Tail light screws totally stripped. Any ideas?

[ReeS4e]

I have new DEPO tail lights I need to install and test to make sure they're not garbage like the side markers they came with.

Thanks

[steven_1104235]

I haven't dealt with my tail lights on my audi yet, I'm guessing they're torx? Either a quality bolt-out set, or if you're cheap with tools like I used to be, use the following method. Generally, things like that aren't held too tight, I find the torx bit that fits tightest, then try super gluing to the screw head for quick drying, and if that doesn't work I go with jb qwik/Loctite Weld glue(30 min dry). I've gotten most cosmetic item screws off that way, basically works for anything that isn't stripped because of rust/corrosion(Those need real welds)
Good luck

Edit: Looked up diy for b6, looks as if the screws are philips as well as regular hex on the outside. I'd try small vice-grips on the outside first, then different smaller/larger philips, as well as smaller 12 point sockets and external torx bits( Should be just small enough to need to be hammered on a little bit). If all that fails, the epoxy method with a socket should work, I can't see those being too tight.

[ReeS4e]

it's phillips. do you hold the bit to the screw for 30 minutes?
i thought about trying to drill through it.

[steven_1104235]

No, the epoxy is pretty thick and tacky, a few minutes and it holds fine. I Use masking tape to hold it in place to be sure. It's just 15-30min for initial dry, where it's strong enough to work. Drilling the screw also works, but make sure you only drill the head off, so there's still some screw thread sticking out of the housing that you can later remove with pliers. Otherwise good luck drilling it out if you ever want to reuse the stock lights again. I normally hold drilling as a last resort on my Audi.

[steven_1104235]

And of course the general waiver of liability, I'm not responsible if you're drill slips, your hands get stuck together, you try to eat the glue etc etc

[adub]

Buy a DTM bumper and carbon fiber trunk ...its the only way.

[ReeS4e]

Didn't realize I could use the ratchet. That was it. Thx

[ReeS4e]

Buy a DTM bumper and carbon fiber trunk ...its the only way.

I have gunmetal RS4 rims. Depo lights are the same as stock, except darker. It would have looked great.
However, one tail does not work at all. A bulb was out on one and the fitment is not as good as stock.
ebay

[steven_1104235]

Another option is to just get them tinted. Basically any tint shop can put a light tint on your stock tail lights, without causing any future removal issues like the spray can tints. Some won't do it for liability reasons, you'd have to ask around. I work in the judicial system here, and learned of a civil case where a defendant won because they showed the person they rear ended had tinted tail lights, so they claimed they didn't see them braking. I don't know how it is where you live, but here people think Audi=High Insurance Limits=Lawsuit=Mo Crack

[ReeS4e]

Another option is to just get them tinted. Basically any tint shop can put a light tint on your stock tail lights, without causing any future removal issues like the spray can tints. Some won't do it for liability reasons, you'd have to ask around. I work in the judicial system here, and learned of a civil case where a defendant won because they showed the person they rear ended had tinted tail lights, so they claimed they didn't see them braking. I don't know how it is where you live, but here people think Audi=High Insurance Limits=Lawsuit=Mo Crack

Interesting suggestion. I'll look into that.
Thanks