License Plate Bracket Damaging Our Cars?

TheWeatherman · 06-23-2009, 06:31 PM

I posted this up in the General Discussion thread, but should have it here...

You know what really ticks me off about our front license plate bracket? I noticed on another one of our Wisconsin Z Club member's 370, the screws dig into the paint and plastic of our front bumpers. Anyone else have this? The screws are too long! I even have the dealer frame around it for extra clearance. 2 Wisconsin 370's with front bumper screw damage. We bought it from two completely different dealers. Grrrrrr.

AK370Z · 06-23-2009, 06:44 PM

Installed front license plate bracket

Yes and that's why I made an extra trip to my local HomeDepot store and got some really short screws. They do no touch the bumper.

In case somehow (if a car backs into me during parking or whatever reason) the license plate bracket is pushed, I have put some plastic washers (also bought from HomeDepot) behind the bracket/screws. Hope this helps.

TheWeatherman · 06-23-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Installed front license plate bracket

Yes and that's why I made an extra trip to my local HomeDepot store and got some really short screws. They do no touch the bumper.

In case somehow (if a car backs into me during parking or whatever reason) the license plate bracket is pushed, I have put some plastic washers (also bought from HomeDepot) behind the bracket/screws. Hope this helps.

Thanks AK!

speedworks · 06-23-2009, 10:10 PM

Yeah, I have this same problem - its been there since January when I bought it and the dealer installed the front license plate - I have gotten over it because I don't see it.

MightyBobo · 06-24-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedworks

Yeah, I have this same problem - its been there since January when I bought it and the dealer installed the front license plate - I have gotten over it because I don't see it.

Sadly Im in this mode myself - I discovered it after I put my vanity plates on, and realized my dumbass salesman completely leaned into the damn bracket while he screwed the plate in, scratching it that much more. So freaking dumb.

Mike · 06-24-2009, 10:35 AM

I had that problem on my 350z. bought it at an out of state dealer and they put a front dealer plate on it, and when I took the bracket off because I don't need it, I had two nice nicks in the bumper

TheWeatherman · 06-24-2009, 11:23 AM

Yeah, I don't even see it, but was wondering why Nissan would put screws that long on the bracket, when clearly it digs right into the bumper. I'm sorry about not seeing the thread AK had started already. No biggie to me, but just quickly wanted to vent. I still love the car. I never even use my new FX!

Damonox · 06-29-2009, 03:57 PM

Just put my front plate on after getting a ticket for it. I made sure I bought some .5 in length bolts for it. And I put some electrical tape behind the mounter to keep it from accidentally scratching the paint. I was planning on taking the thing off again after I got it signed off at the police department, but it was a bit of a pain to get it on and I had to drill in two .4 in holes into the black fascia. Plus, those grommets are pieces of crap. Probably better to just leave it on now.

JohnsZ · 06-18-2012, 05:02 PM

One thing good about this forum is that no matter what kind of problem you have about your Z, someone else will have the same issue. I just bought an '09 370Z and the dealer had black screws in the front plates and stainless steel ones in the back. I just assumed they were of the same length so I decided to put the stainless steel ones in the front and use the stainless steel ones from my older car in the back. Unfortuately I didn't realize the ones I took off the back were longer than the black ones and when I screwed them in to the front bracket and plate, they hit the metal on the body behind the license plate bracket. No big deal since you can't see it and the marks are very small but this sure pissed my off being half mad at myself and have mad at the dealer who gave me the screws.

memorylasts · 06-18-2012, 05:03 PM

back from the graves!

MattP725 · 06-18-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memorylasts

back from the graves!

Well since it is... I was fortunate that I bought my car from out of state where the plate wasn't required... no drill marks or damage... I'll never put it on regardless of tickets.

Even if I did, it would be the Stillen bracket before OEM.

40thAnnZ · 06-20-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP725

I'll never put it on regardless of tickets.

That's what I like to hear. They'll have to physically put it on themselves which wouldn't turn out to well for them. I guess they could eventually suspend my license. No way I'm ever putting that plate on. Detracts from the design of the Z and if you don't use the Stillen mod then you have holes in your bumper. Another guy suggested the hide away motorized plate. Can't imagine the officers face when he checks it after he pulls you over and it's there.

bjblackout · 06-20-2012, 02:30 PM

Me too. I have scratches and screw marks in my bumper but its behind the plate so out of sight out of mind!!

