Bolt size rear license plate??

[jkpullin]

Hopefully this is a easy question but when we bought our 16 explorer it didn't come with license plate bolts for the rear. I got to looking and it has a plastic insert for the mounting holes with no thread pattern so I'm not sure if u make your own thread with this setup or not. Thanks in advance!

 

[peterk9]

Hopefully this is a easy question but when we bought our 16 explorer it didn't come with license plate bolts for the rear. I got to looking and it has a plastic insert for the mounting holes with no thread pattern so I'm not sure if u make your own thread with this setup or not. Thanks in advance!

I'd go back to the dealer and have them fix this. Any time I've picked up a new vehicle from a dealer, they were the ones that attached the plates. Sorry, I can't help with the bolt size.

Peter

 

[jkpullin]

I'd go back to the dealer and have them fix this. Any time I've picked up a new vehicle from a dealer, they were the ones that attached the plates. Sorry, I can't help with the bolt size.

Peter

I was going to use that as my last option cause where we bought the explorer is a special trip to a city we don't go very often. Was hoping to get the size and pick some up for couple bucks

 

[xxghostxx]

I agree. Your sales person should have handled this.

http://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-License-Plate-Screw-5NCG2

 

[jmr061]

I was going to use that as my last option cause where we bought the explorer is a special trip to a city we don't go very often. Was hoping to get the size and pick some up for couple bucks

The dealer messed up. Have them mail the correct bolts to you.

 

[Halwg]

How do you leave a dealership without a license plate attached? This doesn't even make sense.

 

[shewcj01]

I went to a hardware store and bought Stainless steel bolts. Nothing would tick me off more than watching rust run down the back because I didn't want to spend the extra few dollars.

Also, I just used a standard bolt, nothing too aggressive or thread cutting. I used 4 so it's not going anyhwere. I think it was an M5.

 

[peterk9]

I went to a hardware store and bought Stainless steel bolts. Nothing would tick me off more than watching rust run down the back because I didn't want to spend the extra few dollars.

I believe the bolts that the dealer should have supplied are plastic. That's what I have on my current vehicle.

Peter

 

[Spiffums]

I thought they were all the same size. Local auto parts stores and Walmart/Kmart sell them around here.

 

[alexk]

Check the glove box, there might be a package of screws in there from the factory.

 

[CajunFordEx]

How do you leave a dealership without a license plate attached? This doesn't even make sense.

Some states use a paper temporary license plate taped to the rear window until the office of motor vehicles mails you the metal plate about 2 weeks after your purchase. That's how it is down here anyway.

 

[peterk9]

Some states use a paper temporary license plate taped to the rear window until the office of motor vehicles mails you the metal plate about 2 weeks after your purchase. That's how it is down here anyway.

That could well be the case, but the mounting hardware should still be in place. Here the dealer sends a 'runner' to the local licensing office to get the new ownership and plates, if needed. In my case I just have my existing plates transferred to the new vehicle when I pick it up.

Peter

 

[Rtball]

The factory bolts are a coarse sheet metal type thread. They self thread into the plastic insert. If you want to remove the lower rubber bumpers, you can slip an additional set of inserts there. Much less chance of the plate rubbing on the paint, and it will be very secure. Using a machine screw whether standard or metric might make it come loose more readily due to the rather fine thread. Good hardware stores stock larger stainless steel sheet metal screws. Most of the dealer supplied screws are of a non-rusting material. Not shiny but they will not rust either. I have gone through this routine for many years. Non Ford products may not let you add the additional inserts. Then you have to be inventive to keep the plate secure and non abrasive.