Holy #@$ - the hex nuts for the seat compartment overtorqued much?!

[muffinman]

Oh, that's interesting.. just looking at it visually, it seems like they definitely need to come off.  I read the instructions for my plug-n-play brake light modulator and it says to remove those screws (I need to access the back of the taillight).  A DIY video on this forum also says to remove those.. it doesn't seem like the middle for "gear-like" ones do anything but I'll give those another shot.

[Raux]

the four outer ones with the paint marks do not need to be removed for any tail work

the four inner ones with the rubber mounts have top and bottom hex heads, all tail work is done with these bolts

[WetDuc]

You can do the tail light changes and tail chop stuff from the underside of the seat.  You don't need to take that metal pan off.  Instead, remove the plastic mud guard from underneath the seat, by the wheel.

[muffinman]

Thanks all.  I'll try again tonight and stay away from those bolts with the yellow line