Front License Plate Holder Removal

[Craig]

😛 I just purchased a 2003 with soft and hard tops , bright red, with premimum interior. I live in a state that does not have a front license plate, but the dealer that sold the car ordered it with a license plate holder, which they plastered with a dealership plate. When I took the plate off I found that that ugly holder is pop rivited on with plastic pop rivits. Is there any way to get it off, and fill the holes. As the front license plate holder is on the window sticker I assume that it was put on in the factory. Has anybody had any help from Ford in fixing this ugly mistake and resulting holes? Any Ideas of how to do this without having to have the bumper cover replaced, or filled and repainted?

 

[LON O'CONNELL]

Sounds to me like this was a dealer transfer. Dealer bought from another dealer who had to many cars. Most likely bought from a dealer that is in a state that requires front plates.

 

[Craig]

Thank you gentlemen. The car was purchased by the dealership where i bought it, and they did order the front license plate holder. Even though this state does not require front plates. Anything to advertise. There was the dealership plate on the front, and a cast dealership name plate stuck on the back bumper with an American flag decal next to it, thank heaven they both came off. This dealership does alot of advertising This dealership is proud of the fact that they won an award for the worst commercial. The owner was standing in front of an elephant holding a mouse and Hans said in a thick German accent Houmongus savings teenie weenie prices. I wrote Ford too, lets see what their reply is. 😱

 

[Craig]

Just wanted to show the damage a front license plate bracket can do

 

[Craig]

Picture

 

[Craig]

Picture 2

 

[Craig]

Picture 3

 

[Craig]

Picture 4

 

[Craig]

Picture 5

 

[FUN X 3]

Even though a front plate is required in Virginia, my dealer didn't mount the bracket. When I was doing final inspection, the sales guy said "we didn't put the front license plate bracket on because we think the car looks better without it, don't you agree?" And I do. I have gone without it since 7-24-02 without a problem. The police have bigger fish to fry. I know it's likely that one day I'll get stopped for it, but the car sure looks sharp without it.

 

[Craig]

Want Opinions on Resolution

Finally heard from the Ford dealership. This is their offer. Take the car to any body shop, my choice, and get car fixed.

They take the car back, no money out of my pocket.

I am thinking option 1, if it is bumper cover replacement.

 

[MIDAS]

Hey Craig
I live in TEXAS has 2 plates. Bracket installed when I got my 03. Had to remove bracket to put Xpel on front. after removing screws Ford said needed to by new brackets to reinstall and had to go to local hardware for special butterfly bolts. I guess if they drilled bracket in a one plate state , they need to repair. Good luck. But I doubt you will use the option to return your bird.
Best
Dennis

 

[cool57]

I live in a "front-plate-state". Bought the car on a Saturday in December, they planned to prep it on Mon. Just before driving away on Sat. I told salesman not to put front bracket on or I'd cancel the sale. Picked up the car on Tues.😎

P.S. I was pulled over for 47mph in a 30 zone last night, got a warning (I think my 7 yr. old's charm got me off) and nothing was said about lack of front plate.

 

[FUN X 3]

cool57, our police down here are Dudley Dorights and would have slapped two tickets on you, speeding and no front plate.