sheared screws

[markthe45king]

As a very nice lady rear ended me last week, I am now doing the bits of repairs I need to keep Lily on the road until the new rear wing and bumper can be fitted next week. Don't worry they are still solid on the car, just dented.

Anyway, I have just gone to replace the broken rear light fitting, the coloured lens part, and it seems we sheared one of the holding screws - so does anyone have any idea about how to get a sheared screw out? It's broken off right at the surface. I'm also a little bit peeved that my new fitting didn't come with the screws, so now I'm going to have to source new ones.

Cheers as ever

Mark

[bmcecosse]

Since the old lense is broken anyway - you probably will need to break it up more to be able to grip the screw with pliers.

[markthe45king]

Ah, sorry I wasn't clear - the screw is sheared at the base point - so where you screw the lens into the chrome bit, it's sheared into the actual chrome base.

I think I might have to buy a whole new chrome fitting and replace the whole unit.

[mike.perry]

Do not bodge it, replace any part that was damaged as a result of or consequence of the collision and is required to return the car to the condition it was in before the accident, and pass the bill to the other's insurance

[bmcecosse]

As above - if they are paying - renew everything that's damaged... Are YOU doing the repairs - or a garage ?? Make sure you get paid.....

[markthe45king]

I've ended up replacing the lens part myself and given the garage the receipt. It's a temporary fix so at least people can see me indicating and braking in the few days I need to use the car before she goes in for the bodywork. So the insurance will be paying for it! The garage can then advise me if it needs a whole new unit. To be honest I'm more concerned about the chassis horrors that removing the wing will reveal.