Rear License Plate Holes Stripped

I figured the "I'm a Douche-Bag" bumper sticker wasn't quite getting the message across so I got vanity plates for my new 2010 AC.

I took out the screws just fine on the other plate, but when I went to screw them in, they just shoved right through, like there was no threads at all. (this is the rear plate)

I doubt this was the best solution, but I mixed up some epoxy, put a little in the holes, then taped the screws in place until it set.

I guess I'm not so much looking for advice as I am just venting. Between the crappy bumper mounted front plate and the lame threads stripping on the rear after 1 use, I'm not pleased with Toyota's license plate mounts.

 

I would have just replaced the screws with nuts and bolts.

 

I believe there should be plastic inserts in the license plate holes, which probably got stripped by the lot boy or salesman who put the license on the first time. Since I off road, rather then worry my plate may fall off or stolen easily I just thru bolted the plate on with stainless hardware and have not worries. Still tight after 2 + years

 

x3, mine came off the lot with them already mostly stripped, so that's what I did.

 

x4

 

Same....I stripped those things day one. I thought WTF your an idiot. Now I feel better.

 

I put in bigger screws

 

x6 (stainless hardware with nyloc insert nuts)

 

x2

 

If you do have to bore out the epoxied holes for a plate change or ??, you can use a moly type screw,, that is if the area is inacessible behind those holes. if it is accessible,,then bolts and nuts as suggested.

another trick is to use a tiny zip lock and cut a short section, slip it in the hole, then start the screw in to bind on the zip lock nylon and remaining material around the hole. I have used that method for stripped headlight aming screw holes and other stripped threads. red neck light duty quick fix, but it works.

So sad that they make those plate holding points plastic and dainty. here in WA state we have to change out the plates every 4? years,,so those threaded holes have to be reused.

 

epoxy? what if the plates need to come off?

 

I put bolts in from behind with a washer then put a washer, lock washer and nut to hold the bolts in place... then a second washer, lock washer, and nut to hold the plate on. worked like a champ.

 

Wow, great idea! Too late for me for this application, but will remember in the future.

 

Why would they?

Actually, I barely put in 3 drops each. Just enough to fill the spacing between the threads. I suspect it won't be that hard to bust out if and when I need to.

 

F'in thread revival, I know.. Same shit from Toyota Carlsbad. Whoever screwed in the stealership frame stripped out the rear threads. 'yeah, just bring it back on your first service (5000 mi)" it should hold until then." "I have never seen this before" "sorry dude"
. Thanks for playing the $30k lottery and losing on some shizzle that doesn't have a part number. End rant/

 

Ever opened up the tailgate liner? It's very easy to strip one of those inserts, too. Poor material choice by Toyota it seems.

 

I just bolt mine on with star bits the have the little rod thing in the middle and 2 different sized nyloc nuts on the back. Plate stealing is bad at my campus.

 

yeah, going that route. Like I said, won the toyota lottery within the first 30 days.