Is this part able to be replaced??? license lamp bracket

[chrish8r]

So while I was going to install LED license plate lights, I noticed this and really want to fix/replace it because of the massive rust it has.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/20120802152851-1.jpg

As you can see, the rust has gotten the best of this part. The bolts are rusting away and it flakes like crazy. I even think it is prohibiting me from easily opening the hatch. So can just this part be replaced or would I have to find a new hatch??
Thank you

[amgarrety]

I'm not saying you can't replace it, but I don't see a separate part number for it:

http://parts.subaru.com/schematics/7/7521520.gif

I'll do some more searching but I don't really know what you would call that part, which would make it hard to find a part number.


-edit-

Is this (#2) it?

http://parts.subaru.com/schematics/7/7521565.gif

It is called a "license lamp bracket" and it seems that you can order it from a dealer for around $30. I'm having a hard time finding a part number though.

-edit #2-

Got it. 84927AC020

[chrish8r]

Wow. Didnt expect that much of in depth help that soon!! Thank you. Ill have to look into that and see how to remove it too since the bolts are not really bolts anymore

[amgarrety]

I have a set of sockets meant specifically to pull out stripped bolts if you need help, and if the bolts end up breaking, I also have an extracting kit. Those bolts'll come out one way or another.

[Dead91silvia]

That part should be replaceable. I think I have done one before. I cant see then making non-replaceable.

[chrish8r]

Now i just have to figure out how to remove it without breaking anything(i usually break stuff when i work).....

[Dead91silvia]

LOL... it sucks to be you guys over there! You have so much rust it makes doing anything hard. Like I told Yamazaki there is no way I would move over there after seeing all the rust... Unless she was the most amazing woman ever, but I dont see that happening. HAHA

But yeah, it should just a be a few 10mm nuts and bolts. I would take up amgarrety's offer of those tools if you can. In your case, you might need to remove your tail light. In some case's, you might be able to just lube up the handle on the inside. Thats what I did on my BH and things started to work better.

[Wiscon_Mark]

That part should be replaceable. I think I have done one before. I cant see then making non-replaceable.

I, too, have replaced this part. It's replaceable. If you run into trouble with rusty bolts, just drill them out.

This part in particular seems to be especially susceptible to rust - it rusted far before anything else on the car did, probably about 10 years ago was when it really started to go (my vehicle is almost 18 years old for reference). Body rust didn't really show up until 7 or 8 years ago.

[chrish8r]

I, too, have replaced this part. It's replaceable. If you run into trouble with rusty bolts, just drill them out.

This part in particular seems to be especially susceptible to rust - it rusted far before anything else on the car did, probably about 10 years ago was when it really started to go (my vehicle is almost 18 years old for reference). Body rust didn't really show up until 7 or 8 years ago.


Is it pretty easy to replace?? Any snags I should be concerned about(besides the rust)??

[Thomistopheles]

This bracket must trap salt/water or something. I need to replace mine as well.

[Dead91silvia]

You might need to remove your center garnish to make it easier, but thats not to bad of a job.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yeah, it's not hard. Just get the paneling open on the inside and you'll see just about everything in there.

[chrish8r]

Alright. thank you guys. Ill put something up once I get around to ordering and installing