View Full Version : How do I mount my front license plate?
dandemeyere
Jun 25, 2010, 02:27 PM
I drive a 2007 Honda Civic LX Coupe (link for more info. (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/2007/index.html)). I recently moved to California where drivers are required to have both front and rear mounted license plates. Since my car didn't have a built-in license plate frame, I went to my local Honda dealer and bought the mounting kit (see picture below).
http://dandemeyere.squarespace.com/storage/files/pics/front-bracket.jpg
My front fascia has two small holes where the bracket is supposed to go, which I have arrows pointing to in the picture of the fascia. Here's my question, how do I mount the bracket? I was given bolts which fit into both the bracket and holes in the fascia, but there's no way for me to get the nuts inside to bolt into. Do I need a special tool? Should I pay my local Honda dealer to install this?
http://dandemeyere.squarespace.com/storage/files/pics/fascia.png
Thanks!
Dan
TxGreaseMonkey
Jun 25, 2010, 02:35 PM
It's hard to tell, from here, without a close-up of the grill. If you propped the hood open, could you put the nuts on from behind?
KISS
Jun 25, 2010, 09:44 PM
Bottom access by lying on the ground?
Look for ways to remove grille to.
dandemeyere
Jun 27, 2010, 11:27 AM
There's some sort of panel behind the grill so when I lay on the ground I don't have access. Here's a picture that hopefully better illustrates the situation:
http://dandemeyere.squarespace.com/storage/files/pics/example.jpg
TxGreaseMonkey
Jun 27, 2010, 11:48 AM
The holes behind the grill look wider than the holes on the mounting plate. Did they say the two holes behind the grill are what you use, because I don't see how that will work? Something is missing, here. Besides, license plates are usually mounted lower, not in the middle of the grill blocking air flow to the A/C condenser and radiator.
dandemeyere
Jun 27, 2010, 12:00 PM
I agree something isn't adding up, I'm going to take my car into the dealership this week and see what they say.
KISS
Jun 27, 2010, 12:00 PM
Excellent point TGM!
Look for rather large square holes at essentially the same height as the rear bumper lic plate.
TxGreaseMonkey
Jun 27, 2010, 12:03 PM
Keep us posted on what you find out. Here's a freebie on how to keep your Civic running great for a long time:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563.html#post219991
KISS
Jun 27, 2010, 01:07 PM
Look at this thread: front license plate holes... - Drive Accord Honda Forums (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=17209)
Especially the link at the bottom (post #14, I think) which links to a service bullitin.
Looks like even the dealers are doing it wrong.
TxGreaseMonkey
Jun 27, 2010, 01:21 PM
The link should be to Posting #43. The diagram is the way I originally suggested, where there should be nubs or some way to tell where two imbeded mounting nuts are located in the bumper. Then, the mounting bracket is really not needed. You definitely do not want to block air flow to the condenser or radiator--that could cause big problems.