Whatever dealer installed mine installed it slightly crooked and it's annoying! I plan to drill out the rivets and reinstalling it with rivnuts (squarely) once the weather cooperatesThis may be a bit of a silly thing to post, but hopefully it helps someone.
For whatever reason, my dealer didn't install the front license plate holder, even though I live in a state where they're required. They told me it was just a matter of drilling a few holes and screwing it in and I should be able to figure it out just fine. Took quite awhile to find the front license plate mount, but it was hidden underneath the spare tire.
However, the only mounting hardware was these odd nail things. (Yeah, I know, stop laughing at me...) There were also no instructions of any sort and I couldn't find anything online.
So those are pop rivets, which took me way, way longer to figure out than it should have. (Yeah, I know, I'm not the brightest...) To use them, you need a rivet gun, which thankfully are cheap-ish ($20) and easy to find.
You'll need to drill three holes in the front bumper. I think I used a 3/16" bit, but eyeball the thick end of the rivet and see:
The bumper is really thin where the mount goes, so be careful not to push too hard when drilling.
The thick end of the rivet goes in, and the nail sticks out:
Put the rivet gun on the nail and pump the handle a few times until the rivet flattens and the nail pops out.
Finish all three and you're good to go!
I'm probably the only one who 1) didn't have a dealer who would install it, and 2) had never seen a pop rivet before, but I was a bit baffled by the whole thing and lack of instructions. Hopefully this helps someone, anyway#
One of the best posts I've seen on the forum. Nicely done!This may be a bit of a silly thing to post, but hopefully it helps someone.
For whatever reason, my dealer didn't install the front license plate holder, even though I live in a state where they're required. They told me it was just a matter of drilling a few holes and screwing it in and I should be able to figure it out just fine. Took quite awhile to find the front license plate mount, but it was hidden underneath the spare tire.
However, the only mounting hardware was these odd nail things. (Yeah, I know, stop laughing at me...) There were also no instructions of any sort and I couldn't find anything online.
So those are pop rivets, which took me way, way longer to figure out than it should have. (Yeah, I know, I'm not the brightest...) To use them, you need a rivet gun, which thankfully are cheap-ish ($20) and easy to find.
You'll need to drill three holes in the front bumper. I think I used a 3/16" bit, but eyeball the thick end of the rivet and see:
The bumper is really thin where the mount goes, so be careful not to push too hard when drilling.
The thick end of the rivet goes in, and the nail sticks out:
Put the rivet gun on the nail and pump the handle a few times until the rivet flattens and the nail pops out.
Finish all three and you're good to go!
I'm probably the only one who 1) didn't have a dealer who would install it, and 2) had never seen a pop rivet before, but I was a bit baffled by the whole thing and lack of instructions. Hopefully this helps someone, anyway#
To all that are doing this on their new BS; isn't there a charge on the window sticker (assuming a new BS) that shows "dealer prep" charges? That should include installing a front license plat holder in states that require them.
All you have to do is compare the rivet diameter to a drill bit diameter. Better to start with a drill bit that feels a little small and then if the rivet won't go through the hole, step up to the next size. A pop rivet is not a high precision thing. It has the flange on the front and the back will expand a lot, so even if it is a little loose before setting the rivet, it will tighten up. This is pretty easy stuff, just take your time and make sure you have it positioned where you want it before drilling holes. Drill the first hole and set the rivet in that hole, then the second and set it, and finally the third. If you try to drill all three holes first, you will likely not get them all aligned correctly.
This was exactly my thought as I read it. I would think that in a state that requires a front license plate, the dealer would ask you to put it on. I do know of other owners of vehicles that don't want it installed and take their chances with the police. However, the dealership should be asking you about installing it.
