Drove across the country for my "new" 4runner

[robguitargod1]

I bought an '05 SR5 from my parents last weekend. Flew to Denver, then drove the car straight back to Chicago. 14 hours and 20 minutes total trip time. The truck drove flawlessly, and I'm really enjoying it.



Except for this.....I go to put my new plates on and SNAP:


I haven't inspected in very well because it's 5 degrees out, but is there a plastic insert? Can I get to it from the back? Any opinions on how to remove the broken screws?

The only immediate plans I have is a remote start install. I bought everything even before I purchased the vehicle so I just need to get to it.

All fluids were changed too (transfer case, engine, transmission, diffs)

 

[buchaja]

That's a long drive. Congrats on the new runner. Screws might be accessible by removing inner panel. Might even be an access panel if you're lucky.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

I go to put my new plates on and SNAP:
Any opinions on how to remove the broken screws?

Congratulations. Soak it with some PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench then drill a hole in the bolts and use an EasyOut to back them out.

 

[robguitargod1]

That's what I'll try first. Heat would be nice but it's a painted surface that I don't want to ruin.

 

[Speedy Gomez]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG!

 

[TOY2G]

Congratulations. Soak it with some PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench then drill a hole in the bolts and use an EasyOut to back them out.

THIS ^^^^^^^

same thing happened on my Lexus RX one of them screwed out when i was drilling the pilot hole.

 

[robguitargod1]

Just installed a remote start today. Something I gotta have. I'll tackle the broken license plate screws tomorrow.

 

[robguitargod1]

Got my remote start installed Saturday, and got the license plate bolts out today. Got access to them from the rear, then a little torch heat and vice grips did the trick. They're 6mm bolts btw.

 

[Nervo19]

I'm really glad you posted about the license plate bolts. I have the same problem with my one month owned 2008. I'm going to make the repair when it's a lot warmer. I can't imagine doing this in Chicago right now! I always use stainless screws or bolts from a boat store on my vehicles. I can't stand how the zinc eventually rust.

 

[robguitargod1]

I only used a small propane torch to heat the backside. Then vice grips unscrewed them easily.

Hardest part was taking the interior cover off of the hatch. It hooks on from the top, then uses push style retainers to snap into place. Just have to pry it away in one corner just enough to give it a good tug.

A little anti-sieze will prevent this from happening again.

 

[robguitargod1]

Here's the remote start install.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/163563-how-4th-gen-05-remote-start-install.html

 

[robguitargod1]

I can't imagine doing this in Chicago right now!

I have a heated garage that I busted my balls on to get natural gas service to! All worth it when it's 5 degrees like it is now.

 

[Nervo19]

Ha! My 2.5 car garage is full of the '89 and all its extra parts. My son is getting it painted soon.

My 08 has studs rusted into the back and the dealer put cap nuts on it. I think some Kroil and vise grips will get them out. I had not considered removing the rear trim. I'm so grateful for the pix so I'll be fixing it in due time. The running boards also need to come off. It keeps snowing and it's cold which is very unusual for Virginia.