Headlight trim ring removal

[Broncojunkie]

Having a time trying to remove my headlight retainer rings. The lower screws seem to be frozen. I've already completely stripped 2 screws. You can also see where I burned the paint below this one in my attempt to drill out the stripped screw. Can't get to it with needle nose vise grips (doubt it would work anyway). Can't heat it. Can't drill it. Looks like I'd be in the same boat even if I removed the entire front end.

Thoughts?

[87gtVIC]

What exactly are you trying to accomplish here?

Just replacing headlamps? If you can remove the top screws some people just bend the bezel down to remove the headlamp. Doing so may give you more room to remove said frozen screws.

You may need to source replacements if bent too many times as the metal can fatigue.

[gr79]

I have bent retainer down too the minimum amount for same issue until modded.
Wound up drilling out the screws and the machine threads.
Replaced with larger stainless screws. #8, 10, or something. No machine tread.
Bucket retainer, trim door ones too as needed.

Cant remember. May have removed beam, then gained access to remove entire bucket onto bench for the lower screws.

A new drill bit, slow speed, with lube, should get them out.
A hex drill with magnetic extension to keep drill chuck far back if repairing on car.
Prespray inside bucket with rust buster
Protect the bumper with cardboard secured with masking tape.

Hex head screws possible option with a T-wrench if the treads are ok.

[Broncojunkie]

Thanks for the tips. I managed to get one drilled out with a hex shank drill bit, but the next one just won't come out for some reason. I'll try the bend method. Just replacing headlights.

[erratic50]

shoot it with PB Blaster's rusty fastener removal lube (whatever they call it) every day for a week. Anywhere you can get to. If you can find a way to shoot the back sides of the screws, then do.

After a good long soak, try one of these.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7...ng_dcoe_google and a dead blow hammer. Grip the tool very fimrly -- maybe even with a visegrip if feasible. Hold it as firmly as possible. Any twist that's not put on the machine screw is twist that's wasted.

The bend down method is what I've had to use on my car a number of times. The rings do eventually break but if you take it easy they hold up a long time being abused like that.

[4eyedblind]

Once I got mine out, I replaced them with longer machine screws so, they were easier to get in and out after that.

[KevinK]

Sometimes you can crack them loose with visegrips by grabbing the head. New replacements Are available. Foxbodys are black.

[Broncojunkie]

Sometimes you can crack them loose with visegrips by grabbing the head. New replacements Are available. Foxbodys are black.

They're awfully hard to get to with vise grips! And when you say new replacements, are you referring to the screws or the trim rings themselves?

[KevinK]

Replacement screws are available from suppliers such as NPD. They look to be the same from the 60s cars. I don’t see black available. I suspect the main supplier is AMK.

[wraithracing]

Never seen black headlight trim screws on a Fox body. The adjusting screws are black, but never seen black trim screws. If you buy new ones, go with the Stainless steel option. Good Luck!