2007 Corolla - Mounting front license plate

[W_KY]

I just moved to a state that requires a front license plate and my 2007 Corolla does not have a mounting bracket. From the ones I have seen around it looks like they just took a couple self tapping screens and put them right into the front bumper. I'm assuming there are a couple dimples in the front marking where to put the screws in (can anyone confirm? I haven't had a chance to look at mine up close ...wife's car) I was wondering if they sell some sort of contoured bracket. I'd like it to look decent as well as not take paint off the front of my car. I was considering putting some weatherstripping on the back of the plate just so it doesn't scratch the car. I also know they make some aftermarket/general type mounting brackets as well.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Most Toyota models have two slight dimples in the front bumper cover. Run a self tapping screw thru them to attach the front tag. ***** big time but other than buying an aftermarket plate frame, I don't know what else you could do.

 

[T1320T]

Man, I'm glad they don't make us run front tags here. Since you live in a state that does... try checking local JYs & look for a Carolla that's been hit in the rear & still has a front tag bracket.

 

[webbs2jzgte]

talk to your local DOT, my buddy bought a brand new mazada where there is no spot at all he got pulled over for no front plate, they issued him a ticket he went to the dot and showed them there is no spot for a front plate and they said it is ridiculous to make someone drill a hole just for that front plate. a lot of states are ruling front plates out because they save money on not producing that extra plate.

 

[Mike83]

Isn't the government wonderful? Believe me, damaging your personal property to display a government issued identification device is in your best interest.

 

[89MustangGX]

It's only a few years old, can still go to the dealer and pick one up I would think. Probably $10-$15 I would guess based on what the one for my F350 cost.

Adam

 

[D.J.]

Yes it is a dealer itemor a junkyard item. If you purchased it from a dealer they might give you a bracket, doesn't hurt to ask. If not tell them you split the cost price with them not the retail.
________
VICTORIAS SECRET GIFT CARD

 

[35mastr]

Most Toyota models have two slight dimples in the front bumper cover. Run a self tapping screw thru them to attach the front tag. ***** big time but other than buying an aftermarket plate frame, I don't know what else you could do.

This is the proper way that it is done. They dont have any brackets.

 

[Jay H 237]

My Camry doesn't have a front plate bracket, it's just screwed into the bumper cover. It does **** but even if it does get scratched a bit it won't rust.

Not to mention that the bumper has gotten more scratches in it from parking lots than the plate. I miss having chromed steel bumpers that wouldn't show shopping cart scratches like painted plastic ones!

 

[Wingnut65]

We had a Camry that came with a mounting bracket in a plastic bag in the trunk. After a few years I sold it on eBay for about $10. Check eBay for a cheap source.

Toyota's and Lexus vehicles usually come with the dimples in the front bumper cover for mounting a front plate. They probably are on yours too.

 

[W_KY]

I searched that bumper for several minutes last night and wasn't able to find any dimples. I can figure about where the dimples "should be" and just put it there I guess. I'm gonna give it another hard look tonight after I get all the bugs cleaned off there.

I guess when putting in the self tapping screws its best to just use a small center punch to mark the spots(although little afraid to hit bumper with hammer/punch) and then use a small bit to just get a starter hole through. Then just screw the self tap screw in.

I called the dealer on this and they said "no bracket, look for dimples." However the guy in parts seemed less than enthusiastic about talking to me so I'm not even sure he paid attention to the model year I told him.

I bought foam weather stripping to put on the back of the plate so it wont scratch as bad. I will just leave the sticky part covered on one side and self-adhere it to the back of the plate. I also bought a plate protector in hopes of giving it a little rigidity.

 

[datsunfan]

talk to your local DOT, my buddy bought a brand new mazada where there is no spot at all he got pulled over for no front plate, they issued him a ticket he went to the dot and showed them there is no spot for a front plate and they said it is ridiculous to make someone drill a hole just for that front plate. a lot of states are ruling front plates out because they save money on not producing that extra plate.

Here in OK as in many states, front plates will soon be added to accomodate the use of photo-ticketing Scameras. We also have a bar code on our plates to facilitate a network of cameras proposed that would check every car as it passes to see if it has current insurance. I've already e-mailed my state representative to complain, and it appears others have too because the media says the camera plans are "on hold"...but I bet the camera companies will eventually win since there's money to be made.

My son has a Nissan Versa, when he moved to LA he didnt want to drill holes for the front plate so I had him get some zip ties and strap it to the lower grille.

 

[sgrammel]

talk to your local DOT, my buddy bought a brand new mazada where there is no spot at all he got pulled over for no front plate, they issued him a ticket he went to the dot and showed them there is no spot for a front plate and they said it is ridiculous to make someone drill a hole just for that front plate. a lot of states are ruling front plates out because they save money on not producing that extra plate.

This is a good idea^

 

[T1320T]

Even though you're using self tapping screws you may want to pre drill to avoid possibly cracking the paint.

 

[35mastr]

The dimples are there. They are pretty faint. Just use an awl to poke a couple of holes in it. I put on 100s of those plates over the years doing PDI's. Never cracked the paint.

 

[W_KY]

Thanks guys. I did get it mounted. Man those dimples are what I'd consider to be VERY faint. I couple good size bugs and you'd never be able to find them. My process was: 1. Put some foam weatherstripping on the back of the plate (only put the adhesive part towards the plate. I did this to keep the metal plate from banging against the car)...2. Get holes started with self tapping screws without holding the plate there and then back them out....3. Hold up the plate and put the screws in. I hated putting the holes in the bumper but not much I could do about it. I also but a basic black cover over the edges. I thought this might give it some added stiffness plus I think it looks a little better.