Removing Headlights (with stripped retainer screws)

[jsaucedo]

Hey Everybody,

Hope you're enjoying your weekends.

I am trying to replace my headlights, but the retainer screws are old and already stripped.

Any tips for removal? Are the replacement retainer screws easily replaceable at most stores?

Thanks!

James

[DRACO A5OG]

James,

If you don't have it, go to harbor freight and get yourself a mini split tippry bar or anything to get some leverage under the screw while you unscrew so hopefully the lower threads can catch so you can extract it. Spray some lube down there first, let it soak.

Take a good screw to a local hardware store to get a match or close to it. It is metric so you need a shop that carry those.

Break a Leg Brother!
Jim

[Mitch Leland]

I'm sure that Pelican Parts have them... When you say the screws are stripped, you are referring to the threads, not the head of the screw? If that's the case you might be able to get a very small/thin screw driver under the head to leverage the screw while you turn the head. If the head is shot then a little valve grinding compound in the slot can do wonders.

[pavegeno]

I had to replace my stripped screws because they would not hold headlight alignment. None of the regular parts folks had them as they come as part of the entire headlight assembly and are not an individual part number. I finally sourced the screws from Los Angeles Dismantlers at 818-767-7243. Good Luck.

Geno

[mreid]

Assuming the threads are stripped, the suggestions above will work. You can get the screws from mcmaster Carr, but you will have to buy a box. Get them in stainless and put a small dab of antiseize on the threads when you install them. Sell the excess to your friends as all Porsche owners will need them.

[jsaucedo]

Thanks guys!
I was meant the head is stripped. The threads seem frozen.

[theweaver]

The screws are stainless M4 12mm long.

As for removal, it is pretty impossible to drill them out, because of their position , but it may be possible to carefully pry the headlamp bezel from the top lip of the main headlamp, ease it forward enough to get a junior hacksaw blade in wrapped in cloth, ( remove the pin from the blade), and cut the retaining screw, otherwise its a very expensive bezel replacement. The replacement retaining screws are not expensive genuine, most certainly cheaper than bezels

Don't forget the anti seize grease when you finally sort it out.

Good luck

[DRACO A5OG]

Get the EZ out extractor or drill the head off and then use a vise grip to grab it and remove it.