Newer Model Bumper

[Neanderthal57]

I have a 97 Explorer AWD. The previous owner apparently put a newer model bumper on it. I believe the 97 had the license plate mounted in the step on the bumper. This bumper appears to be from a model with the plate mounted on the rear hatch.

The step in the current bumper isn't wide enough for the plate which means its also not wide enough for a lighted bracket. I'm driving around with the plate in the back window right now but that's just a ticket waiting to happen.

I've considered mounting a bracket to the rear hatch off the side a little but I don't see how to wire the bracket light to the tail lights. Attaching it to a flat spot on the bumper looks funny. Is this my only option?

Does anybody have any suggestions?

 

[01STrunner]

Sounds like he put a bumper on there from a 99-01 ex. There were very little differeces between them but the bumper and license plate location was one of the changes.

 

[2TimingTom]

Wonder if it got rear ended and put back together on the cheap with some junkyard parts.