58 Tail Light Lens Screws

[Jason P.]

I purchased the tail light lens screws with nylon washers for my 58 Vette and they don't want to screw in.

Anyone else had this problem and anyone have a solution?

Here are the screws I purchased:

https://www.corvettecentral.com/c1-5...t%26count%3d45

I don't think I have a thread chaser that small in diameter but then again I don't really see any threads to begin with.

For clarity, these are the screws that attached the plastic tail light lens to the tail light assembly.

Thanks,
Jason

[Mike M.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Fasteners in your photos appear correct heads. If you had your tail light rechromed , that may explain it and then u willi have to tap the lights. Mike mccagh

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Thanks but I havent had my tail lights rechromed. I will try again this evening.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

I again tried but I am not able to get the screws in. Does anyone know what size the screws are that go into the taillight lens to hold it down? Are they #6-32 or #8-32? The ones corvette central sent me are #8 but it feels like they should be the smaller #6.

Anyone please help lol. I am at my wits end.

[Gary B.]

[David B.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Look in Grp. 2.697 of 58 parts book. 912048 appears to be the correct screw #8-32 x 5/8

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

I measured the screw and it is a #8-32 x 5/8. I am thinking maybe I need to run a #8-32 tap through it to clean/cut the threads.

Here is a picture I took zoomed in x10 on my phone.

What are your thoughts about running a tap through it?

tail-light-thread-hole.jpg

Thanks in advance!

Jason

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

I don't have a parts book. Where can I get one of these?

[Ian G.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

eBay will often have them.

[Joe M.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

I have experienced the problem on my 1960 with the original screws. The screws will go in if you insert them at the correct angle. Don't force them.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Thanks everyone. I was able to run a tap through them and then the screws worked perfectly.

I have another question. I purchased a tail light seal from Corvette Central and was confused as to how it was used. Looking in the AIM, I don't see it referenced anywhere but I think it is supposed to go in between the plastic tail light lens and the lens assembly to create a watertight seal.

If this seal is supposed to be used, should i apply some contact cement or something on the seal/gasket so that it will stay in place when trying to screw on the lens? The rubber gasket/seal won't stay in place otherwise.

tail-light-seal.jpg

I saw someone else had a post asking the same question and they never got a response.

Thanks in advance!
Jason

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Jason, Yes, you'll have to use some black 3M w/strip adhesive.

Just a little on the housing perimeter every few inches and around the upper and lower curves. Then in the same spots on the gasket. Again, not a lot.

Then let the glue kick-off for a few minutes. This is important as it's contact cement.

Then carefully apply the gasket to the hhousing.You can put some masking tape pieces across in several place to assist. It should stay put. When it's stuck and holding the curves. Remove the tape.

Then attach the lens with the screws, just snug. Don't go too tight.

I always try to align the slots of the screw heads parallel with the vertical length of the lens for a neater appearance. It's just a byproduct of my antique mahogany boat building process which uses slotted screws for all hardware, engine cover hinges, etc.

Plus it'll make the car go faster due to less wind resistance.

P.S. Cute puppy in the background.

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

Richard, thanks for the great info!

[Gary B.]

Re: 58 Tail Light Lens Screws

That brought a smile to my face!

Gary