License Plate Bulb Lens Screw DISINTEGRATED!

[zerowkul98]

Noticed one of my license plate bulbs was out, got a couple bulbs at the dealership to ensure the right fit, saw it required a philips head screwdriver, touched the tip to the existing screw to get the old one out, and what happened next is something similar to a mummy movie. You know, when the explorer guy touches the old mummy and it turns to dust immediately? Yeah thats what happened to the screws!

Anyone have this happen to them, and how'd you get the remainder of the old one out?

I cant use a drill obviously, as its too close to the tailgate and would do damage.

 

[JDSupreme]

Mine weren't quite to the mummified state but they were super super rusty. Each one took like 5min to get out and was way more work than it should have been.

If they are that bad you may be able to dig them out with a tiny screwdriver, would take awhile but may work. Could maybe tap a nail into it and try to chip it out

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Mine were rusty too. Took a lifetime to get them out. The little weather strip around the plastic was messed up too. Somehow I got it done without driving the truck off a cliff. :driving:

 

[jow]

Suggestions:

1. Remove the plate and add a durable piece of plastic or old plate to protect form drill damage. Go For It! I would try a Dermal type tool to rem enough bad head, then try vise-grips etc once the lens is off.

2. If the screw’s head is bad enough, try and force the lens off and use the vise-grips etc to rem remainder of screw (using WD-40 penetrating oil, etc).

3. Please show a pic of the matter if these suggestions are off target (vs what I saw on a 07 T4R). Please share whatever works. How old are the existing screws and will you replace with stainless screws??

Good Luck!