auldschool

I'll take a look this morning and see if I can do what you suggest. If I need a few pics to get me through it, I'll let you know. Thanks a LOT for your help..! Sure looks like Yamaha made it a lot harder than it needed to be, in this case..!

Thanks for the suggestion..Already tried, and there's no access to the backside that way..As to the lube suggestion, there's no problem with the screws/bolts turning, so it has to be turning as well on the nut-end..

Hmmmm..Hate for my first question to be a "stupid" one, but they SAY there's no such thing as a stupid question..I guess you'll have to be the judge..! Anyway; I just purchased a 1986 Yamaha Venture, and got my new plate. Went to change it out, and used the proper tool for removing the retaining screws/bolts, but all they do is turn, i.e. they don't come out. So; my problem is figuring out how to get to the backside so I can hold the nut or whatever is there while I unscrew from the front. I've tried removing luggage, etc., for access, but just can't figure it out..Perhaps the tail light has to be removed? Thanks for any assistance here!