Front license plate

[bonedoctor]

I've got a 2005 4Runner V8 Limited. Had ordered two of the nice black pearl license plate frames and went to put a plate + frame on the front. I'd noticed that it seemed to be just two holes, so went to the hardware store and bought some stainless machine screws with nylock nuts and went to put the plate and frame on--but the holes in the frame didn't line up with the holes in what appears to be a mounting spot on the bumper. Now there are two little dimples next to the holes in the bumper that seemed to correspond to the center of the holes in the top of the frame and it'd be easy to just drill two new holes (almost like they mark where you're supposed to drill), but what the hell? Is there some sort of bracket that I'm supposed to use that mounts to the bumper, then the plate and frame mount to the bumper?

 

[scooterz]

front plate

my local dealership sells a frame and mounting kit, but you still have to drill the dimples.

 

[riverwolf]

There was a long thread about this many moons ago.

On my 2k3, it feels like there are open ended tubes right behind the dimples. Picked a drill bit that fit into tube opening and crossed my fingers. I believe I used something called #8 body bolts found at an Advance or Autozone...black hex head bolts, matched the plate I was mounting. Going on 3 years now and seems to be holding up well...haven't had a reason to detach/reattach. Being plastic on the female side of the threads, I'd try to minimize the wear. Careful of over torqueing as well.

I would imagine machine bolts that fit the cylinder would work just as well, or better...just a bit more effort to install.

-Brent