Who Knows Correct Screw Size for Tail Light & Reverse Plastic Lenses?

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dibbons

dibbons

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I am ready to install two old tail light lenses (red) and two new repro back-up light lenses (clear with reflector) in the '65 Formula S. The photo shows some leftover broken lenses and a newer back-up lens.

Anyway, so as not to split or crack the lenses with the wrong diameter or wrong length screw, who can help me out or direct me to a thread with some measurements? I am in Mexico and just want to run down to the nut/bolt shop down the street (don't want to involve any mail order madness for just a few fasteners). Thank you.

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Which screw info do you need? I have a 65 Cuda parts car I can get this from, but I'm unclear which screws you are asking about.
 
There are two screws that attach the red, plastic tail light lens to the chrome tail light housing. There are three screws that attach the round back-up lens to the tail light housing. Total of five screws and I am guessing that all five may be the same size and length.
 
Yes they are all the same size. Standby for some pics and dimensions.
 
The head and diameter match very close to a #9 wood screw. Hope this helps.

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Those screws are unique: dull wood screw like with a shoulder? of course mine are not in there....I have replacement lenses in bags still.
 
pishta said:
Those screws are unique: dull wood screw like with a shoulder? of course mine are not in there....I have replacement lenses in bags still.
Click to expand...
Yeah, the threads aren’t as sharp as the wood screw. I think you could get some #9 wood screws and spin them in some sand paper lightly to take the edge off. Then just shorten them to the right length. Or maybe the OP will get lucky at the bolt store.
 
I recognize them now that I see the photos (but can't find them here in the garage anywhere). It looks to me like #9 may be one or two sizes too big (thread diameter wise).

Evidently they measure 3/8" long with the screw head diameter of 5/16". The major thread diameter could be 11/64", 10/64" (which is 5/32"), or 9/64".

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I think you’re right, 9 is too big. Looks like a #8 is a better fit.
 
dont use too big of a screw, the plastic will craze around the threads. i guess im gonna be looking for them too soon as i thought I saved mine.
 
I would try to find something in stainless.
 
"Early Birds" out of Canada have an almost correct "kit". The small screws have a sharp/pointy end rather than the flat end. A general search shows "Classic" may have a "kit", but I can only find a photo on the internet search and can't find a listing or part number on the "Classic" website itself.

I will have to make do for now. Found some #8 screws I will be cutting down for now. Found some nuts that fit, but the nuts are teeny-weeny and, of course, without the captive washers.

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That pic looks extremely close to all the attach bolts. The studs hold the housing to the body. The nuts off mine are pretty small too and don’t have those shoulders. I can’t guarantee mine are original though.
 
We’ll that’s lame. Perhaps a Canadian member can ship them to you. Probably starting to get expensive just for some screws though.
 
The #8 wood screws I picked up are both good and bad. They have very few threads per inch, which will prevent them from likely splitting the plastic lenses. However, with so few threads they just barely hold on.

By holding the screws in a pair of pliers, the part sticking out was about the perfect size for cutting off with Dremel tool cutting disc. For one of the red lens screws where the boss for the screw is deeper, I just cut off the very tip.

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I know they make fine and coarse thread wood screws. You might try to find some fine threaded ones. I’ve seen drywall screws come that way anyway.
 
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