Tail Lamp Screws

[69 GT350 Vert]

So a prior owner drilled out the stripped inserts for the stock screws in my tail light panel on my 69 Shelby.  They also used longer machine screws and a nut on the back side.  I don't feel like removing the tail light panel to fix this the right way.  Does anyone know if a screw exists that looks correct on the visible side, but will accept a nut on the back side where nobody can see it?  If so, could you tell me the size specs on this screw and nut so I can buy some?  Thanks.

[Shelbypat]

Just curious, why dont you install new rivnut ?

Patrick

[69 GT350 Vert]

Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?

[Bob Gaines]

Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?

Yes ,you can find threaded brass inserts in the yellow servalite boxes that many hardware stores keep on hand.

[Jimbc123]

If your hardware store does not have the inserts, they are readily available online. I used a kit from Time-Sert for 8-32. The kit is available on Amazon but it is a little pricey at about $75. The kit includes the appropriate drill, tap, installation tool and the inserts. Simple instructions and easy to do.

Jim

[J_Speegle]

Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?

You can repair these with the panel on the car.

Here is an excerpt from an article I did on restoring 68-69 taillight panels 10 years ago.  Forgive me for some poor wording at the time 

These inserts would IMHO be better than some of the other choices out there since the panel is made of fairly (in comparison) soft material more like wood than metal and the large deep exterior threads see to work great




Hope this helps.

[69 GT350 Vert]

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses.  I will check into the brass inserts.  They look like a better option.