Headlight Removal - Screw Help

[anniewyo]

Hi, I am sure this is just redundant and it has probably been addressed in these forums before, but I just need advice on removing my headlight on my 56. There is a short in the turn signal wire and I need to get to the wire coming from the headlight area. I don't want to slip with the large screwdriver to remove the bottom screw as it is stuck -- but I can't figure out if I use liquid wrench if it will seep past the spacer and do any good. Headlights have not removed since 1986.. Any thoughts or advice. I am on my own here. Thanks for all your help -- Ann E.

[finster]

it's worth giving it a blast of penetrating oil - it wont do any harm. if you're worried about scratching the paint then tape thick cardboard to the area. if a screw is stubborn I often try turning it tighter first, just enough to break the grip of the rust. another tip is to use an adjustable wrench to grip the blade of the screwdriver and give better leverage.
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[panicman]

You can try Liquid Wrench from both sides. Inside the fender, just below the bucket, you should see the back side of the weld nut that the headlight screw is threaded into. Apply your lubricant there and then on the front, where it should creep in. Repeat applications over time always helps.

I personally would try using a large screwdriver on that screw, when it is time, and grab the shaft of the screwdriver with vice grips, and use it to add leverage to your twist.

[tasb]

Use the big screwdriver! Try some light taps on the back end of the screwdriver with a hammer. The vibration will help break the screw loose.
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[Eric&Barb]

Also best to not only turn to loosen, but also turn to tighten. Tightening can crush the rust in the threads to turn it to dust. Then work the fastener back and forth working in the penetrating oil. Beware just turning out the fastener, the rust can bunch up in the threads shoving the shaft over hard enough to cause it to weld the threads together. If the fastener feels like it is getting harder to turn, reverse the turning and work in more oil.
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[my59]

I go for Kroil if PB Blaster doesn't do the job on penetrating, and leave it overnight to soak in.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
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[anniewyo]

Thanks everyone for your help. Good old-fashioned liquid wrench and a little patience spraying it a few times over a 24 hour period, a couple hammer taps as someone mentioned, and both screws broke loose! Problem solved! Ann

[kintail]

Using an air powered rivet gun on the headlight screw from the backside carefully would work to loosen it very quickly as well. Another option..
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August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe