I have a 2001 Accord, 4 cyl, 5 speed. I am replacing the heat shield that goes over the catayltic converter (half of it fell off the other day).

The upper is still on and holding on by one bolt. My problem is all 4 bolts that hold the heat sheild on are all rusted and corroded and although I have the right socket because of the corrosion the bolt head might as well be perfectly round. I'm trying to figure out how to get them out to replace the sheild. I was thinking about taking a Dremel and shearing off the heads but then what do I do if the threads are just as corroded and can't get them out.

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

 

Drill em right out. The "nuts" are attached to the upper heatshield, but nothing stopping you from drilling right through. Then go to a hardware store for a set of new bolts and nuts.

Easy alternative:
A couple big hose clamps around the upper & lower heatshields to hold it all together.

 

Thanks for the help. I ended up just shearing off the bolt head with a Dremel and it popped right out. Also turns out the upper heat shield was only hanging on by 1 bolt, the other 3 corners already rusted off the bolt (the bottom rusted out and fell off). Had to get a new heat shield and unfortunately the only place I could get one fast was the dealer, so $100 and a half hour under the car and I won't catch anything or the car on fire.