License Plate Bracket Damaging Our Cars?

TheWeatherman

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

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.

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TheWeatherman

Thanks AK!

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.

MightyBobo

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.

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Mike

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

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JohnsZ

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

back from the graves!

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MattP725

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

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.

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bjblackout

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

JohnsZ

My guess is that the Z was not intended to have a front license plate. Unfortunately if you live in a state where it's mandatory like mine, putting one on in the front was an afterthought for Nissan. I wonder how many other people have damaged the paint on their Z because of this. I guess misery loves company.

MattP725

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

Would be pretty entertaining though. Hahaha

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Skorch

So glad I don't live in a state that requires front license plates..

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