Really securing your rear license plate

[Bullitt$Bill]

I just got my new personalized plates on Friday. Went to Laguna Seca for the Indy Car race this weekend. It appears some one quickly tried to pull the plate off by grabbing the corner and yanking it as it’s bent.

No screw holes for the bottom two screw holes for mounting the plate to the car. Anyone have any suggestions on putting some in? Or something else? I’m going to get some security fasteners to attach them. Part of me is wondering about drilling through the bumper and bolting it on thru the back but I don’t know if that‘s really feasible.

Got home at 11 and it’s now 12:42 AM and I really need to get to bed. I’ll drive my truck tomorrow and just took the plate off for now.

Thanks for any words of wisdom.

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[Deleted member 35644]

Start with security screws, keeping in mind that nothing stops a determined thief.

https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Theft-L...ocphy=9026938&hvtargid=pla-978557920693&psc=1

The concealing covers are another deterrent to people who don't know what they are. I also like the finished look they give.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Licens...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Option 1 is to create two more holes at the bottom for new inserts, so you have 4 mounting points.

I don't have the right set of tools to make pretty, square holes, so (Option 2) I just covered the entire back of the license plate with 3M double-sided foam tape, mainly to keep it from rattling, as they tend to rattle with only 2 mounting points. I tried all sorts of rubber bumpers, etc. for the bottom, but it still rattled when I close my trunk, so, it got taped.
The unintended benefit is that you'll have to wrestle pretty hard to get my plate off.

Good luck!

 

[Bobn57]

Why can't people just leave stuff alone! If it doesn't belong to you....don't touch it! Pisses me off. Sorry some asshat bent your plate. Hope they cut their hand!

 

[cactus_kid]

I have the TX plate "4 MY EGO." And yes, that is an issue. You can drill into the lower area. Aside from using the two lower plate holes to affix the lower part of the plate, the placement at all four corners using sheet metal screws will suffice to stop the random plate thief. This is what I did using the kit with the black snap caps carried by damn near every auto parts stores world wide. YMMV

 

[Cobra Jet]

How unique is the plate that someone wanted it that bad?

 

[lacanteen]

I used stainless security Torx screws. They differ in the fact that they have an extra post in the middle so a regular Torx bit will not work. I too wish I could secure the bottom of the plate.

 

[compprep]

Get a dash camera. I don't have one but many here do. Then put a sign stating "This Auto is Under Surveillance " or something similar. Not sure if the cops would care unless the bum really damaged your car.

 

[mustangdriver]

These worked real well for me, they expand and don't require access to the backside.
Tamper proof screws with 4 of these should solve the problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Grou...keywords=well+nuts&qid=1632155430&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[ICU812]

Nut certs, for the lower two, or all 4, then use some bolts with a head that isn't a basic straight slot, or philops,etc.
On my older cars(have not looked at my 2020) that had the screw plastic insert that just happens to fit in a square hole in a bumper, I remove them, then use carriage bolts with nylon lock nuts, I just make the hole in the plate large enough that the square under the bolt head fits through the plate.
On newer vehicles that getting to the back side of the bumper to put the nut on , I use nutserts

 

[cactus_kid]

How unique is the plate that someone wanted it that bad?

Some people are simply that stupid. They will frame it and hang it on a wall. The problem is, that once a personalized is reported stolen, it gets locked down by the issuing state. It can never be used on a motor vehicle again. In TX, we pay an extra fee that is non refundable. Meaning that if I've just renewed my tag for 5 years and it gets stolen, I do not get a refund. That's over $400 down the drain.

 

[Bullitt$Bill]

How unique is the plate that someone wanted it that bad?

I have a Bullitt. It's an NV plate that says "PD SF". "SF PD" was already taken. Actually had a CHP comment on it when I was leaving the track Saturday.

I've heard plate theft can be an issue in CA. Someone probably wanted for their garage wall...

 

[Bullitt$Bill]

These worked real well for me, they expand and don't require access to the backside.
Tamper proof screws with 4 of these should solve the problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-3327-Expansion-10-Pack/dp/B00I2VTETC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=well+nuts&qid=1632155430&sr=8-3&th=1

Nut certs, for the lower two, or all 4, then use some bolts with a head that isn't a basic straight slot, or philops,etc.
On my older cars(have not looked at my 2020) that had the screw plastic insert that just happens to fit in a square hole in a bumper, I remove them, then use carriage bolts with nylon lock nuts, I just make the hole in the plate large enough that the square under the bolt head fits through the plate.
On newer vehicles that getting to the back side of the bumper to put the nut on , I use nutserts

I don't have holes for the bottom screws - hence the problem. May have to do a little drilling...

 

[cactus_kid]

I don't have holes for the bottom screws - hence the problem. May have to do a little drilling...

That's what I did. 1/8" starter holes. Used the factory hex head screws. I had an extra set in black. I have 4 small #2 phillips sheet metal screws about 1/2" x #8 that I will use at all 4 corners of the plate too. That should stop any snatch and grab artist.

 

[cactus_kid]

Sucks that we have to do this now days. It is what it is sadly. As the late Rodney Dangerfield would say, "I can't get no respect."

 

[Bullitt$Bill]

These worked real well for me, they expand and don't require access to the backside.
Tamper proof screws with 4 of these should solve the problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-3327-Expansion-10-Pack/dp/B00I2VTETC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=well+nuts&qid=1632155430&sr=8-3&th=1

After much contemplating I decided to go this route. I was able to pick 4 of these up at Home Depot today. I put the plate back on the car to line up the bottom holes. Used a punch to mark the center and then took the plate back off.

Then came the fun part - taking a drill to the bumper… Drilled a small pilot hole and then got out the 1/2” bit. Got the first one done and held the plate back up and everything lined right up. Did the other side and then the top ones.

Right now it’s just on with machine screws. As the removal tools for the different security screws are pretty readily available I might just use red Loctite and super glue the screw heads so you can’t get a screw driver in and then put a cover over the screws. The plate isn’t coming off until I sell the car. I could just use an ez-out then to remove them. Haven’t decided for sure but may ask some of the tradesmen at work tomorrow for other ideas.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

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