step?

My step has finally come loose. I plan to bolt it back on instead of changing to the 4 rivet version if possible but I cannot get the screw or rod to thread out. I realize they are galvanically seized and have soaked them for days in 3m penetrant with no success. Used a hammer driver with no luck. Took it to a machine shop that couldn't break it loose.

I am going to freeze it today and see if that breaks it loose and may try to soak it in ammonia. Any other ideas? This is on an '82 H18 so it has been together for a long time with much salt water exposure.

I have a 4 rivet step but do not have the correct rod or bearing, the rod is $60. I would really like to re-use this one.

Keep soaking, 3 days is not all that long for PB blaster. I have had to soak parts for 2 weeks before. If I had to guess though I doubt you are going to have any luck. What are the differences between the rods?

_________________
2010 AHPC C2 #218

The old style rod is threaded and the new style is stepped and bearing screw threads into the rod on the new style, old style bearing screw threads into the step casting.

Heat, rotation, and a bigger hammer. You don't really have much to lose.



Different geometry. The new post passes completely through the mast step casting. On the old system, it does not.

sm