I just bought a 2006 Limited Roadster (beautiful, lo-mileage car), and when I went to put the new license plates on it, I found that the rear plate mounts to the rear fascia using just two holes that appear to be drilled directly into the fascia. These two holes are "rather delicate" as the fascia that they are drilled into is just plastic....when I went to tighten the license plate screws, the screw threads just stripped-out and now I either put in larger diameter screws or figure out some other way to attach the plate. Has anyone dealt with this "annoying problem" before and is there a more secure way to mount the rear plates? Thanks.

 

I had the same problem and solved it rather barbarically but simply by the use of plated #8 wafer head self tapping screws.

 

I squared the holes and put in the a plastic insert to which I can't remember what they are called that I picked up at the local auto store that I found in the plate section of the store - when the new screw goes in it spreads the back side for a secure and tight fit. see the ebay listing below to what I am talking about.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/License-Plate-Bolts-4-Sheet-Metal-Screws-Plastic-Inserts-/291045495778?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c3a9d3e2&vxp=mtr

 

Just wrap the screw with plumbers Teflon tape, and re-screw in. You don't have to tighten it too much.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'm sure I'll get one of those ideas to work!

 

I used some thread lock and that worked very well.

 

I used a little liquid nail on the threads...love that stuff. I have to replace with new plates soon...hope it actually comes off

 

Not to beat this rather minor subject to death, but is there any reason that I can't drill two more mounting holes for the lower two license plate mounting holes into the lower part of the plastic rear fascia? Is there anything behind the fascia in these lower bolt positions that I might damage by drilling a couple of holes there (like the fuel tank or something)? That way, I could have two, lower tighter holes, and the loose upper holes could just function as locators with maybe some liquid nails on the screws to help hold them in place. I cant see behind the fascia, so have no idea what's back there!

 

There are pics here of the car without the rear bumper cover. I don't remember seeing anything that would be hurt by you drilling two more holes. I would be careful not to push the drill any further than needed. The gas tank is right behind the seat, so no risk with that. I had the same issue but I just wrapped enough plumbers Teflon tape around the screw and screwed them back on. I didn't have any issues with them coming lose after that.

 

I can't imagine anything is back there EXCEPT, possibly, the rear lights' wire harness.
And I really don't believe that.


If you hit the gas tank, your bit must be about 4 feet long!

 

I solved this issue today. I got a couple of those plastic "inserts" that are used on drywall to put screws in. I got some that just fit into my oversized, stripped out original mounting holes, and then mounted the plates with smaller screws that expanded the plastic inserts and made for a nice, secure license plate mounting. Seems like it will hold nicely!