I'm about to take a road trip to visit my Dad in Arkansas, and I knowticed a dent above my sidemarker. Then I knowtice that the sidemarker itself is loose. Is there a way to tighten it so it won't be rattling around?

 

The side marker (I'm assuming you mean the entire plastic assembly not just the light) fits into a slot and then compression fits into a rubber gromet.

If the grommet is old, it might have lost it's grip on the marker. You could pop out the side marker and replace the gromet, or re-bend the tab a little bit to tighten it up.

I bet a little bit of electrical tape on the post that fits into the gromet will do the trick as well.

I think I have a picture of the back of the marker I'll post it if I find it.

 

Thank you Dolmangar.

 

Sorry I don't have a pic handy of the rear of the marker.

But I wanted to clarify that when I said "bend the tab" I meant bend the tab with the gromet in it (it's metal mounted to the fender) not the plastic tab on the marker light!

You might actually be able to adjust this tab without taking out the marker. Open the hood and slip your hand in behind the marker, you should feel the tab I'm talking about.

If your hands are small enough, you might be able to adjust it from there. The tab is towards the front of the car, and the plastic tab is at the rear, so the gromet should be reachable.

 

I've stuck my hand in there and did what I could. It's better, but there's still a lot of play compared to the other side. My main concern is that it might do a number on the paint if it sets there and vibrates all the time. Should this be a concern?

 

I think I'm going to go ahead and leave for Arkansas. Maybe I'll try to take it off when I get back. I'm just scared I'll damage it when I remove it. I'll give it some thought.

 

An interesting aside; Loose Sidemarker was Luke Skywalkers cousin.

 

HaHa! Okay...for real. I'm leaving this time.