How many fasteners hold the front and rear license plates?

[davidg4781]

Hopefully I'll be getting my license plates soon. The dealer installed 2 fasteners each on the front and rear. From what I can tell, they are self tapping into plastic. I don't want to mess with the ones that are on there now but I want to be ready for the new plates when they come in and pick up some additional fasteners from Ford if needed.

Too bad they don't have actual clips or something to screw in to. It just feels weird screwing into plastic in 2023.

Sponsored

 

[davidb1841]

OK I could not resist:

2 in front on top the bottom has 2 tabs the plate slides behind. Keeps the auto car wash from bending up my front plate, like on my 2019 Ford Edge, which was terrible.

In back 2 UP top and none on the bottom....my Air Force Plate surround rattles around on the bottom. I will be driilling 2 holes thru it where the License Plate holes are on the bottom and adding 2 self tappinf license plate screws on the bottom....yes right into the plastic.

Now back to the thread about Valve Stem Caps..........

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks. I guess I’ll be good with the 4 they gave me.

And what’s with those valve stem caps? They don’t go all the way down so there’s a sliver of brass showing. I thought the stem was too long but my new digital air pressure gauge couldn’t go down enough to make a good seal.

 

[jkeaton]

OK I could not resist:

2 in front on top the bottom has 2 tabs the plate slides behind. Keeps the auto car wash from bending up my front plate, like on my 2019 Ford Edge, which was terrible.

In back 2 UP top and none on the bottom....my Air Force Plate surround rattles around on the bottom. I will be driilling 2 holes thru it where the License Plate holes are on the bottom and adding 2 self tappinf license plate screws on the bottom....yes right into the plastic.

Now back to the thread about Valve Stem Caps..........

Why not just add some self adhesive rubber bumpers or strips where it contacts and rattles?

 

[davidg4781]

I finally got my plates in and wanted to update this.

Front takes 4, rear takes 2.

 

[jamaicandave]

machine screws, whatever size or number it takes to hold down your plates. If that makes you nervous you should speak to your therapist

 

[davidb1841]

Why not just add some self adhesive rubber bumpers or strips where it contacts and rattles?

Thats why I am on this forum......good Idea....never crossed my mind. In fact I have some 3m tape, I will likely just stick it down with that! DUH! (thats directed at me not you)

 

[RSH]

The screws that hold on my license plates are plastic and self threading, 2 front, 2 rear, they don't have any rattling issues.​

 

[davidg4781]

The screws that hold on my license plates are plastic and self threading, 2 front, 2 rear, they don't have any rattling issues.​

Plastic? Are those aftermarket?

 

[RSH]

Plastic? Are those aftermarket?

They are the screws the dealer used to attach their license plate frame.
When I received my license plates I used the same screws

 

[davidg4781]

They are the screws the dealer used to attach their license plate frame.
When I received my license plates I used the same screws

Interesting.

I tried looking for the actual Ford part number but couldn’t find it. Mine all match but when my mom bought her CR-V they gave her 3-4 different types of fasteners. Some Philips, some 10mm, some silver, some gold. After that, I’ve been interested in little details like that.

 

[mrproduxn]

I wanted to put this out there for people that must run a front plate. I am a retired hobbyist. I spent many many years as a machinist, in machine shop management, as well as over 10 years in quality control and assurance. I put way more labor, and finish quality, in my stuff than most shops do. I have made hundreds of front license plate brackets for several manufacturers at very reasonable prices. Being retired I now only make a few dozen per year because I make other things for other brand vehicles. Since my sales are taxable income I try to avoid making too much to mess up my social security income. Thus it is my hobby. Personally I HATE cheap looking plastic front plate holders. They are usually too big and most will, over time, dig in and cut grooves in front painted bumpers. If you need to run a front plate then before you drill for a plastic bracket STOP and look at mine.
This is my cheap bracket, at $23, that is small, strong, hidden behind the plate, with included stainless fasteners for mounting as well as license plate screws, and includes free shipping. It also comes with 2 thick rubber isolators to (1) keep metal from contacting the painted bumper and (2) provide a little bit of flexibility. The plate attaches only by the top 2 holes, or reverse the bracket 180° and use the bottom plate holes. All my brackets are grade 6061 thick aluminum and all are hand polished, acetone cleaned and ready to paint for those that like to black out everything. This one weighs under 6 ounces.

This is my $33 full sized, fully hidden, machined, tongue and groove fitted, automatic carwash safe, totally flex free version, assembled with stainless screws, that is the strongest I make. It has a 1.5" height adjustment achieved by rotating the bracket 180°. Same as the small it comes with all stainless fasteners and the rubber isolators. This ships by Priority mail for free. I have another version of this that is $35 that has machine screws, nuts, flat and lock washers that is specific to fairlead openings in aftermarket bumpers for those not running a winch. The assembly measures .300" thick and weighs 12.5 ounces. Some like to mount in grilles without drilling so they use the 4 bumper mount holes to run zip ties to mount them.

If you need to drill 2 holes to mount a front plate then these are very worthy options to consider. I completely understand that nobody wants to drill their bumper. Unfortunately this is the monster created by new vehicle manufacturers. Thanks for looking. PM with any questions or for pictures mounted on vehicles.

 

[mrproduxn]

An example of the large bracket on an SSO brand aftermarket bumper, mounted in the fairlead space, that shows the plate hides the bracket. Funny after all the labor and polishing nobody can see my work.

 

[Mrmike]

Nice job though. It's nice to see that someone else takes the time to do a job right. Kudos!

 

[rocks]

Two in the back but I made it four as four looks nicer with the screw covers. No plate is needed in front here.

Sponsored