Stripped screws

Hey there.
I just swapped my Squadron Sport fogs for a set of SAE fogs today and I destroyed several of the stainless screws it the process.
I have the Tacoma specific Sport kit and I bought the universal SAE fog kit to save a little cash.
When I was removing the mount brackets, the combination of dissimilar metal corrosion and the included yellow loc-tite helped me strip 2 screws. I was able to remove them with vise-grips.
I also stripped 2 screws on one of the bezels. Had to drill the heads off and removed the the shanks with my trusty vise-grips.
I installed all new stainless hardware with anti-seize.
Your products are the best but please, at least switch to blue loc-tite on the bezel screws since they are small diameter.
Thanks.

 

@Baja Designs

 

I am sorry that you had to deal with this! Noted and will revisit with our engineering and purchasing teams. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

 

What's the policy on this with lights? I removed my lights when I got a new setup and went to adjust the mounts and lens and have been having all sorts of issues. I have a few sets of S2s and Squadrons and for the life of me I can't get the side bolts out in a few and the front ones I can't get off either. Used the right size allen wrench but no luck. I tried to cut/to get a screwdriver in one gets no luck either. At least one now has a bad seal and is getting water but I can't change the lens. I bought all new lens and gaskets but can't change them.

I tried to hit up support but was directed to someone who told me to try various things.

@Baja Designs who should I contact? worst case can they be sent in?

 

Had no issues with a warranty repair of an S2 Pro a couple weeks ago due to a broken off faceplate bolt.

I suggest giving them a chance to sort it out.

Turn around on mine was less than 5 days

 

For sure, was chatting with someone and they said to drop a post on here since I didn't get much help on support last time. Just seeing best way to sort it out.

 

Good Morning Nudavinci,
If the seals are bad to I recommend just doing a warranty repair because you dont want the internals to get damaged. I can take care of the warranty for you; our lead time for warranty is only a couple days, they will inspect the whole light and ensure it is in working order. Are you able to get the lights off the vehicle and send them in?
Best,
Brock Brunkhorst

 

thanks messaged you back.

 

Just came across the same issue with my 2 pairs of Squadron Sports after 2.5 years installed. One light leaked water in and got damaged, side bolts on all four are seized and stripped. Same for face bolts so I can't swap them around (one set is the fog light kit). I'm kinda stuck now because I can't find the receipts.

@Baja Designs is there anything being done to prevent and fix this?
Lights are amazing, but it is really frustrating that at that price point hardware seizes and the powder coat finish is all bubbled up and flaking.

 

I recently ran into this issue with my S1s that I use for ditch lights. I ended up removing the lights at the base.. applying heat (soldering iron) to the bolts and then used an extractor to remove the bolts.. I then replaced all the bolts. I also used stainless Allen socket heads so if they do seize there is enough of a head to bite down onto

 

That looks awesome!
I tried heat and they wouldn’t give. I’ll have to drill them out and re-tap with 5/16-18NC.
The face bolts are the ones concerning me the most because you can’t heat them and drilling is risky!

Good job!

 

I'm not sure I wouldn't send them to baja designs just to remove the bolts themself and install the kit... Might be worth them destroying them and sending you new ones ... I replaced my lens kit on both of mine but luckily the screws were ok..I've noticed a lot of hardware aren't what they used to be. Bolt manufacturers are cutting corners and making great products suffer

 

That is not a terrible idea, I wonder if they would charge hourly rate so if the bolts are seized you’d get a massive bill.
I think the problem here is the quality of the casting, given by how much it has bubbled under the powder coat and how easily it corrodes.
Oh well…

 

Oh if it's the powder coating thats under warranty

 

Hey @Trdtacosauce,

Send me an email at bill@bajadesigns.com and I can help you out!

Best,
Bill

Bill Sonevongxay | Forum Sales & Support 
Email: Bill@bajadesigns.com Phone: (760)560-2252

 

@Baja Designs email incoming Bill, same issue as the guys above, stripped hardware. Thanks for the help!
Drew

 

@Baja Designs I’ll be sending over an email as well. The bolts of the sides of my Squadrons are seized in there. Thanks!