I need to replace the license plate bulbs (I failed NJ inspection for this). But, as it turns out, the screws that hold the lenses/light covers on are rusted down and I can't seem to get them out (ok -- I got 1 out, the other 3 of them I can't get to turn at all).

Any suggestions to get the screws out so I can replace the bulbs?

 

The only thing i can say which usually works for me when things are rusted is use some stuff called aerocrall (spelling) and let it soak for quite a while. I do not the location, meaning if anything sensitive is in the area, but fire works good with rust too :P. Just spray it with wd40 or the aerocrall and let it sit for a while and try, hopefully it works. Good luck though

 

I shot them with WD-40, but didn't give it too much time to set -- it didn't work...

I'll probably just let it sit a while longer and try again later today....

 

Forunately my FD is from Arkansas and has never seen the rain/snow/salt so i haven't had to encounter any rust on it yet, i had a 240sx that i swapped a rb25det into before that add some rusty stuff and that aerocrall seemed to work well, idk if you can buy that like as a customer might only be industrial stuff, my dad gets it from work. Good luck

 

Liquid Wrench is a decent product as well.

 

When dealing with screws, a highly effective tool is called an impact driver. It's a heavy metal handle with different screwdriver tips. You twist it and hit it with a hammer, then the impact untwists the screw head while the force of the blow keeps the bit from slipping. About $25 from Sears.

The only downer is it works best with a sturdy base, and license plate screws are usually just threaded into plastic. So in your case it may require care or risk breaking something.

I agree with the others, WD-40 is crap for use as a penetrating oil. Kroil, PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, etc are superior.

 

"Aerokroil"

http://kanolabs.com/

 

Thanks Artofwar, i was on campus when i was replying to the post so I couldn't really check what the specific spelling was. Thanks

 

I was going to buy some last year, but couldn't make up my mind which formula to try. Also, out here (in SoCal), unless you're near the ocean, rust just isn't much of an issue. Different story when I lived in Michigan though...