Problem with putting front license plate on

[Wilmarbury]

I recently got my California license plates from the DMV. I added my rear ones with no problem, but when I tried to attach my front one, it doesn't fit. The holes that are on the 4Runner are wider than what is on my license plate. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there a part I'm missing. Please let me know. Thanks.

I have a 2005 4Runner Sport Edition.

Wilmar

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

Seems like I remeber this coming up last year. Something about having to have a bracket to interface between the bumper and plate. I'd call the dealer and ask. Seems like you should get one if you live in a two plate state?

 

[tkr128]

Apparently, the holes that are currently on the front are made for the European plates (I think).

Here is a good thread about it. I posted a picture in there of where my holes are:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1736

 

[TranceKrayz]

you can grab a cheap bracket at pep boys or other auto parts stores. that's what i did.

 

[Hitman]

Apparently, the holes that are currently on the front are made for the European plates (I think).

Hmmm.... the holes line up just fine with my New York state plates.

 

[carina71]

Wierd. Fits on the back okay but not on the front. HMMMM. What's the DMV's policy there on drilling a couple of holes in the license plate, I wonder.

 

[tkr128]

Hmmm.... the holes line up just fine with my New York state plates.

That's weird. Maybe Toyota included it on some models but decided not to on others?

 

[CLMims]

I had exactly the same problem, after moving to Maryland and required to display a front plate - the front plate's holes were slightly off on both sides, and no frame was supplied.

Some people simply take self-tapping screws and make new holes next to the existing ones, but I needed a secure place to mount the front plate (it has to last at least 2 years in MD!), plus I think hanging your tag off the bumper with just half the holes looks cheap (IMO).

I found a "universal mount" frame at Advance Auto/Pep/Zone for ~$5; I got the kind that had several horizontal and vertical slots, and used two 5/16" x 1" bolts to mount it (very securely, I might add) to the existing holes. Four 1/4" x 1/2" screws hold the plate to the frame (I did grind down the top 2 scews a bit so the tips did not come through the back of the frame into the painted part of the bumper).

So, for around $6, you can have a nice-looking front frame in the spot where Toyota should have supplied one!

 

[navyaircrew]

fix ...

I went to wal mart and bought a 1/2 spacer bracket... i just screwed into the plastic bumper part, but that only put two holes in it... stainless steel bolt, with wash and nut/w/nylon backing... holds fine... now i just screw into the plastic bracket... the license plate seemed to rub wrong also on the bumper... when i was in japan, the license plates are alot bigger and wider.. i think that is where the difference is.....