Iron_dog

Hi guys, I'm looking for some good advice for removing some rusty screws that hold headlight bulb ring in place. I have to replace a broken bulb... Thanks!

DUB

I assume you are not wanting to use these same rusty screws again. Other than getting new CORRECT SCREWS. If they will not come out easily...I have heated up the area where they get screwed in and got them out that way....or weld onto them and clamp a pair of wise grips on what I welded onto it.

I do not waste a lot of time in this area because I do this for a living and can not waste an hour on 3 screws...so in some cases...when it is really bad....after about 10 minutes...if they are stuck...I get a new assembly. I do not have days of letting it soak in some penetrating oil. But that is your call.

DUB

kanvasman

PB Blaster, then turn the screw IN, like you want to tighten it a little bit. That usually breaks the rust and it unscrews easily.

Mako72

I had a problem with one of the screws that holds on the front turn signal lens. I soaked it a couple of nights with Kroil (my favorite penetrant). I then used my Porter Cable impact driver with a new phillips head bit. On it's lowest setting and reversing directions a number of times, it finally broke free. The secret is to give up on the hand held screwdriver before it destroys the X in the screw head.

BLUE1972

I use my old Sears impact driver - the one you hit with a hammer, Works all the time. Then use never-seize when I put it back together.

BLUE1972

For replacement screws I use my local Marine Store and have switched to SS screws.

DUB

All of that is good as long as you can get the tip of your Phillips to take bite and actually work. I have had them where there was no way for a screwdriver to work....and even cutting a slot in it for a flat blade screwdriver was not possible....which is why I weld on them....or replace the assembly.

And YES...those screws are in REALLY TIGHT.

DUB

Iron_dog

Dub,
I'm looking for the correct screws, can you give me some details?

Thanks

Alan 71

Hi ID,
Are you asking about the headlight ring mounting screws? A couple of different screws are mentioned in this thread.
Paragon Reproductions lists a 'service replacement' screw which means it will work but may be a different configuration than the original.
I don't know if that matters to you or not.
Be careful you don't order the capsule screws rather than the ring screws.
Regards,
Alan

In this picture you can see what a sharp point the original has.

Iron_dog

Hi Alan, I'd change both because all seems rusty. Could you give me their specs? Thread, length, head type...

Thanks

Richard454

I wasn't worried about originality- upgraded to some Hella lights and 12gu wire w/ relays...

I went w/ some 6 32 stainless machine screws ½" long and nylock nuts from my local hardware store.

Mine doesn't look near as nice as Alan's....

DSCN5143 by richardhayes454, on Flickr

BLUE1972

those look really great,

the 71 I'm rebuilding had decking screws in the holders ?

I GUESS WHEN YOUR AS OLD AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER and cheep anything works....

I use SS screws from the local marine shop, paint them black and add never sieze.....

If you want the sharp point chuck the screw in a drill and hit it with a dremmel tool. works well

Richard454

THANKS!!

Deck screws? Better than drywall screws!!! At least the deck screws are weatherproof!

I chuck them up in a drill as well-but use my belt sander to get a point.

Richard

Msbfdx

I use a bit of valve grinding compound on the screw driver tip to get additional grip on the screw head.