Stripped screws - TD1

[Scorpio]

I was adjusting my td1's and it seems that I've stripped my bumper screws. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to get them out?

[Guest thomas_m]

Go to your local hardware store and by an 'easy out' in the size you need. They are cheap and it's actually a good idea to buy a whole set of various sizes since they are so useful. I think I paid $10 for a set of four.

Drill a hole down the center of the bolt then screw the easy-out into the hole counterclockwise. It's sort of like a reverse threaded drill bit that will bite the side of the hole you drilled and spin the stuck bolt out.

If you have a drill, right size bit and easy out, it's a 2 minute job.

T.

[Corey]

Do you have spare bumpers? If so, I'd cut/tear the bumpers off so you can get a pair of pliers on the bolt head. That has a much greater chance of success for someone without much experience.

[trikerdad]

What Thomas says is the proper way to to remove a stripped screw but the bumper screws are just aluminum. If they're stripped, there can't be much holding them in. I'd just take a small punch and drive them out, then pick out any little pieces of aluminum left in the plate threads.

[jimcheen]

I just noticed that the end of the bolt that holds the bumper on is available from the top. If you center punch the bolt and then drill it, the bolt may be caught by the drill bit and unscrew itself. Good luck.

Jim C.