Great tips - I was wondering about the wax, as I think I saw it mentioned on here, but it all worked out before I got to try it. I'll bet it has been used many times with success.

The funny thing is, we seem to want a penetrant that is very thin, and that's a good idea. Logic says it'll penetrate better. But I suspect the paraffin gets wicked better in some cases due to it being thicker. The proof is in the performance.

The use of the freezer - yes! - of course, play the expansion/contaction game.

I am tucking these all away for the future. Usually, I just start a week ahead with penetrating oil 2x - 3x a day, tapping gnetly, and may a little heat - time works wonders. But this occasion, my wife needed her car and it's the volvo or being stranded for me this week. Guess I need a spare volvo . . . .

Grateful for the good ideas.

Brian