I would heat the bolt directly with a mini butane torch if you have one, this should help release any threadlock that may be the problem, If you just heat the bolt itself I personally don't think there would be any significant heat transfer into the fork leg from that distance. If you're really paranoid then wrap a wet rag around the fork. While I agree about not cutting a slot maybe filing flats either side will give more purchase for the mole grips without weakening the remaining bolt too much. Other than that if you've already got a welder and you're handy with it then whack a nut on the end and it'll be out in a jiffy. now you've got the stand you could easily drop out the fork if you're worried about welding on the bike.
If that doesn’t work then I can’t imagine what will.If all else fails I have a fork leg you can have.Been sat in the garage a while but is in good condition.Not that it will come to that.
Cheers chaps - I think taking the fork leg out and working on it on in the horizontal will be easier an better. Yes, handy with a welder (rebuilt an old 72 VW camper a few years back and carried out the fabrication and welding myself) just never used on a bike.... Cheers
Fairly straightforward imho. Although fwiw I think that holding the fork leg securely without damaging it once removed may prove challenging, and doing so would be very much a last resort approach for me.
Thanks Managed it with no problem. As you said, fairly straightforward. Will think now about how best to tackle it (my use my local garage to have a look).
