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Old 07-13-2009, 03:20 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Location: San Francisco, CA
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Covering License Plate Cover Holes?

The other day I found that my front license plate was gone(!) and all that remained was the plastic mount on the centre of the front bumper. Dunno if it was taken or if it just fell off (the screwholes were not the tightest things on that holder). I decided it looks a bit silly to drive around with the mount but no license plate, so I removed that. However, where that was screwed in remain two ugly, rough holes in my bumper. Anyone have any ideas on what to cover those with? Has anyone come across maybe some plugs or something?

Thanks
Carl

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Old 07-13-2009, 03:30 PM   #2 (permalink)
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You could go to your local hardware store and look for something nice to put in place of the crews.

Brass screws or bolts can be attractive.

Want something a little less metallic? While obviously not part of the base plastic, small cabinet knobs could be a nice look.

If the measurements were just right, you could substitute a hinged door pull like on high-end chests of drawers.

You might find small rubber grommets that just pull thrgouh the hole to leave a rubber cap.

You may not find a product specifically for covering unsightly holes on plastic automotive panels, but you can probably find something that tweaks your fancy.

Hardware store not working out? Visit the craft store for different ideas.


. . . or get a replacement plate.

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Old 07-13-2009, 06:21 PM   #3 (permalink)
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I've had that problem before. In Florida we're not required to have a front plate but I had a nice dealer mount their dealer plate on the front of my new honda once. After I removed the frame I went to the local Auto Parts Store and hit the screw section. In the Dorman parts are plastic plugs made for concealing holes Looked factory when it was on - cost is about $2 for a pack of them.

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Old 07-13-2009, 07:08 PM   #4 (permalink)
 
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BumperPlugs.com

Used these on my Boxster and our 996 Cab. Great finish quality and service, and they'll custom paint using your colour code.

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Old 07-13-2009, 07:15 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Here's a thread with a picture for the ones I mentioned earlier. They do have smaller ones too. I'm not going to hotlink the picture........and don't hate because it is a Geo Metro forum.

Scroll midway into thread...

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Old 07-13-2009, 07:22 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Padawan View Post
BumperPlugs.com

Used these on my Boxster and our 996 Cab. Great finish quality and service, and they'll custom paint using your colour code.
They got some nice stuff to solve the issue, And while you are there you can rebadge the smart as a 911

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Old 07-13-2009, 07:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
 
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I too contacted bumperplugs.com, and he told me there was not enough demand to do "one-offs" for the Smart.... My local paint shop did all three of my plugs and the gas cap when they painted the body kit.

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Old 07-14-2009, 05:15 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I have ordered a pair of black ones from BumperPlugs.com, as their website says it matches most regular black bumpers. I'll update this thread with pics once they come in and I've installed them.

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Old 07-16-2009, 09:06 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Well I got my BumperPlugs. However, they are much wider than the holes that were drilled through my bumper, meaning that to install them I'll have to drill bigger holes. I don't really want to do that since in CA the cops can tell me to get another license plate, and if my holes are bigger then I'm screwed. Actually I'm unscrewed because I won't be able to screw the holder back in.

However, for those brave enough to drill away, the colour of the black is quite a good match. I might get a sticker and put it over the area where the holes are. I wonder what . . .

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Old 07-17-2009, 08:23 AM   #10 (permalink)
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Like I mentioned before. Look at the Dorman hole plugs at Autozone, O'Reilly, Pepboys etc. They are the perfect size with no drilling required so the hole can be reused after you get a ticket for no front license plate and want to reinstall.

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