Wheeler Dealers host Ant Anstead once broke a vital component on a legendary Ford model while working on a major restoration for the classic car TV series.
The former Wheeler Dealers presenter accidentally snapped three studs while working on the 1992 Ford Bronco XLT.
The mechanic was left stunned after he snapped the studs, which act as mounts to securely fasten engine components such as the cylinder heads, valve covers and more.
Ant made the mistake back in series 15, which aired on UK screens in October 2019.
Mike and Ant fitted a new water pump, updated gaskets and new O-rings for the distributor.
Meanwhile, the car’s battery cables and starter motor were replaced with the shifter electrical fully repaired.
After breaking the first stud, Ant said: “This is part and parcel of working on old cars, it’s inevitable that every now and then you’re going to break a stud. The thing is it’s made me nervous about the rest of them.
Just as he spoke, Ant was left speechless after he accidentally snapped a second stud.
He added: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both the front studs have broken. Comparing the bolts and the stud I think it’s obvious what’s happened.
“Waters probably got inside, it’s rusted it and that’s ruined the integrity, the strengths now gone.
“This is only half the problem, the bit that worries me the most is the bit that’s left in the engine. That can be a pain.”
After explaining the issue, Ant went back into the internals and got to work on the next stud only to break the next one along.
He added: “The plan is you want to remove the broken stud while safely preserving the thread, you want the stud out the way while the rest of the head stays intact.
“Now unfortunately for us, our broken stud is pretty much a worse-case scenario. It’s broken just a few millimetres above the surface.
“Had it broken higher there would have been enough meat to maybe get some pliers on or get a nut on and wind it out. I think the reason it’s broken is obvious. There’s been a gap between the inlet and the head, water has got in there and that’s where it has corroded.”
In a bid to minimise the damage, Ant quickly got to work welding on top of the bolt to salvage the components.
The team eventually sold the Bronco for $14,000 (£11,108), making a profit of $3,025 (£2,400) after spending $10,925 (£8,668) on the car and repairs.
