C30 Body : Number plate light screw heads all mashed. What do?

[StatusRed]

On my car they're T-20 torx.

[oneilldom]

Originally Posted by StatusRed

On my car they're T-20 torx.

Possible these have been replaced at some point. They were absolutely jammed in and so rounded as I say I could only get two out of the three that are still present.

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by oneilldom

Possible these have been replaced at some point. They were absolutely jammed in and so rounded as I say I could only get two out of the three that are still present.

Yeah sounds like they're not original.

[AngryScot]

Originally Posted by oneilldom

Update: I had a go at getting the screws out to replace the bulbs on saturday morning. Turned out they were phillips heads (although very rounded) I could only get one side out due to the screw head problems and one the plastic which holds the bulb hanger inside the cluster had come away (along with the hanger).

They are philips head on my C30 too, one side drilled out easily but the other side is stuck.

Originally Posted by oneilldom

Additionally, but slightly off topic, does anyone know how to get the bulb & housing from the footwell light out? I just could not see what was keeping it in or how to unclip it. Any info appreciated.

I just popped a flat bladed screwdriver in the side closest to me then twisted it and they popped out.

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by AngryScot

They are philips head on my C30 too, one side drilled out easily but the other side is stuck.



I just popped a flat bladed screwdriver in the side closest to me then twisted it and they popped out.

Use as wide a blade as possible to prise then out - minimizes chance of damage to thin plastic/acrylic edges - or use a proper plastic pry set - cheap enough on line and less likely to damage plastic/acrylic as they too are plastic

[AngryScot]

Having owned two French cars (you'd think I would have learned after the first...) I've got a set of plastic trim tools but I'm also a bit lazy so when they weren't to hand a screwdriver will do. At least with French cars the trim actually wants to come off and does so of its own accord!

As long as you're careful with a screwdriver there shouldn't be much of an issue.

[warlord0]

Drill the heads off. Then when you've removed everything you may be able to get the chuck of the drill to grab the screw, stick it in reverse and out it comes.

Handy if you have a battery drill with a small chuck.

[ASt85]

If no drill is available - using a pair of long nose pliers will often remove stubborn Phillips/hex/star & TRX etc screws - NB often tapping then with a hammer on the driver will often free up damaged threads

[oneilldom]

Thanks Gents, Great info there. Currently in meltdown mode cause I can't get my new OEM discs and pads to fit. Amateur mechanic I am not.

[AngryScot]

How does the bulb holder in the passenger side foot well come out? I only did the drivers side initially as the bulb wasn't working when I got the car and found it easier just to replace the whole unit with one from a breakers I got for £1.

The passenger side one has gone now and I've replaced the other interior lights with LEDs so the filament bulbs in the footwell look a bit out of place. I've ordered a "drop in" LED replacement unit off ebay as I'm not nearly dexterous enough to fit the bulb lying in the foot well but looking at the passenger side I'm not sure if it has to be pushed out from the glove box or not.