vilago

First time post.
Trying like hell to figure out how to mount the license plate, this is seriously driving me nuts . we've had the car for 5 years and didn't need a front plate until now. I ddidn't think it would be this hard but after looking at a couple other civics in the parking lot, I feel that something is wrong with the front bumper. maybe it's from a different car, I dunno. previous owner was clearly a toolbag that much is clear.... But take a look at the pictures... You can see that the holes for the bracket aren't even close to lining up (i thought license plate hole spacing was standard??) and inside those holes there is absolutely nothing to screw into. no grommet, no threads nothing. I already got a stupid ticket from a DC POS parking enforcement asswipe so I will resort to a getto phab if needed but i'd like to get this thing put on right. can someone with an '01 show me how the plate is attached?
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/fwazxvf99...Lpv3veFF4dc-ba

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

mine screwed directly to the bumper, drill it and use a screw that holds into it.

RIPSAW

If a car went to a state that does not need a front plate, it did not get the bumper attachment for a plate. The dealer has one for about $35. He gave me one since it's not a normally stocked item. Click on below for a thread for a newer car.
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ing-holes.html

vilago

why are there already holes in it then? I'm confused how this bracket is different than the one i already have. i already bought a second one thinking it would be different or the bracket i had was wrong and ended up getting the same thing again. can you give me a part number and a picture so i can see what this thing is?

RIPSAW

DID YOU CLICK ON https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ing-holes.html
Sure the part man at the Honda dealer can sort it out. The two upper holes you see in the bumper may be for the bracket that you are missing. I know on mine, it did not have these holes and the lower area where the bracket actually attached hat two square windows that the fingers of the bracket snapped in. You could just drill two more holes in the bumper about 3/16" (look up behind it first and only go thru the plastic bumper) Then you could get two SS 5/16 sheet metal screws and bolt it on the top two. However then the bottom floats and if you ever went thru a car wash with a big brush, it could make a mess of it with no lower support.

vilago

I don't know that there is a missing bracket. the only bracket i saw on the parts fiche is what I ordered (see pic in first post) and as you can see, no way is that going to attach. i don't understand what the holes are for if there are no threads and nothing for a screw to go into as they are about 1/4" in diameter, much too large for a screw

RIPSAW

i assume you are referring to the bracket I see around your plate. What does the bracket look like on the back side? Just looking at the fish, I assume it's flat. The bolt call out is self tapping. So I assume, you put the plate in the bracket and shoot the bolt bolts thru the plat,bracket and into the plastic bumper. Someone must have obviously had some odd ball plate on there before you got car.

vilago

yep that is what I am going to assume at this point, that the PO had some international plate on there or something. the holes in the OEM flat bracket are oblong to allow for some lateral movement and cradle the plate but that's it. I also bought the honda "self tapping" screws just in case but are essentially just as you described, like large sheet metal screws. looks like i'm going to have to resort to ghetto phab at this point. thanks for helping to clear this up, at least i know i'm not going crazy trying to figure this out