Rear License Plate Bolt Removal Help Needed
Hi! When I bought my 2003 4runner, the previous owner was using magnets to hold the rear license plate up because the owner before him had let the bolt get so rusty and stuck that it could not be removed. I have driven the car for 5 years and also used magnets because I didn't have the time (or money) as a college student to worry about it. Now I am trying to fix up the car for sale and would like to remove this damn bolt. Here are the fixes I've tried so far; any and all advice (including take it to a professional) would be appreciated.
Attempt: Tried hammering it out from the outside, applied WD-40 and let sit for 5-10 minutes before trying. Result: I put dents in my hammer rather than move the bolt at all.
Attempt: Removed the interior back panel to try and remove it from the inside. Result: The screw is completely shorn off and flush with the welded on bolt holder in the back.
Attempt: I used a Dremel and a 7/64" Black Oxide Drill Bit at 17,000 RPM to drill through it to loosen the pressure. Result: Did not work on it very long because I'm technically not allowed to do maintenance in our apartment lot and did not see a lot of effect.
My next order of business is to try and get a stronger and wider bit that would still fit in the Dremel, but I am also new to DIY car maintenance and would appreciate any and all advice!