Bumper Plugs - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Rhino8541 · 09-10-2007, 09:30 AM

I decided to make a quick write up about filling in the holes in your front bumper if your dealer put a plate in.
I know there is www.bumperplugs.com, but I couldn't see spending that much when it could be done for much cheaper.

What you need:
Drill
1/4" Drill bit
Spray Paint
Panel Retainers

The panel retainers can be picked up at your local automotive store.
I picked up Chrysler, Ford, GM retainers by Dorman.
These looked like they would work the best, but there are other sizes to choose from.

First, spray paint the plugs to the color of your vehicle, I used Cardinal Red Dupli-Color for my Radiant Red truck.

The existing holes must be widened just a little bit, 1/4" is perfect. I checked the size of the plug by pushing it into the empy hole in the container where my drill bits are held.

Here is what it looked like after taking the plate out, and before putting the plugs in.

And a few after...

All in all a very simple task, but I think it improves the look quite a bit, no more ugly holes.

rydr1 · 09-10-2007, 10:04 AM

that is what is next on my list.
i went to the hardware stor to see if i could find something but i didnt.

i also looked into the website and just couldnt pay $35.00 for some plugs.

that looks really good man thanks.

tonythemarine · 09-10-2007, 10:13 AM

i wana do that but iono if it's illegal in texas or not if i dont have my front license plate.

Rhino8541 · 09-10-2007, 10:21 AM

It doesn't take long at all. Front plates are required in NY, but as soon as I came down to SC I took mine off, technically, I don't know if I'm still required to have it on or not, but I think front plates ruin the look of a vehicle. I want to find a way to rig up a way to mount a front plate, but be able to take it off and put it on without any damage to the bumper, I'm thinking something that mounts from behind, and comes out through the lower bumper. Something like this... Front License Plate - Different Options

rydr1 · 09-10-2007, 10:52 AM

i drilled my plate right above the skid plate and didnt need a bracket ill get some pics when i get a chance.

rdsaustintx · 09-10-2007, 11:33 AM

Very nice!

I have to move my plate onto my bullbar, already ordered bumperplugs. $33. D'oh!!

lilgerber · 09-10-2007, 11:37 AM

clean i think i might have to out this onthe list as well.

GTCOMA · 09-10-2007, 11:49 AM

looks nice and clean!

Rhino8541 · 09-10-2007, 11:54 AM

I almost did order the bumperplugs, but saw these at the automotive store, so picked them up. I'm pretty happy with the results.

The door plugs however, I might order, I can't find anything that would replace those cheaper, and I like the subtle mods.

ilovetacos · 09-10-2007, 10:22 PM

Good job!

You can also get these plugs at hardware stores...Home Depot, Lowes, OSH..etc.

beastbluetaco · 09-10-2007, 10:27 PM

That's definitely the next mod on my list. I need to get rid of those ugly bolts sticking out of my bumper since we dont need front liscense plates in AZ.

rydr1 · 09-12-2007, 09:34 AM

i think mine look to bigger, i may have got the wrong ones. here are some pics.
im going to try something different later today ill post pics as soon as i get a chance.

Rhino8541 · 09-12-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

i think mine look to bigger, i may have got the wrong ones. here are some pics.

Hard to tell, it could be because of the color, and angle of the pictures.
Mine are about 3/4" across, or the size of a dime.

I like where you have your plate now, but having a skid will interfere with that I think.

rydr1 · 09-13-2007, 02:39 PM

here is what i got after all:

slimcubby · 01-25-2008, 01:30 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33654

Here is a link to plugs that fit nicely and can paint them to any color since they are clear. Only 8 bucks and some change shipped.