But yes very stupid design

MattP725 · 06-20-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40thAnnZ

That's what I like to hear. They'll have to physically put it on themselves which wouldn't turn out to well for them. I guess they could eventually suspend my license. No way I'm ever putting that plate on. Detracts from the design of the Z and if you don't use the Stillen mod then you have holes in your bumper. Another guy suggested the hide away motorized plate. Can't imagine the officers face when he checks it after he pulls you over and it's there.

Def wouldn't lose your license but they might be able to impound the car (doubtful though because it is still legally registered and would be considered safe I would think).

The motorized plate would never work... if a cop sees it is missing and then suddenly appears, you can believe he is going to do everything short of ripping the bumper off to figure out what just happened.

40thAnnZ · 06-21-2012, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP725

The motorized plate would never work... if a cop sees it is missing and then suddenly appears, you can believe he is going to do everything short of ripping the bumper off to figure out what just happened.

Would be pretty entertaining though. Hahaha

06-23-2009, 06:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
TheWeatherman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 265 Drives: 2009 370Z 6MTw/Sport Rep Power: 16	License Plate Bracket Damaging Our Cars? I posted this up in the General Discussion thread, but should have it here... You know what really ticks me off about our front license plate bracket? I noticed on another one of our Wisconsin Z Club member's 370, the screws dig into the paint and plastic of our front bumpers. Anyone else have this? The screws are too long! I even have the dealer frame around it for extra clearance. 2 Wisconsin 370's with front bumper screw damage. We bought it from two completely different dealers. Grrrrrr.

06-23-2009, 06:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Installed front license plate bracket Yes and that's why I made an extra trip to my local HomeDepot store and got some really short screws. They do no touch the bumper. In case somehow (if a car backs into me during parking or whatever reason) the license plate bracket is pushed, I have put some plastic washers (also bought from HomeDepot) behind the bracket/screws. Hope this helps. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

06-24-2009, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2186	I had that problem on my 350z. bought it at an out of state dealer and they put a front dealer plate on it, and when I took the bracket off because I don't need it, I had two nice nicks in the bumper __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

06-18-2012, 05:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
JohnsZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 374 Drives: '09 370Z Tour CY M6 Rep Power: 14	So Glad I'm Not the Only One! One thing good about this forum is that no matter what kind of problem you have about your Z, someone else will have the same issue. I just bought an '09 370Z and the dealer had black screws in the front plates and stainless steel ones in the back. I just assumed they were of the same length so I decided to put the stainless steel ones in the front and use the stainless steel ones from my older car in the back. Unfortuately I didn't realize the ones I took off the back were longer than the black ones and when I screwed them in to the front bracket and plate, they hit the metal on the body behind the license plate bracket. No big deal since you can't see it and the marks are very small but this sure pissed my off being half mad at myself and have mad at the dealer who gave me the screws.

06-18-2012, 05:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
memorylasts A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,125 Drives: Cars... Rep Power: 17	back from the graves! __________________ somewhat-journal-thingy

06-23-2009, 10:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
speedworks Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 550 Drives: PW purchased 01/09 Rep Power: 17	Yeah, I have this same problem - its been there since January when I bought it and the dealer installed the front license plate - I have gotten over it because I don't see it.

06-24-2009, 11:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
TheWeatherman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 265 Drives: 2009 370Z 6MTw/Sport Rep Power: 16	Yeah, I don't even see it, but was wondering why Nissan would put screws that long on the bracket, when clearly it digs right into the bumper. I'm sorry about not seeing the thread AK had started already. No biggie to me, but just quickly wanted to vent. I still love the car. I never even use my new FX!

06-29-2009, 03:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
Damonox Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: L.A. Posts: 6 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 16	Just put my front plate on after getting a ticket for it. I made sure I bought some .5 in length bolts for it. And I put some electrical tape behind the mounter to keep it from accidentally scratching the paint. I was planning on taking the thing off again after I got it signed off at the police department, but it was a bit of a pain to get it on and I had to drill in two .4 in holes into the black fascia. Plus, those grommets are pieces of crap. Probably better to just leave it on now.

06-20-2012, 02:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
bjblackout Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 373 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 14	Me too. I have scratches and screw marks in my bumper but its behind the plate so out of sight out of mind!! But yes very stupid design

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