Seized License Plate Bolt Busted Off!

[apache67]

Guys,

Need some help/advice:

I have a busted off license plate holder bolt (rear), and to make matters worse a busted off easy out extractor embedded into the busted off screw.

How in the hell do I get these out of the damn screw hole without messing up the clear coat and paint surrounding the bolt hole?

Jersey roads (chemical and salts) blows.

Cheers,
G

 

[2ndGenAnimal]

Apache I am having the same issue! Sorry I don't have an answer for you. It doesn't seem like anything would be able to grab it and twist the way it would need - even if i take off the plastic around the rear plate space.

 

[apache67]

Apache I am having the same issue! Sorry I don't have an answer for you. It doesn't seem like anything would be able to grab it and twist the way it would need - even if i take off the plastic around the rear plate space.

This bolt hole ended up being a $$ Benjamin Franklin $$ hole for me, lol.

Why Toyota doesn't use plastic screws or decent stainless screws baffles me. :frusty:

Both screws were completely rusted/frozen into place. I got one out by the skin of my teeth with a Speed Out bit. The other one was hell: had an Easy Out bit break off into the screw hole. I have a decent set of cobalt bits and they would even lay a scratch on the Easy Out broken bit. Ended up using two different dremel grinding bits to get the Easy Out bit removed. Having to follow up with a M6 helicoil to re-thread the hole.

Bottom line: I STRONGLY encourage those who haven't; to change out the factory screws with decent ones before it's too late.

Cheers,
G

 

[<<<<]

Good advise on new screws. Each time while waxing the car remove the plate, clean and wax whole tailgate inspect the paint and bolts while in process. Those are m6 bolts available in stainless at any hardware store.

 

[firebirdguy]

another option for any broken bolt is to use a reverse drill bit BEFORE trying an easy out. 9 times out of 10 the bolt will come out on the first small size pilot hole due to the heat created & reverse action of the drill bit. if it doesnt, just increase the bit size & drill it again, usually once you get to about half the size of the bolt, it will come out. if not just drill it to just nder the bolt size so you dont hit the threads in the hole & it can be picked out.

have had more luck with reverse bits than easy outs on much bigger & heavier rusted bolts than license plate screws. you can get a set for like $10 at harbor freight or better quality for more $$.

 

[StaccySpeck]

I bought LEDs for the plate light and ran into the same problem. I got the screws out and threw some fluid film on them until I can run out and replace them.

Does anyone know what screw in stainless is the correct thread?

Thanks

EDITED: I went to Lowes and picked up some Weathermax stainless 8x3/4 screws and they fit no problem.