Plate Light Help

[99offroadrngr]

I've run into a small problem with my plate lights.

In the picture below, you can see the outer most corner of each light hits the "garnish" piece on the rear tailgate.

The screws are really rusty on the lights and the right side light is already slightly hanging. What is the easiest way to go to remove both the garnish and the plate light assembly? I know they screw into the garnish and believe the right side light has a broken tab or something and since this vehicle is in the north east, I'd rather see if i can remove the whole thing rather than taking the risk of things breaking.


Thanks in advance and sorry for the noob question lol:banplease:

Edit: I have a brand new OEM plate light assembly with pigtail if i have to use it

 

[Manic]

Spray some PB blaster on the fasteners and let it soak for half an hour, then try removing it.

 

[Troybylt]

Having done this before I can tell you it's unfortunately not too easy to remove the finish panel, you actually have to remove the interior plastic piece on the rear hatch then remove three access panels and then reach inside the hatch and remove four or eight 10mm nuts or bolts to get the bezel off. It doesn't pop on and off from the outside woth clips unfortunately. Also the rear glass, tracks and motor arm really likes to be in the way.

For this job I recommend ratchet wrenches, small hands and a couple more wrists on each arm.

 

[99offroadrngr]

Spray some PB blaster on the fasteners and let it soak for half an hour, then try removing it.

Hasn't done much 2 days in a row

Having done this before I can tell you it's unfortunately not too easy to remove the finish panel, you actually have to remove the interior plastic piece on the rear hatch then remove three access panels and then reach inside the hatch and remove four or eight 10mm nuts or bolts to get the bezel off. It doesn't pop on and off from the outside woth clips unfortunately. Also the rear glass, tracks and motor arm really likes to be in the way.

For this job I recommend ratchet wrenches, small hands and a couple more wrists on each arm.

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling that's how it had to come off. I'll tear it apart this weekend