Technical Rear right handside tail lights screws very rusty

[StanZlatan]

I just changed stop lights to led and broke one screw right handside rear tail lamp. They are way too rusty like they are soaking. Left handside are dry. What does that mean? Do i change the lamp? I cleaned the nest where it sits but i think dont mean nothing. I attach a photo. I didnt picture the lamp itself only the better screws so i can buy, because i didnt think i will ask here. But these screws are so rusty they will break next time. I dont think new screws can help either.
Help!

 

[ZaphodB]

They don't look that bad (certainly not as rusty as those waterpump pliers ), mostly surface rust.

You could spend a bit on a pre-owned lamp and be no better off (likely in a similar state used), and if you replace the screws you risk cutting new thread paths into the plastic which could mash it up permanently.

I'd be inclined to re-use them, but treat them to something to repel water , wax or scrub clean and repaint to slow the corrosion down, and run them back in the original thread path carefully. Wax would probably help in ease of screwing back in too.

 

[WitleyPanda]

Dip them in petroleum jelly or cavity wax?

 

[StanZlatan]

Dip them in petroleum jelly or cavity wax?

Ok that sounds good.
But i think i did explain my worry properly so i will try again. The screws attaching the bulbs to the lamp are rusty only on the right handaide.
The screws on the left handside look like the one on the photo. Its just middle of the night so i replaced the bulbs with led and now i can not take proper pictures but thats the issue. Why are they rusty only on the right side? How does the water leave the nest where the lamp is? Can there be something blocked? Or the right handside lamp may be was refurbished and defect so it blocks escape of water?

 

[Zardo]

If you suspect the presence of moisture inside the tail light, check its seal.

That screw on your hand looks good enough to me.

I don't see the point of your first photo except if you wanted to show that your tongs live in a salty climate where stuff corrodes much quicker.

 

[StanZlatan]

If you suspect the presence of moisture inside the tail light, check its seal.

That screw on your hand looks good enough to me.

I don't see the point of your first photo except if you wanted to show that your tongs live in a salty climate where stuff corrodes much quicker.

Ok not much point of the photo. So I not only suspect but see moisture resides or dis reside at the back but ONLY on right handside tail lights. That screw is from left handside.
Because as panda experts and owners you know that these screws are at the back. So on right handside they are rusty and left they are ok. I bought the car like that so i am hoping there is nothing wrong with the taillight and the owner had just bad wind and rain that splashed right side only for a year as thats how long it staid. I can replace the screws or dip old ones in wax if that is all there is to the rust problem?
Also one screehead broke at the bottom so now i have just 4 screws pressing the seal. I really find it crazy to buy new taillight for that

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

The cause is probably dirt trapped between the bottom of the light and the metalwork of the car, so not letting rain drain away. You can clean that away when washing the car using a hose. Soak the screws in CocaCola or vinegar for half an hour if you're worried about the surface rust, then they'll be like (and likely stay like ) new. But I doubt you'll need to visit the back of the lights for another few years -- never yet had to replace a rear bulb on any of my Panda's (which I keep for many years and run for many thousands of miles)

 

[StanZlatan]

The cause is probably dirt trapped between the bottom of the light and the metalwork of the car, so not letting rain drain away. You can clean that away when washing the car using a hose. Soak the screws in CocaCola or vinegar for half an hour if you're worried about the surface rust, then they'll be like (and likely stay like ) new. But I doubt you'll need to visit the back of the lights for another few years -- never yet had to replace a rear bulb on any of my Panda's (which I keep for many years and run for many thousands of miles)

I replace once a year. I do 180 miles a day. I will do the vinegar if thats not a myth. I have fosphorite for clothes that can work too i think as it is supposed to make watherproof clothes

 

[WitleyPanda]

If you going to acid, vinegar/acetic/citric, then you should neutralise/passivate. Phosphate or equivalent, phosphoric acid. But you could just go directly to the phosphoric based product. I.e. https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/rust-remover-1-litre/ other sources available. Still need to wash, dry and oil/wax.

 

[StanZlatan]

I hàd a even better idea will cover them in rust convertor which i already have and sprawy body paint