Luketic

Just purchased a 2004 TL. I went to go put my new plates on & the holes are rusted out, the screws get stuck about halfway in. Could i replace these or would i just have to clean them up?

00h2itr

So, you can't get the bolts out at all? Or can't get them in at all?

i'm sure you can replace them. But do you have any PB Blaster, or WD-40? That'll help at least get them in for now until you replace.

If you have a tap and die set, that would help clean up the threads as well.

ez12a

ditto prob just need to chase the threads with a tap. If i'm not mistaken the threads/nut is welded on the inside.

nfnsquared

^^^yup, if tapping doesn't work, IIRC someone on this board removed that panel and used JB weld to affix new nuts to the backside of the panel. should be able to find the thread with a search. it may be in the garage, dunno.

Luketic

Alright, thanks guys! I'll try it with some WD40! If not, I'll try to clean them up a bit with a tap!

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

I had big time problems with this myself. Bolt head broke off from force. Had to drill it out for the time being, temporary fix. By summer I gotta rethread them.

jungy4

The top rear plate screws? Mine got stuck and I had to drill it out, rethread it with helicoil. It was a fun project.

UA6

Good luck.

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

ebelp?

350

iTrader: (4)

I also had a bolt snap when I first bought the car, drilled it out and had enough OK threads to get a new stainless bolt coated in lithium grease in. I didn't bother trying to fix the damaged threads as there's 4 holes, if was only 2 I would have, but I did switch all 4 to stainless and coated them in grease so it won't happen again.

alum04org

Know the time is coming when I have to deal with this. As original owner of an '06 TL, the license plate has been mounted on it for 118,000 miles and some six Michigan winters..... I checked the top screws/bolts and they are absolutely frozen in place. I'll be PB Blastin' them come springtime to see if I can budge them loose.
Meanwhile, my pal recently bought a 2006 TL and had the exact same troubles - he went through the whole process of re-tapping/etc, so at least I have someone who's "done it."

As a note to new 3G TL owners, you would be well-advised to prevent this by keeping those puppies well-lubed!