how to remove licence plate frame on 93 4runner

[93_sr5_4x4]

so has anyone removed the licence plate frame on the tailgate of a 93 4 runner? if so what are the steps on taking it off? i have a cople studs broke off in the licence plate holes and have to get the plastic frame off the tailgate to get a grasp on the studs to remove them so i can get a plate back on there! any help would be appreciated! thanx

 

[Uneek]

I don't remember exactly how the license plate attaches to the back of a second gen 4Runner. If it's like a 4th gen with weld nuts behind the sheet metal, you can try one of the methods below. I would suggest the latter, but the first method will work if you're patient and careful.

If the screws aren't siezed inside, where it can be threaded by hand, you could take a punch and tap it along the circumference of the broken screw to unscrew it out. Be very careful though, if the punch slips, it could scratch up the surrounding paint.

A better alternative would be using an extractor, like this Craftsman Bolt-Out kit. What you would do is drill a hole into the broken screw, tap the extractor in and unscrew it out.