Front License Plate Holder/Bracket on a Sport???

[HamHands]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I just became a member here when I bought a 2015 Sport on Monday. I need a front license plate bracket installed on my Sport for work identification purposes: I work for the government and a special front plate gives me easy/instant access to secure sites... I got the dealer to give me the bracket but it didn't come with any hardware so I'll need to source some hardware too. I'm looking to install it tomorrow.

My question is: has anyone else done this? Is there anything behind the front bumper that I need to worry about NOT drilling into, electrical or mechanical? I'm very handy, built a Jeep and other past vehicles, etc... I just want to make sure I'm not hurting anything. She didn't come with the front camera or the adaptive cruise control option but came Loaded with every other option for what it's worth. Thanks in advance!

-HamHands

 

[peterk9]

I think that you're the first to want one installed. Most want it removed. I'm not sure if the following thread would give you any insight as to what may be involved. It is on removing the bracket;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308815

Peter

 

[Hawkeye93]

You can get the bracket from Amazon. You can also get the hardware from Amazon, or any local hardware store.

 

[Hawkeye93]

Sorry, didn't read the original post closely enough, didn't see you already had a bracket. I don't think you need to worry about drilling into anything, so long as you don't penetrate too deeply.

 

[HamHands]

Thanks gentlemen! I understand I'm in the minority here wanting the front license plate holder but for me it's a must. If not I get hassled... I figure everybody in states that require two plates by the DMV have the front plate holder on their Explorer Sports, i.e., California & Wisconsin I know for sure. The bracket is a perfect fit when mocked up. The guys at Advanced Auto recommended I go with 3M double sided industrial tape. This stuff is solid and best yet; I don't have to drill into the front fascia/bumper. Thanks for the link and advice!

 

[HamHands]

So... the 3M tape lasted on a day or two. Today I went and got some self tapping 1/4" sized screws from Advanced Auto. I used a measuring tape to get the bracket marked and centered and carefully drilled into the front bumper/fascia and installed the bracket screws. Now the bracket isn't moving anywhere and my ID plate is solidly visible.

 

[Halwg]

So... the 3M tape lasted on a day or two. Today I went and got some self tapping 1/4" sized screws from Advanced Auto. I used a measuring tape to get the bracket marked and centered and carefully drilled into the front bumper/fascia and installed the bracket screws. Now the bracket isn't moving anywhere and my ID plate is solidly visible.

I didn't think that take would work on the outside of the car. I have used it to mount things on the dash, but I wouldn't use it for a license plate bracket.

 

[NewYorkistanSux]

I guess attaching it to the grill with zip ties wasn't an option?