need some help - license plate screws stuck

[theliman]

Hey guys,

I've tried a few things to remove these screws for my 2008 4Runner's rear license plate. (the reason is I no longer want the "frame" on there).

I now realize that the screws it has are pretty much the worse option possible - I don't know if they came with the frame or were the ones that were already being used, but I certainly wouldn't be using them again. If I can ever get them out..

Doesn't budge when turned with a flathead, all that does is tear through the metal on top. Impact screwdriver (both manual and air-compressor) did the same (and nick my paint).

Options that friends have put forward:
-weld a bolt on and then turn (don't have one, don't really want to use one back there).
-heat it up with a torch (also don't really want that back there, maybe if I cover the paint with something?)
-access it from inside (what I'd do after that I don't know).
-cut it off and end up drilling new holes (is this possible/reasonable?)
-WD40 or PB Blaster (concerned about its access to where the real problem is and concerned about damage to paint)

Is it likely that the "washer" portion of the screw is stuck to the frame? I tried to kind of pry it up a little bit and I don't think it's that, my guess is that it is something with the threads. Any advice or ideas are appreciated.

 

[cfranck1]

I had the same thing happen to my screws on my 2001.
They were rusted and when I tried getting them off they snapped off.

I ended up drilling them out, taping new threads and putting a different bolt in the one that snapped..
Kinda a pain, but now I know that they will come out when I want them out. Plus I put a little never seize on the bolts before I put them in.

Looks like they are probably original. I think they are the metric fine thread bolts too..

 

[message]

Same thing happened to me as well. Snapped both off when trying to swap out my license place. Ended up drilling and tapping them out.
Now I have a nice set of hex button head SS screws in there.

 

[theliman]

thanks guys might have to do that

 

[yamar]

I had the same thing happen to my screws on my 2001.
They were rusted and when I tried getting them off they snapped off.

I ended up drilling them out, taping new threads and putting a different bolt in the one that snapped..
Kinda a pain, but now I know that they will come out when I want them out. Plus I put a little never seize on the bolts before I put them in.

Looks like they are probably original. I think they are the metric fine thread bolts too..

this is exactly what i did with my 94 a few months ago...worked like a charm

 

[Jeff4runner]

If you end up drilling them out, might want to look into a helicoil set. A lot stronger than just tapping, and you can even change the thread size/pitch to whatever.

 

[montana_jeepn]

What kind of drill bits/method did you use when you drilled them out? I've broken two 7/64 because I put too much rear-end into it when my bit wasn't getting any bite.

 

[sam24th]

Happened to me in my old jeep. I ended up snapping the heads off the screws. And using a small reverse drill bit and a tiny bit of WD40. Ended up getting the screw threads out and I didnt need to chase the threads or anything.

 

[TheeMikeB]

I would open the hatch so it's in the up position. Put some PB blaster on there, it wont' hurt the paint and you could put a towel around the screws so it doesn't get everywhere. Do a couple of apps, let it sit and see if it helps. If not then you can try the drill/tap method.