license plate light replacement

[Petey]

After 13 years I finally have to change a plate light, but after 13 years of New England salt, the screws will not budge. I don't want to strip them out, and screws do not look healthy themselves. Are they not just screwed into plastic? Can I change the bulbs from the inside?


Any other tips for changing them before I tear the gate apart?

 

[Blckshdw]

Yes the screws are just going into plastic. If you're really worried about stripping them, get a screw extractor, and have it handy.

It's been a while since I removed my LP pocket, so I can't remember if the light sockets can be pulled through the inside of the pocket itself. But for the amount of work that would take, you might as well use an extractor on the rusty screws and save the extra labor and headache. Get some similarly sized self tappers to replace them.

 

[mrrsm]

Yes... Glom on some of this EvapoRust GEL (Goop) on anything Rusty for 2-4 Hours... then just Hose it Off... No Scrubbing, No Muss, No Fuss:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0762WZDP7/?tag=gmtnation-20

Watch from around 3:10 for How to Apply the "Goop":

 

[Mooseman]

You can access the sockets from inside. Just pull the interior hatch cover and they'll be right there. Just twist and pull to remove them from the license pocket.

 

[fletch09]

mine rusted also, stripped the heads trying to get them out.
took of the rear hatch cover
took the pocket completely out
ground off the heads ( i did have 2 new lenses already on hand, because i knew/ and did screw up the lenses)
once i got lenses off, used a vise grip to back out the remaining portion of screw.
then replaced the screws with a course threaded SS screw. (slightly larger)
it's going into plastic so it's basically self tapping.
should never rust again