Stainless Steel Pylon Cap Install Help

[malibular8]

Hi Crew, I bought a Stainless Steel Pylon Cap for my 2004 23 LSV (the pylon collapses). I can't seem to get my old cap off for the life of me. I even tried lifting the edge using the razor from a box cutter - couldn't budge it.

Has anyone installed one of these? How is it done?

https://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=2264

[blk93jeepzj]

I have pulled mine off of out 2004 as well.  My tow ball accidentally unscrewed from the pylon and this is why I to take my cap off.  With the whole ball off I was able to soak it overnight in penetrating oil.  It was corroded in there, and the rubber o-ring was holding it place with the corrosion.  I ended up using a wide but thin chisel and hammer to tap it in there.  If you can get a gap with the razor blade insert the chisel and pry.  Use a second chisel on the other side too helps.

The only thing that holds the cap in place is the o-ring.  If you can pry on it it will pop off.  

[Bill_AirJunky]

Seems like you could drill a hole in the center of the old cap, then you could easily pry it off with a screwdriver without scaring up the knob itself.

[minnmarker]

I had to take the ball off my tower to get it in the garage (for winter storage).  If I recall, I used a sharp wood chisel and pushed it in (with the tapered side up) exactly perpendicular to the axis of rotation.  Got a bit of a gap then went to the other side and repeat.  Came right off.  You might try spraying some WD-40 in there to get the O ring slippery.  Oil might cause it to swell.  Depends.

[tvano]

i've had good luck using two safety razor blades.

insert one at a time then pry between the blades.

[malibular8]

Great ideas here Crew, thanks! I'll start with the razor/chisel approach (I'll have to find a chisel like that) and if that doesn't work I'll just drill into it.