Stripped screw holes for rear license plate frame in rear step bumper pad.

[saxtech]

This may seem like a silly question and a no-brainer for most of you guys, but what are your "creative" methods to repair the stripped screw holes in the plastic rear step bumper pad (2003 XLT) for my rear license plate frame?

I know you can just shove xtra large screws in the holes but I want that to be my last resort. I want to see your creative ways that you guys have come up to repair the screw holes in the step bumper pad for the rear license plate frame.

This is my second Ranger that has done this (stripped out) and I assure you, I do not over tighten these screws. My 98 Ranger lasted me 20 years and I just drove around with lose screws for the license plate for years.

If my only resort is to use oversized screws, please post pics and sizes of the screws you have used before my license plate falls off please.

 

[sheep herder]

I used a screw with a lock nut on the backside. It's not coming loose.

 

[Curious Hound]

Hate to say it. But the Ranger did not do that. The screwdriver operator did it.

With that being said, my favorite is oversized screws. There might be some kind of push-lock fastener that might work. Or try to get behind it to put a nut on a machine screw.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Glue.

 

[saxtech]

Hate to say it. But the Ranger did not do that. The screwdriver operator did it.

With that being said, my favorite is oversized screws. There might be some kind of push-lock fastener that might work. Or try to get behind it to put a nut on a machine screw.

When I find that "screwdriver operator" I'm gunna give him a piece of my mind !!!

Yes I've thought about the nut and bolt idea. But every year I need to pull off the license plate to scrape the old sticker off (California). A little inconvenient but do-able. Thanks.

 

[Bgunner]

Let me first say I am not fimiliar with the 03 bumper and my thoughts are of the 93-97 style. Cant you use the inserts from the square hole style as nuts behind the plastic cover? just a pair of pliers would be needed to hold the insert still and if you need to remove it is very simple to get back off even in the rust belt.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7308111?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&gclid=CjwKCAjw19z6BRAYEiwAmo64LaEIjL0tl5bVfOHSm3pF9IjF60BPoKbgCCH2eNZtQoxOtG5YhEe9uBoC-K8QAvD_BwE

 

[saxtech]

Glue.

Yes I thought about an epoxy type of glue to repair the hole and re-drill it. But I was not sure if the repair would stick without pushing out when I re-drill the hole.

 

[G8orFord]

Stick a toothpick or match stem in the hole and put the screw in.

 

[saxtech]

Stick a toothpick or match stem in the hole and put the screw in.

Now that's "creative"... Thanks

 

[Bgunner]

Stick a toothpick or match stem in the hole and put the screw in.

Works with wood also. Makes a good filler. Personally I don't like using wood on vehicles but that is just my personal preference. (As best friend has a wood block holding up the corner of the bed on his truck.) It always seems to crush more over time due to the vibration and bouncing.

 

[G8orFord]

I get your reluctance to use wood, but we're talking about a license plate here, not an engine mount. LOL
You could also use a small piece of plastic if you're worried about rot.

 

[sgtsandman]

You could get one of those rivet nut kits from Harbor Freight. Of course, you’ll need. Couple of machine screws or bolts as well.

 

[MikeG]

Front license plate bolted to the bumper on my truck. Only have to replace every 7 years for new plates so not a big deal.......

 

[Snoranger]

Put a longer machine screw through from the back then a lock nut, then a washer, the plate, another washer, finally a nut... When you have to remove the plate ever year, you’re not wearing out the plastic threads

 

[racsan]

I got longer 1/4” bolts, put through the backside of bumper & a drop of loctite with a nut, bolt stays put & a 2nd nut (nylon locking) retains the plate.

Edit: as I was typing my reply @snoranger responded with the same idea.