License Plate Lights in Rear Bumpers

[81 SC Ray]

Hi All,

I see that I can get new lights from our host. My question is, has anyone ever had those off and seen what is inside?? Is each individual bumper held on by just the one bolt I see? My lights have basically fallen out. The metal bracket inside has disintegrated. I finally found some rust on my car
Does anyone know a source for replacing the metal in those - or is it time to get creative??

Thanks.

Ray

[yelcab1]

3 bolts

[83-911SC cab]

Ray,

Welcome to the fold..I see you are local..The rubber bumper pieces are indeed held on by 3 nuts to the bumper, as long as it is a US model..Euro model rubber bumpers pieces are smaller and are held on by 2 nuts from what I've heard..

If you are replacing the tag lights you should not have to take off the rubber impact bumpers..If you have any questions we can hook up and see what you need..I am by no means an expert but have replaced my tag lights and my rubber impact bumpers.

Gregg

[nineball]

if the mounting points for the lights/cover are rusted out you may have to replace the bumperettes, or maybe get creative and glue something on the inside to have new mounting holes for the lights.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by 83-911SC cab

The rubber bumper pieces are indeed held on by 3 nuts to the bumper, as long as it is a US model..Euro model rubber bumpers pieces are smaller and are held on by 2 nuts from what I've heard..

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure the US rubber bumperettes are held on by 5 nuts.

The smaller '74 and Euro bumperettes are held on by 3 nuts.


And... you do NOT have to remove the bumperettes to change the license light.

[nineball]

Only 3 on my 83SC

[Tsunamiboy]

Are you sure it isn't just the speed nut that has rusted?

[81 SC Ray]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies so far!! Sorry if I was not clear - I know that I do not have to remove the bumperette to get the lights out. I thought I may have to remove them to rebuild the metal inside so I can have something to screw the lights into!! I think the metal the speed clips mount to is beyond hope.

I may just have to silicone them into place.

Ray

[porschenut]

There are 3 bolts on each impact bumper. The speed nuts are attached to a plastic plate (not metal) that is molded in place.

[na2ub]

Time to get creative. I would create a bracket to fit the lights, then jam the whole assembly in the bumper and glue it in. You could swap out to different lenght screws for the lights if you needed to to get them to pull in flush. New bumperettes cost a fortune, although you might be able to find some cheap used ones. Mine went right in the trash when I removed them. Good luck.

[81 SC Ray]

Porschenut - thanks so much. A picture is worth a thousand words..... Your pic has answered my questions. Also, thanks for the tidbit on the metal speed clip attaching to the rubber. I can probably buy some speed clips at Auto Zone.

I appreciate everyones input.

Ray

[Wil Ferch]

I still don't understand....if all you want to do is change out the lights....these are separately screwed into the bumper pads..those screws hold the light fixture onto the bumper pads.

[Wil Ferch]

see here--->

[81 SC Ray]

I understand why you are frustrated - I probably did not make myself clear enough. I know that I do not have to remove the bumperette to replace the light housing. My problem was that when I noticed that the lights were falling out, I did some investigating and found that there was nothing but rust to screw the screws back in. I initially thought I would have to remove the bumperette to replace or fabricate something to screw the screws into to hold the light housing. But, as has come to light (no pun intended) in this thread, the rusted metal is just quick spring clips that clip onto a lip on the rubber. So, I am hoping a couple of gereral pieces of hardware from the local car parts store will do the trick - without having to remove the bumperette.

I hope that clears it up for you - by the way, thanks for taking the time to take the picture.

You guys rock.

Ray

[Wil Ferch]

Correct....the light fixture "screws" into the "Hole" of the rubber bumpers...using a speednut or two. That's the core point missing. I simply cribbed the picture from cars in the for-sale section...no worries.

Something like this?---> http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/10_24_Screw_Size_U_Type_Speed_Nuts_p/pas9897-100.htm

[Pazuzu]

Pull them off.

The speednuts on some are mounted on steel plates which rust (mine were like that). The plates are impregnated in the rubber of the bumper, and not easy to see or study. I have removed my pads and want to sell them, but I need to remove all traces of that plate (now mostly rust), and fab up an aluminum plate to replace it.

In fact, here's some pictures I took, you can clearly see the rusty steel plate inside. how it's covered in rubber which tears apart as the rust bubbles up, AND the speednuts.

[81 SC Ray]

Hey Mike - thanks so much for sending. I fear that is my situation. There is nothing left where the speed nuts go. So, I think I am in for a pull and fabrication. I wish my hardware was in your condition. I have been hitting them with PB Blaster every night in anticipation of what is to come!!

Ordering the new lights from pelican tonight.

Ray

[RSBob]

Why bother with the lights in the overriders and just add the lights which come built into the license plate bolts: WHITE LED License Plate Bolts for Harley Fatboy & Dyna - eBay (item 290472760531 end time Dec-05-10 18:03:16 PST)

[fred cook]

Ray,

If you are interested, I have a set of the rear rubber bumpers that came off of my 1980 SC that I can sell to you for $75 plus the shipping for the pair including the lights. They are used, but in very good condition. If you are interested, let me know.

Thanks,