[pghturbo88]

Though my state does not require a front plate, I am installing my front plate frame to display some college pride (Go Irish!) Prior to posting this new thread, I did my DA.net due diligence and searched this item, and I found this thread:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31323&highlight=license+plate+holder

The diagram in the service bulletin above matches one that I saw from an OEM parts site (I used Majestic Honda.) I see that the clips and black bumper bolts hold the rear frame to the bumper, and the four tapping screws hold the front frame and plate to the rear frame. My factory service manual does not address front license plate frame installation.

My question is that my parts kit also contains two small self-tapping Phillips-head screws (about 1/4" long) and also contains two metric thread machine bolts (maybe 1/3" long). So what are these four fasteners used for? I see three indentations on the rear frame (side, middle, and side on top) that appear to be places to use the self-tappers, but I am hesitant to do this, as it would obviously damage the bumper when the screws would dig in. But I also understand that OEM's do not just include parts unless there is a purpose, so I do not wish to do a substandard installation.

Thanks in advance for any help that is provided!

 

[Vixen89]

What state are you from that doesn't say you need a front license plate?

 

[pghturbo88]

What state are you from that doesn't say you need a front license plate?

Pennsylvania, the land of taxes!

 

[Domtenn15]

Please dont do it!!!

 

[CYANiDE]

You have to screw to the plastic in the bumper. No other choice really. I'm in NY (front plates required) and the license plate holder is in fact screwed into the bumper.

 

[AznX TL]

mine only had 2 bolts and it wasnt screwed into the front of the bumper, it was under the top of the bottom grille.

 

[zexen]

It is not necessary to screw it into your bumper. It can hold on to the bumper by the 2 bolts in the lower grille area. The 2 self-tapping screws are not required, but are only there because when driving, the plate holder can wiggle some and slap your front bumper, leaving an indention after a while.

 

[Kayzle]

Wow, never heard of somene WANTING front plate

 

[Kaito]

Wow, never heard of somene WANTING front plate

I know! I soo wanted to remove my front license plate but it's illegal in WA state =(

 

[AznX TL]

first thing i did when i came home was take off the front plate

 

[Claw02]

You have to screw to the plastic in the bumper. No other choice really. I'm in NY (front plates required) and the license plate holder is in fact screwed into the bumper.

:banana:Your dealer screwed you. You do not have to screw the plate holder to the bumper. :wave:

 

[pghturbo88]

Wow, never heard of somene WANTING front plate

To each his own, I guess!

Anyway, after reading about the potential for marks, I sliced open a piece of small vacuum hose longwise and used it as a gasket of sorts to line the outside of the frame. After I installed the rear frame using only the bolts, I was unhappy as to the up/down play that it had, so I used the self-tapping screws to secure the upper part of the frame to the bumper. The way I see it, the frame isn't coming off, so the two holes I just created are a non-issue to me. I'm still puzzled as to what purpose the metric machine bolts serve.

Thanks to all who offered an opinion on this!

 

[Throwdown]

definitely try to install it from the bottom if you really want it there so you don't have a hole if you ever remove.

I hated mine (and it's the law in NJ to have) and the dealer installed by drilling through the front, so I had that fixed up when I had my grille surround painted. No front plate for me.

 

[Kiribati]

Dealer screwed me with screwing a hole in my bumper. But yea, there's two holes underneath that hold up your whole frame that you can use.

 

[CYANiDE]

:banana:Your dealer screwed you. You do not have to screw the plate holder to the bumper. :wave:

It was pre-owned so it was on there to begin with. I honestly though mine was screwed into the bumper but now that you're all saying that it might be on the top of the bottom grill I have to go check it out and see. Doesn't matter if it is screwed into the bumper because the front plate is never coming off.

 

[bennj]

The metric bolts go through the tabs on the back of the front plate holder into the underside of the lower grille. If you put the plate holder against the bumper you can see where the tabs and clips/holes line up. My plate holder was also screwed onto the bumper with the self threading screws (NJ), as well as the 2 bolts underneath. My son's car (NJ) has no self thread screws into bumper, just the ones underneath. Except for holding the frame tighter to the bumper there's no need for the self threading screws.