Stripped license plate hole, easy fix

[19gtaz]

Today I went to put my license plate back on and one of the screws kept turning.
I could not reach up far enough to hold a nut on the back.
So I used a plastic wall anchor, a #10 I think but don't hold me to it.
Just slipped it in the existing hole, with some small resistance it tapped in and it holds well.
Took the screw out to check and it still held, if it doesn't in the future it's easy to replace.

If anyone is aware of a Ford replacement let me know.

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[NGOT8R]

Threaded insert with a larger washer on the backside of the bumper. You’ll just end up using a different type of screw, but this would be better than thry come from the factory. Here’s a link to the tool you’ll need.

https://www.harborfreight.com/45-pi...MImPyPopDQ9QIVg5qGCh1ZXAB8EAQYASABEgK7ZfD_BwE

 

[19gtaz]

Threaded insert with a larger washer on the backside of the bumper. You’ll just end up using a different type of screw, but this would be better than thry come from the factory. Here’s a link to the tool you’ll need.

https://www.harborfreight.com/45-pi...MImPyPopDQ9QIVg5qGCh1ZXAB8EAQYASABEgK7ZfD_BwE

That's exactly what I was going to use at first but I couldn't find my nut-sert tool.
I think the wall anchor will work fine without drilling a larger hole though.

 

[Konamoth]

I still can't believe Ford just drilled a couple holes in the plastic for the license plate. Grrr.

I did similar, but with those plastic automotive push pins you can buy in bulk. I had a type that happened to be just the right size as the tag screws, so that you could screw them in and have the tabs/wings at the end flare out like they would normally. I used the threaded halves and pressed them into place in the bumper, then fastened the tag—they've held tight for well over a year. Plus a rear-ending, if that's any measure.

 

[19gtaz]

I still can't believe Ford just drilled a couple holes in the plastic for the license plate. Grrr.

I did similar, but with those plastic automotive push pins you can buy in bulk. I had a type that happened to be just the right size as the tag screws, so that you could screw them in and have the tabs/wings at the end flare out like they would normally. I used the threaded halves and pressed them into place in the bumper, then fastened the tag—they've held tight for well over a year. Plus a rear-ending, if that's any measure.

You mean the kind like the 3 that hold the battery cover down?

 

[Konamoth]

You mean the kind like the 3 that hold the battery cover down?

Kinda. they were square, white plastic nuts. Similar to what was on the Fiesta I had before I got the mustang—where the idea came from. They're much stouter than the battery cover clips.

 

[19gtaz]

Kinda. they were square, white plastic nuts. Similar to what was on the Fiesta I had before I got the mustang—where the idea came from. They're much stouter than the battery cover clips.

So did you have to square out the hole?

 

[dirtwarrior]

good idea

 

[Konamoth]

So did you have to square out the hole?

No, god no. If I recall right, the shaft (arms?) were round. The actual face of it was square to fit into a square hole/divot.

 

[#1ford]

Fill your hole with JBL ! They have a 15 minute quick set. Use some masking around the hole tape

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