Guest Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 I'm trying to replace a blown reverse light bulb. I CANNOT GET THE STUPID SCREWS OUT!! They will not move! I've used 2 different penetrating oils and still nothing. The screw heads are starting to become mishapen and will eventually strip. I've checked under the rear bumper and there is nothing out of the ordinary holding them back. I only have this problem with the right side. Any tips or suggestions before I KICK IT OUT!? ------------------ 180 louvers! Its a rice shredder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Nothing like a good quality screwdriver, gently tap on the handle with a hammer, somtimes that is enough to break it loose. Or you can use a hand impact (the type that you hold and hit with a hammer) but you stand a chance of breaking the lens that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Peters Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Spray some PB Blaster on the screw heads and from the rear side. If you can get to the rear of the screws, wire brush them and respray again. Do this for about a week and then try again. If this doesn't work, remove the whole assembly, use a drill bit and drill off the HEAD of the screw only and the lens should come off so you can get a pair of vice grips on the screw and attempt to remove the rest of the screw. If this doesn't work, you can drill it out and then retap the holes. If you have to do this, be very careful drilling them out. Rob ------------------ To access my website click on the picture or link below. My Two Girls http://www.cardomain.com/id/robsmodelamonte Go Car or Show Car, it doesn't matter, you are welcome here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MM454 Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Here is a little tip I learned years ago. Buy a small tube of valve grinding compound put a small dab on the tip of the screw driver. The compound will help the screw driver from slipping on the screw and may help you loosen them. It has worked for me many times. Mike ------------------ My Monte Carlo Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daryl Smith Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 The best penetrating oil I have found is called "Kroil". If it can be loosened with oil, this is the stuff. The label says it creeps into 1 millionth of an inch. It works! I can get an 800 number for tomorrow if you're interested. Later, Daryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 Worst-case scenario, you may have to drill the screw heads off, and replace the screws with something that is similar or see if you can find original gm screws 5953438 supplements #5960165. This person thinks he has a pair of lights for sale http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2408244170&category=33716 somewhat scary to think he knows what he is talking about, as they look like license plate lights to me. ------------------ <IMG SRC=\"http://home.attb...quot;> LLOYD@firstgenmc.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2003 Share Posted March 23, 2003 i have also used the drill the screw out method .gene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallaby Posted March 24, 2003 Share Posted March 24, 2003 MM454, you stole my trick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 Hm these are some very unique tips. I really appreciate the help. I'll check these things out and let you know what worked, if anything. ------------------ 180 louvers! Its a rice shredder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 for Lloyd - Do you know how to deciper the fastener list. I have all the part numbers from my assembly manual but no idea how to tell boly size and type from the part numbers. You or any one that knows, please help. Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 I bought a parts book that has been burnt to cd in Adobe pdf format that has been invaluable to part number searches and part location. I see a similar item on eBay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10076&item=2408574608 I know the guy with the cd copies is still out there but could not find his. If there is not a copyright issue maybe I could work out a deal to get you a copy. If you are having problem using the cross reference send me an e-mail and I will try to help. Quote: <font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 40model: for Lloyd - Do you know how to deciper the fastener list. I have all the part numbers from my assembly manual but no idea how to tell boly size and type from the part numbers. You or any one that knows, please help. Jerry </font> ------------------ <IMG SRC=\"http://home.at...ot;> LLOYD@firstgenmc.com [This message has been edited by ADGTRUNKLID (edited 03-25-2003).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montefrazer Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 I just bought a Craftsman stripped screw remover kit from Sears. New toys! I haven't tried it yet, but you may want to look into it if you strip the screw heads. ------------------ Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montefrazer Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 Originally posted by ADGTRUNKLID: This person thinks he has a pair of lights for sale http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2408244170&category=33716 somewhat scary to think he knows what he is talking about, as they look like license plate lights to me. He doesn't know what he is talking about if he is trying to sell those as any kind of Monte lights. Scary part is someone who doesn't know better buying them. ------------------ Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoodicoff1 Posted March 26, 2003 Share Posted March 26, 2003 Quote: <font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I just bought a Craftsman stripped screw remover kit from Sears. New toys! I haven't tried it yet, but you may want to look into it if you strip the screw heads.</font> I have those, they don't seem to work on anything, I tried the screw removers on the piece of chrome trim above the tail light with 0 luck ------------------ 69 custom camper/cst 10 70 monte carlo 73 chevelle 4 door deluxe"kermit": no carpet(rubber floor) no floor, no trunk still drives (D.Ot'd finally) 74 cheyenne super 20 454 SOLD 77 fully loaded silverado that my Grandpa gave me 1980 BMW 320i(at least it isnt Japanese) 1981 ford f150 4x4 1972 Honda ct 90 trailbike Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc8oye Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 I did like rob said. removed the unit from the bumper, drilled the screw heads off, removed the lens, removed the screws with vice-grips, then replaced the scrws with stainless screws to avoid this problem in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLASSIK1 Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 here is a trick i learned years ago , screws are designed to be driven in not removed believe it or not they are designed to grip harder during installation learned this from a supplier in Chicago who was an oem supplier to the auto ind, something to do with angle taper , when trying to break a screw loose try first to tighten it then loosen it and back and forth but in most cases trying to tighten it first wiil break it free , and believe me i have about a 98% sucess rate using this method , good hardened tip driver and pb blaster and some luck Leo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc8oye Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 leo has got a point there. when I took my bolts out, they turned IN easier and I took them out thru the back.. also the threads on the 'inside' are often clener and easier to turn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjs-13 Posted December 9, 2004 Share Posted December 9, 2004 If it does'nt fit, force it! If it breaks you needed a new one anyway! Take a BIG hammer, hit tailight, break housing, remove 4 nuts holding housing, paint replacement housing, install replacement tailight housing. See, you never needed to remove the backup light lens screws in the first place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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