There had been a thread on mounting the license plate on the front of the new 2012 Camry. Either you have to screw into the fresh paint, buy an expensive OEM bracket, or throw the front plate away. In Texas, I have to run a front plate on the bumper, not the windshield, no questions ask. But I didn't want to drill into the bumper. Luckily, the dealership never messed with the front plate during make-ready/pre-delivery. Later, I received the two plates for the car and came up with a way to mount it without causing damage.
After a little brainstorming and development, I came up with an idea for a mount that shouldn't damage the bumper or paint can remove later on the future. This will only work on smooth surface with quality paint, not on textured bumpers.
Disclaimer: Neither TN nor I are reasonable for injury or damage to yourself or property when performing this mod.
Materials:
1/4”-20 Elevator Bolts (2)
1/4” washer (2+)
3/8” washer (2+)
1/4”-20 nuts (2+)
3M Emblem/Molding Form Tape (the gray one)
Tools:
Masking/painter’s tape
Cutoff wheel/bolt cutters
Marker
Wrench
Scissor
First, this is how the assembly of all the parts will appear. Slide the 3/8” washer onto the elevator bolt, 2 or more to space it if needed. Then slide the license plate and any plate frame you might want onto the bolt. Then finish it with the 1/4” washer and nut. It should look similar to the picture I drawn below.
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Go ahead and just place the assembled mounts onto the bumper. (Be careful not to scratch the paint) Adjust the number of washers to space the plate correctly and make sure everything is tight. Don't forget that later, the 3M tape will add about 1/16" more spacing between the plate and bumper.
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Once you’re satisfied with the fit, mark the threaded shaft of the bolts with tape or paint to cut off the excess in front of the 1/4 nut. Disassemble everything and cut of the extra length of the bolt. (Tip: run a nut down the thread to the head of the bolt. Once you cut the bolt, removing the nut will help rethread the end of the bolt.)
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Paint the bolts as needed to prevent rust. Next, lightly sand the center of the elevator bolt head. This will help insure that the 3M stick well. Cut a piece of 3M and stick it onto the heads. Then trim the excess tape around the bolt head for a clean finish with a scissor.
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Reassemble everything onto the license plate. (I add two more 3/8" washers to space it further because of the frame.)
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Tape and mark the location to mount the plate. The Camry has two dimples and I placed it there. Be sure to clean the area, free of wax, dirt, and grease, for a secured mount. Peel off the red release plastic on the 3M tape and press the bolts firmly onto the bumper.
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Make sure that the plate doesn't rub on the paint.
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Once the plate in held in the desired location, remove any marking tape from the bumper and clean the area. Then remove the nuts, plate, and washer leaving just the mounts on the bumper. Check to make sure that the 3M tape has not lifted up and press the mounts firmly onto the bumper. The 3M tape should hold it.
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Once the mounts are secured, reassemble everything in order and finish the plate with chrome acorn/cap nuts and frame for a clean look. :thumbsup:
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Overall, I spent about $10 for all the materials and is holding firm after a month. This is the same tape used to hold body moldings and emblem so it should last for years. Again, I searched everywhere on the web and I couldn’t find anyone else that has done this. If you don’t feel comfortable with this method, I understand. Just sharing another options to those who hate to drill into new bumpers. And you every most to a start that don't required a front plate, you can remove the mounts the same way to de-badge emblems.
Another DIY for the Gen 7 section but will work on almost all vehicle. :chug:
After a little brainstorming and development, I came up with an idea for a mount that shouldn't damage the bumper or paint can remove later on the future. This will only work on smooth surface with quality paint, not on textured bumpers.
Disclaimer: Neither TN nor I are reasonable for injury or damage to yourself or property when performing this mod.
Materials:
1/4”-20 Elevator Bolts (2)
1/4” washer (2+)
3/8” washer (2+)
1/4”-20 nuts (2+)
3M Emblem/Molding Form Tape (the gray one)
Tools:
Masking/painter’s tape
Cutoff wheel/bolt cutters
Marker
Wrench
Scissor
First, this is how the assembly of all the parts will appear. Slide the 3/8” washer onto the elevator bolt, 2 or more to space it if needed. Then slide the license plate and any plate frame you might want onto the bolt. Then finish it with the 1/4” washer and nut. It should look similar to the picture I drawn below.
Go ahead and just place the assembled mounts onto the bumper. (Be careful not to scratch the paint) Adjust the number of washers to space the plate correctly and make sure everything is tight. Don't forget that later, the 3M tape will add about 1/16" more spacing between the plate and bumper.
Once you’re satisfied with the fit, mark the threaded shaft of the bolts with tape or paint to cut off the excess in front of the 1/4 nut. Disassemble everything and cut of the extra length of the bolt. (Tip: run a nut down the thread to the head of the bolt. Once you cut the bolt, removing the nut will help rethread the end of the bolt.)
Paint the bolts as needed to prevent rust. Next, lightly sand the center of the elevator bolt head. This will help insure that the 3M stick well. Cut a piece of 3M and stick it onto the heads. Then trim the excess tape around the bolt head for a clean finish with a scissor.
Reassemble everything onto the license plate. (I add two more 3/8" washers to space it further because of the frame.)
Tape and mark the location to mount the plate. The Camry has two dimples and I placed it there. Be sure to clean the area, free of wax, dirt, and grease, for a secured mount. Peel off the red release plastic on the 3M tape and press the bolts firmly onto the bumper.
Make sure that the plate doesn't rub on the paint.
Once the plate in held in the desired location, remove any marking tape from the bumper and clean the area. Then remove the nuts, plate, and washer leaving just the mounts on the bumper. Check to make sure that the 3M tape has not lifted up and press the mounts firmly onto the bumper. The 3M tape should hold it.
Once the mounts are secured, reassemble everything in order and finish the plate with chrome acorn/cap nuts and frame for a clean look. :thumbsup:
Overall, I spent about $10 for all the materials and is holding firm after a month. This is the same tape used to hold body moldings and emblem so it should last for years. Again, I searched everywhere on the web and I couldn’t find anyone else that has done this. If you don’t feel comfortable with this method, I understand. Just sharing another options to those who hate to drill into new bumpers. And you every most to a start that don't required a front plate, you can remove the mounts the same way to de-badge emblems.
Another DIY for the Gen 7 section but will work on almost all vehicle. :chug:
