Need Advice Please! License Plant

Well, when I picked up my new Tacoma the dealer asked if they could put a plate on the front with their ad in it. I said ok and figured I'd just take it off later and trash it.

When I went to take it off I realized that the front bumper had been drilled. What a sucky way to attach a plate. No big deal but the dealer drilled the holes about 1/4" off from the reinforcements and crooked.

I measured and re-drilled the holes in the correct location so that they hit the reinforcements for my required state plate. Now the bumper cover is all hacked-up with extra holes. I sent pics to the dealer and asked for a new bumper cover (no response in a week).

What would you guys do?

I wish I had the part # for the bumper cover to figure out what the value of it is.

Can this bumper cover material be patched with seam sealer or something?

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/351779-license-plate-plug.html

 

They did the same to mine without asking using 3/8 lag screws with one hole a 1/2 higher then the other. I wouldn't touch it if I was u and make them correct it but since u already did not sure how they will act. Whatever u use to fill and then paint with something like dupli color it will never be the same.

 

My truck was hit and the persons insurance company gave me a check for 360. That was for the base model unpainted bumper

 

Thanks; I appreciate the help. No good way to fix those unpainted bumpers I suppose. It's the same stuff the over-fenders are made of (unpainted) kind of flat black soft material.

I shouldn't have re-drilled. I have not submitted the new owner survey yet - I think it is unacceptable to to that to a new truck. Man. I can't believe it.

 

Aren't they dimpled from the factory so that they can use the supplied self tapping screws from the factory? When I sold cars, I was anal about the plates and such. I treated peoples' cars like I treat mine.

 

Mine was drilled in similar by the stealership but I decided not to put up a fuz cuz a bumper is just a bumper to me. It's gona get hit at some point (big or small)

 

You have to look close and actually be competent to hit the spots. The dimples are very subtle. The dealer didn't drill on the dimples and didn't measure apparently. I am picturing a sales guy out in the lot with a drill. Yikes.

I'm disappointed in the dealer and in the design of that mounting arrangement.

Never seen anything like that!

 

Would the plates hide the holes when you install it. Or is holes higher than the ones u drilled. If plates hide it at least wont be seen. Still try and get something from the dealer for messing up
I had plastic welded mine sanded and skim coat filler and touched up. Then added no drill bracket from member here. Black trim paint might be close enough of a match to touch up for yours.
Pic shows touched up with super white .Matches pretty good

 

That looks great! Yeah the plate does hide the holes fortunately, but you know it's brand new so I have some right to be a perfectionist for awhile at least!
I wonder if this would work.
http://www.autozone.com/tools-and-e...per-repair-compound/69590/?_requestid=2985784

 

FWIW, I think that the dealership did a good thing in asking if they could mount a plate up front, typically they won't say anything and just do it. That being said, they should have been more careful about it. Can you say plate bumper time?

Also, I specifically have told the dealerships to NOT put on a front plate regardless of the law. 7 years not rocking the front and the only hassle I've been given is by the kid at the inspection station. I am not saying that it can't/won't get me a ticket, nor that anyone should, but just my personal experience.

If there was a better way for us to mount them I would have one, but until then I like it nekked.

 

Check this out. www.bumperplugs.com

 

Mine was already mounted when I bought it new, but thankfully they mounted it high enough that I can use my CBI hidden front hitch and didn't have to relocate it. I didn't even need the flip up lic plate bracket, but that will come in handy for a later project.

Sorry to hear about all the bad experiences out there.