Changing the headlight bulb... - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

jdshookup · 10-10-2008, 10:57 AM

I have a first gen stealth, I know how to change the bulb out but the problem occurs with the screws. They are so corroded and the screws are almost stripped completely to where if I try to unscrew them they'll be completely stripped! Any ideas of what I could do to get them out??

stans3000gt · 10-10-2008, 11:29 AM

Yes first spray some wd-40 or w.e pen fluid and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Than get a phillips screw driver that actually fits snuggly in there, dont be afraid to put some force forward while you are turning, It should strip, fi it does you will have to drill it out and tap in a new, its not too hard of a job. Also if the phillips screw driver seems like its not fitting properly anymore get a flat head screwdriver and try to fit it in, sometimes it helps. You can always also make a cut in the head of the screw so that a big flat head screw driver can fit in. Oh tap the screw with something a few times, and another Idea is to try tighting the screw a bit than go back to pulling it off that will loosen it up hopefuly. Once you finally get the screws out, Replace them, go to any lowes or what not and buy new screws so next time you wont be in the same spot, plus put some grease on them,......

Oh and +rep will be appriciated

lawdogg · 10-10-2008, 11:32 AM

What screws?

stans3000gt · 10-10-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawdogg

What screws?

The first gen sealed beam has 4 screws holding the chrome plate on. The plate holds the sealed beam headlights in place.

Steve '93ES · 10-10-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

get a phillips screw driver that actually fits snuggly in there,

+1 on that. You'd be surprised the difference a quality screwdriver makes. I use Klein, mostly because of my electrician background but Snap-on and the like are excellent as well. Even Stanley and Craftsman don't cut it. It might seem silly to spend $10 on a screwdriver but in the end it's not.

BlackStealth · 10-10-2008, 11:51 AM

My favorite tool for taking out stubborn screws is a cordless screw driver with the torque setting set to max. This way you push hard against the screw to prevent slipping and damaging the screw head. Also it helps tremendously if you have the correct bit.

lawdogg · 10-10-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stans3000gt

The first gen sealed beam has 4 screws holding the chrome plate on. The plate holds the sealed beam headlights in place.

Ah, missed that. D'oh!

jdshookup · 10-10-2008, 12:32 PM

Thanks for the advice... the screws are in there pretty tight. I have to go to work, and hopefully mess with it tomorrow. I really didn't want to have to strip the screw out and have to replace them. But, I'll look into it. Thanks again.

FluffyCow · 10-10-2008, 01:01 PM

You can probably get one of the 8 screws out without stripping it, and just go to a hardware store and pick up a set of 8 screws that match. As said, soak it in WD40 or PBblaster or something along those lines, and then use the RIGHT SIZED screwdriver to back the screw out.

stans3000gt · 10-10-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve '93ES

+1 on that. You'd be surprised the difference a quality screwdriver makes. I use Klein, mostly because of my electrician background but Snap-on and the like are excellent as well. Even Stanley and Craftsman don't cut it. It might seem silly to spend $10 on a screwdriver but in the end it's not.

Yep exactly, thats one of the great things that comes with a dad that does construction. He has more tools than home depot, and lowes combined LOL. He loves buying tools, thats what he calls shopping. We have almost any air/electric tool a person would need. I do have a bunch of cheap tools as well that I keep around because I wont mind if I lose them or they get ruined and they get the job done. Its just important to have the right bit, I have learned not to strip any screws I put my hand on now. I used to strip them all because I used the wrong tool and just get too mad at it and ruin it even more. Than my dad would have to come in and fix it, so I watched him do it a few times and he has some creative ways lol. Now he calls me when he needs this shit done.

10-10-2008, 10:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
jdshookup Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Jackson, MI Drives: 92 Dodge Stealth R/T Trader Rating: (3)	Changing the headlight bulb... I have a first gen stealth, I know how to change the bulb out but the problem occurs with the screws. They are so corroded and the screws are almost stripped completely to where if I try to unscrew them they'll be completely stripped! Any ideas of what I could do to get them out??

10-10-2008, 11:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
stans3000gt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Needham, M.A Drives: 1992 VR-4x2, 1993 SL Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Changing the headlight bulb... Yes first spray some wd-40 or w.e pen fluid and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Than get a phillips screw driver that actually fits snuggly in there, dont be afraid to put some force forward while you are turning, It should strip, fi it does you will have to drill it out and tap in a new, its not too hard of a job. Also if the phillips screw driver seems like its not fitting properly anymore get a flat head screwdriver and try to fit it in, sometimes it helps. You can always also make a cut in the head of the screw so that a big flat head screw driver can fit in. Oh tap the screw with something a few times, and another Idea is to try tighting the screw a bit than go back to pulling it off that will loosen it up hopefuly. Once you finally get the screws out, Replace them, go to any lowes or what not and buy new screws so next time you wont be in the same spot, plus put some grease on them,...... Oh and +rep will be appriciated __________________

10-10-2008, 11:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
lawdogg Here for the tuna. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Williamsport, PA Drives: The Speed Limit Trader Rating: (65)	Re: Changing the headlight bulb... What screws? __________________ 94 VR-4: 11.8 @ 116, 17psi, pump, 13Ts

10-10-2008, 11:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
BlackStealth Verified Seller Join Date: Apr 2000 Drives: 93 RT/TT Trader Rating: (162)	Re: Changing the headlight bulb... My favorite tool for taking out stubborn screws is a cordless screw driver with the torque setting set to max. This way you push hard against the screw to prevent slipping and damaging the screw head. Also it helps tremendously if you have the correct bit.

10-10-2008, 12:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
jdshookup Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Jackson, MI Drives: 92 Dodge Stealth R/T Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Changing the headlight bulb... Thanks for the advice... the screws are in there pretty tight. I have to go to work, and hopefully mess with it tomorrow. I really didn't want to have to strip the screw out and have to replace them. But, I'll look into it. Thanks again.

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10-10-2008, 01:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
FluffyCow 3SNY - HondaTurtleFTW Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Islip, NY Drives: 91 ES, 91 R/T TT Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Changing the headlight bulb... You can probably get one of the 8 screws out without stripping it, and just go to a hardware store and pick up a set of 8 screws that match. As said, soak it in WD40 or PBblaster or something along those lines, and then use the RIGHT SIZED screwdriver to back the screw out. __________________ 1991 Dodge Stealth ES - The car that started the 3S obsession Mods: Open air filter, "resonator" bottle removed, first-gen VR-4 rims. 1991 Fiji/Mystic Blue R/T TT 1 of 235(paint/R/T TT only, can't find more info, VIN is a 1 of none number) mods: RPS full face clutch, Fidanza flywheel, ATR downpipe, TurboXS dual stage boost controller, K+N fipk, Turboxs h34 bov, Kormex 25 spline, recall transfercase. 180k service done thanks Clint. Soon: water/meth injection 1987 Dodge Ramcharger - The back-up plan. Mods: Non-computerized timing, custom white gauge faces and red LED illumination, cat-back straight pipe, Chevy seats, Ford running boards, and Mopar everything else.