Replacing rear tail lights to LED

[LovemyClassC]

I have a 2018 Thor Class C Freedom elite. My tail lights bulbs were going out. I decided to replace them with LED lights. The left light was not too bad removing, the screws did not snap off below the head, WEW! The right light was not as lucky. 4 each of the 6 screws snapped off just beneath the heads. The right light fixture is just outside my shower. I need to remove the bad screws but am afraid if I drill them out with a normal drill bit I may drill the screw into my shower. Extractor kits are difficult at the least and me and the kit do not see eye to eye most of the time. Maybe a left handed drill bit would be an idea but have not ever tried such as animal. I imagine there is some foam type insulation board separating the 1” thick plywood and fiberglass cover from the shower panels but I do not know how thick it is. What experiences have your guys had to extracting these screws or with the thickness of the insulation board surrounding the shower or other suggestions would be so welcomed. Thank you in advance. Peace all.

 

[16ACE27]

Your 22FE has the same rear lights as most Thor MHs. They sit in a recessed cavity with the wires going down to the harness. You would have to drill a long way to get into the shower, the screws are not that long.

If the screws broke the head off you should be able to remove the light and maybe get a small vice-grips on the nub? If not, drilling the metal screw in a fiberglass base is going to be very difficult.

Once you get the screws out you are probably going to have oversize holes. Fill with a hardwood dowel and epoxy, the drill a starter hole when installing the replacement light.

 

[LovemyClassC]

Thank you. I feel much more assured that I will not cause a bigger problem by drilling them out. I agree that I will end up with a larger hole and a bigger screw will not work since the plastic light fixture has the size fitted for the screw body and the head of the screw. The dowel trick will work. I plan to replace the screws with a good Stainless Steel screw and will add some silicon caulk to the hole to add more corrosion protection for the screw. Thank you tons and tons. Peace.

 

[taylorbob1]

Plastic chop sticks (instead of wood) work great for filling holes

Also, I use “butyl tape” as a sealer to take up space

 

[LovemyClassC]

I like the chop sticks idea. I will see what I have in my kitchen. The replacement lights came with a nice 1/4” thick sponge foam for a seal. That should be good. The original did not have any gasket, only some caulk. Should be good. Thank you very much for your suggestion with the chop sticks. Peace.

 

[LovemyClassC]

I have been thinking about this project a bit further and have missed the famous “kiss principle”(keep it simple stupid). I believe I am going to simply move the light over 1/4” and caulk dap the two open holes of old broken screws. I just have to make it look nice, be road worthy, and not kill myself trying to make it look brand new, because it is not brand new and it is a vehicle that flies down the road, lives under tree canopies, and hangs around on the beach and absolutely must be FUN. Thoughts?

 

[SGilbert]

IMHO, chop sticks are far too large. If you actually need anything, a tooth pick works great, as does a rubber band, but they deteriorate in time.

 

[taylorbob1]

IMHO, chop sticks are far too large. If you actually need anything, a tooth pick works great, as does a rubber band, but they deteriorate in time.

If you use bamboo chopsticks, they can be split to a very narrow point, then jammed into hole (an old Carpenter’s trick)
Personally, I like to completely fill hole by pounding in tight with a little glue, breaking off to flush, then after dry…re-drill pilot hole

 

[Lt Keefer]

I have been thinking about this project a bit further and have missed the famous “kiss principle”(keep it simple stupid). I believe I am going to simply move the light over 1/4” and caulk dap the two open holes of old broken screws. I just have to make it look nice, be road worthy, and not kill myself trying to make it look brand new, because it is not brand new and it is a vehicle that flies down the road, lives under tree canopies, and hangs around on the beach and absolutely must be FUN. Thoughts?

Brilliant idea.

 

[LovemyClassC]

Thank you Lt Keefer. I appreciate your supportive statement. We love our RV but it is what it is. A wonderful way to travel and enjoy life. It will not be here forever. I think the KISS principle belongs anywhere it makes sense. My case is a classic example of making more of something than it needs. Thank you again for your support.
I really like this forum. It helps me when I need it most. Peace.

 

[LovemyClassC]

I thank everyone for your help and suggestions. I learned a lot of solutions for my problem. Thank you everyone.