Coupe taillight screw stripped

So my coupe tail light housing has two 8mm screws, that screw directly into metal. The metal is actually stripped, not the screw. It was suggested that I need to make new thread into the metal of the car, and possibly a new type of screw..?

I went to the dealership with the issue actually, as I needed their help. The manager suggested using sheet metal screws, and said they create a new thread as they go. Is this really my only solution?

Super stupid problem in the first place, but it actually happened because I tried unscrewing the factory ones, and it literally snapped in half, stuck in the threading. The manager used vice grips to grab the snapped part out, which is how it became ruined...

*Sigh*

Pics would really help if they are possible.

Sheet metal screws would work... at least once. I'd certainly at least try a standard thread or a 9mm before I started forcing a sheet metal screw into the metal.

If you can get to the opposite side of the thread; a nut/bolt would be preferable, IMO. You may be able to Krazy Glue a nut to the opposite side to receive the bolt.

And be sure to sand/seal the now exposed metal around the original hole.

And I'm (kind of) surprised that someone would just yank a broken bolt instead of drilling it out.

Sorry that happened. And good luck.

shoegazer said:

Pics would really help if they are possible.

I'd certainly at least try a standard thread or a 9mm before I started forcing a sheet metal screw into the metal.

Click to expand...

I agree. Or try with a 8 mm tap before.

Picture may help
Look here:
https://www.paulstravelpictures.com/2016-2019-Honda-Civic-Tail-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide/

8mm bolt

Oh man... the access is good. OP, IMO, could do a number of things to solve this. I like keeping it 8mm and just attaching a nut to the inside to receive the bolt.

But definitely smooth and seal the damaged area to protect against rust.

I just experinced a similar problem. was able to get the stripped screw out. Then purchased honda bolt-washer part number 90001-S10-A00. After that I had to retap the bolt hole with a M5- .08 tap. The thread on this bolt hole was 5mm in my car. I hope this helps someone else