Removing a rusty screw from a Thinline

I'm cleaning up a 1970 Thinline. I went to remove the bridgeplate to check out the pickup and the wiring, but there are a couple of very rusty, sweat corroded screws holding the bridgeplate down. I've tried naphtha a number of times, but I just can't get the screw to turn.

First, will rusty, corroded screws damage the body wood if I just leave them in? Is it worth possibly decimating the screws (and replacing them with new screws) to get them out? I'm newish to this kind of thing, and I could use some advice. Thanks!

Ethan

Try Liquid Wrench around the screw heads. This will disolve rust. Another trick to try is to take a good #2 Phillips insertit into the screw & tap it with a hammer. This will loosen rust many times. It will also fix up the slots in the screw if they are not too badly damaged.

My guess is that the worst thing the rust will do is stain the wood, and since it is under the bridge who cares. But I'd get them out (just on general principles). The suggestions above are the way I'd start. Stew Mac has a screw extractor set (http://www.stewmac.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=SERVE&ITEM=catalog/sku.html&S1=Tools&SS1=Screwdrivers&sku=1668) if you are looking for an excuse to buy new tools.

You might just try the CLEANED tip of a 30watt soldering iron. Heat the screw head (make sure it is not near ANY plastic) and let it cool. It may take more than once for the heat to penetrate deeply enough.
The other advice you've gotten is valuable, also.

liquid wrench sounds good,,if that dont work try a product called PB Blaster,,,its the best!!!,,use it like the wrench,,im sure after you let it set a spell it will come out

Drill a small hole in the head, right at the + of the slots.
With a small screw extractor(just a few bucks at the hardware store), you should be able to get it turning.

try the penetrants first and then the +point screwdriver tapped into the slots with a hammer, cleaning the slots out first, of course. It's a Thinline!!! Be gentle!

Rusty hardware is unsightly, and corrosion anywhere is something to take care of ASAP.

It'll turn out just fine. DG