2003 Front License Plate Question

[jharris2]

I took delivery today of the SR5 we ordered a few weeks ago!! (No pics because no digital camera )

This evening, I was planning to put our decorative American flag plate on the front of the vehicle (Arkansas does not use license plates on the front of the vehicle). The dealer provided the screws to go with the holes in the front bumper area.

However, to my surprise, the screws are 8-1/4" apart, where the standard license plate is 5-3/4" to 7-1/2".

Did they forget to provide a bracket or something?

Of course, I can drill additional holes, but that won't look right.

Thanks!

 

[Roy in Texas]

John,
I haven't received our plates yet so I can say it's not an issue yet. Keep us posted on your discovery. Congrats on the new ride. You will love it. We had the V8 Sequoia and now the V6 Runner and power wise it's peppier than the V8. Lots less weight and more tossable. I will be able to tell better after I get through the wear in period and can try full kick down. I'm feeling it's gonna be plenty fast.

Cheers,
Roy

 

[peter78]

Not Just 2003

When I bought my 2001 4Runner a friend, who had a 4Runner, asked me if I had a different size front plate tag. I checked and yes it was different. When I read your message and I just re-measured the front plate area, 8 1/4".

There must be a reason for the difference between the front and back tag holder. Probably to do with different areas of the world having different tags.

My friend put his special "Bull Dog" tag by putting the two screws right through the tag. There might also be a adapter for the front. Anyway I hope this helps.

 

[jharris2]

Thanks, Peter.

Guess when I'm out looking around tomorrow for a few things I'll see if I can find a frame to fit the 8-1/4" holes. Drilling holes in the plate is no big deal, but a frame will make it look more finished.

Will post what I learn.

 

[peter78]

"No mods ... yet"

Sounds like your going to get your first mod.

Enjoy your new 4Runner.

 

[4x4Runner09]

kind of off subject but,
In the state of California, do you HAVE to a front license plate?

Just curious?

 

[jharris2]

I believe most states require front plates. If the state issues you two plates, that's a pretty good indication that they require it. I think California is one of them.

Some southern states, like Oklahoma and Arkansas, only issue one plate, and it is for the rear only. You are free to put whatever you want on the front, or to leave it alone. Down here, you find that is where lots of dealerships will provide a plastic plate to advertise where you bought your vehicle.

Peter - first mod will actually occur tomorrow, and it's really trivial to do but I find very important. On all of my vehicles, I put a 2" round convex mirror on both of the outside mirrors. The convex mirror eliminates the blind spot, plus makes it much easier to see the parking lines when you back into a parking space. Best $2 you'll ever spend on a vehicle.

In case you're wondering, you can get these almost anywhere.

 

[jharris2]

OK, I've done some checking and all license plates and frames seem to have 7" as standard. However, based on entries in other newsgroups (example: http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...selm=1hvm6.2322%24P.29317%40news1.atl&rnum=30 ) that this issue is not limited to the 4Runner.

There is supposedly a Toyota part number to provide a bracket. However, the real part number seems to be a mystery -- if anyone out there has it, please post it for all of us!!

There is also a company called "Cruiser" that may have a bracket that works. There are no nearby dealers so the information may be hearsay.

Sounds like the easiest solution is to go to Home Depot and get a metal strip and make a bracket. Should be simply a strip about an inch wide and foot long (but no longer than the plate), holes drilled 8-1/4" apart for the 4Runner, then a second pair at 7" for the plate. You'll need two pairs of screws to hold everything on and some additional wahers to shim the plate may be needed.

Interestingly, the 4Runner has a pair of nibs near where the bottom of the plate should go, but they are clearly just for support since they are under 7" apart.

Any better ideas or the real Toyota part number??

Thanks!

 

[*wishlist*]

talk about bringing a thread back from the dead....

there were other threads regarding this but i found this one to be most helpful, so i brought it back. .

well, i got a fix it ticket for not having a front license plate and was wondering if anyone has found the toyota part number for the bracket by now? if not, how bout posting a picture of your custom brackets? i really don't want to put new holes into the front bumper and would appreciate any help. i have 60 days to fix it. thanks in advance.

 

[dcampen]

License plate frame.

I didn't have any problem attaching my front license plate. Originally I used the frame that came with truck, a cheap plastic one with dealer advertising, then I bought nice black painted brass frames from the parts shop at a Toyota dealer.

 

[bluewolf]

Not sure of the exact spacings, but here's what I noticed when I removed the plastic "dealer" plates to put on our new plates:

The pre-tapped holes lined right up for the back plate. The front plates, however, have factory-provided holes which are spaced wider (maybe 3/4 or so from each side) that a standard US plate. The plastic has wide "raised" platforms for plate screws, and our dealer simply drilled two new holes into the plastic for the proper spacing when they installed the plastic "dealer" plates. Our plates cover the other holes up fine, and there is no problem at all.

The problem I have with licence-plate mounts is this: On every vehicle I have ever owned there are only two tapped holes for screws on the back, not four as there SHOULD be. This makes the licence plate vibrate when you close the hatch. I HATE that!

 

[bryancos]

To keep the plates from vibrating or rubbing the paint, I always install a couple of those rubber bump stops / rubber feet behind the plate. Same type of thing used w/ a lot of bug shields. (you can get them in the hardware dept at any store)