mounting front license plate on 2015 WRX using OEM holes

DannyB · 03-30-2015, 11:14 PM

I live in Ohio which requires a front plate (go to Wikipedia and search for 'ANPR -- automatic number plate recognition' -- it'll scare the pants off of you). So, fourth amendment violations notwithstanding...

I scoured the Internet for ways of mounting my front plate to my 2015 WRX that don't require me to drill more holes, and don't use the tow hook port (which is a really cool solution, just not what I'm looking for). I just want to use the OEM holes in my front bumper to mount my plate. Turns out I can use something called 'well nuts'. I quote from the Lowe's web site: ‘A well nut is a flanged neoprene bushing with a brass machine nut molded into one end. Tightening a machine screw in the brass nut causes the insert to expand, making it secure.’

That’s the answer I was looking for. I can use the well nuts to mount the bracket which will hold the plate.

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slurredwords · 03-31-2015, 03:38 AM

I don't see any questions so I'm assuming you came to a solution. Post pics and good luck.

What is it about the plate relocate you don't like? I'm OCD and thought it being off center would bother me but I think it looks good. Makes the car stand out. Anytime I see another car on the road and the plate is off center it catches my eye and they always get a few seconds of attention from me.

VVRX24 · 03-31-2015, 10:19 AM

"well nuts" are what come with some of the license plate delete kits (My nameless did), and also with the totsubo license plate bracket kit I used on my 2014. As far as I know you will have to drill holes in the front plate to match with the factory holes if you are going that route.

I went with the relocation kit because I wanted to be different

officer falcon · 03-31-2015, 10:52 AM

This is the adapter I used to mount mine. With this the stock JDM holes can be used. I thought about using the relocation kit but I don't like things being off center.

http://www.amazon.com/Subaru-Front-License-Plate-Adapter/dp/B00PUXUYN0

nsutherl · 03-31-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by officer falcon

This is the adapter I used to mount mine. With this the stock JDM holes can be used. I thought about using the relocation kit but I don't like things being off center.

Amazon.com: Subaru Front License Plate Adapter Kit: Automotive

+1 I used the same one and it works perfectly with the OEM holes.

Rallbaru · 03-31-2015, 07:06 PM

I don't understand why all the confusion with mounting a license plate and spending money on crazy mounts. Just go to the hardware store and get the license plate clips for $0.10 and make 2 new holes in your license plate that match the OEM holes in the bumper. If you want to go all out you get the fancy stainless hex screws to make it look neat.

These things:
http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...36869538lg.jpg

VVRX24 · 03-31-2015, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallbaru

I don't understand why all the confusion with mounting a license plate and spending money on crazy mounts. Just go to the hardware store and get the license plate clips for $0.10 and make 2 new holes in your license plate that match the OEM holes in the bumper. If you want to go all out you get the fancy stainless hex screws to make it look neat.

These things:
http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...36869538lg.jpg

The holes on a 15 are round, not square like the previous model.

Mach V Dan · 04-01-2015, 12:01 AM

This'll do the trick:

Mach V no-drill license plate mount/bumper trim

--Dan
Mach V
FastWRX.com

SteveoFeems · 04-01-2015, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach V Dan

This'll do the trick:

Mach V no-drill license plate mount/bumper trim

--Dan
Mach V
FastWRX.com

Nice! Just what I was looking for, something easy to install/remove my plate in the stock location w/o having to drill holes.

Order has been placed

Willbo · 04-01-2015, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallbaru

I don't understand why all the confusion with mounting a license plate and spending money on crazy mounts. Just go to the hardware store and get the license plate clips for $0.10 and make 2 new holes in your license plate that match the OEM holes in the bumper. If you want to go all out you get the fancy stainless hex screws to make it look neat.

These things:
http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...36869538lg.jpg

I got these from AutoZone along with the bracket linked below and it works great!

http://www.autozone.com/license-plat...et/103015_0_0/

davidwys · 04-23-2015, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallbaru

I don't understand why all the confusion with mounting a license plate and spending money on crazy mounts. Just go to the hardware store and get the license plate clips for $0.10 and make 2 new holes in your license plate that match the OEM holes in the bumper. If you want to go all out you get the fancy stainless hex screws to make it look neat.

These things:
http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...36869538lg.jpg

If I am not mistaken it is illegal to drill into the plates considering its government property. I do not think it will matter much, but spending a couple extra $$ to stay legal is worth it IMHO.

I have heard this works on 2015 cars as well, the Totsubo kit.

https://heubergersubaruparts.com/par...egoryID=183220

If anyone has done this on their 2015 please let me know if you had the squeaky problem. On my 2014 Sti, I had to chop off a couple threads from the mounting screw because the bumper would deflect and the bolts would squeak on the internal bumper bar.

SUPER PITA...if you cut too many threads it will not grab the base of the threads on the holding grommet. Needless to say, I cut 4 bolts before I got 2 that worked for the mounts.

Dave

Jack25 · 04-25-2015, 10:05 AM

Does the bumper of the 2015 wrx come with pre-drilled license plate holes from the factory. I placed an order last weekend for my wrx and I told the dealer that I don't want then to drill holes in the bumper. If they are oem holes then there's nothing the dealer can do but I just want to make sure.

MATR6 · 04-25-2015, 10:13 AM

Bought this for $7 & 2 3/4" zinc plated bolts from Home Depot.
Mounting Kit - 6" x 12" License Plate Mounting Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SCETXU..._Xk5ovb1NZGSY3

You can kind of see it in this picture. It's placed a little higher than if the dealer drilled 2 new holes & mounted via license plate holes.

I did have to drill the mount a little to fit the 3/4" bolts through. Not bad for ~$10.

mpz81 · 05-08-2015, 01:38 PM

If someone wants to go the well/expansion nut way, I'll save you some time.

Buy two #10-32 x 5/8in Expansion Nuts and matching Stainless Steel bolts. If you have trouble getting expansion nuts in, warm them (rub, hair dryer, heat gun) up and twist them in. They fit perfect!

awrxgirl15 · 05-20-2015, 09:32 PM

For those of you who have done the well nuts or expansion nuts.. did you have to take off all the clips & part of the front bumper?

And for those of you who have done the relocation kits, do you feel that it sticks out too much from the bumper?

I'm also still deciding what to do with my plate/I prefer it off so I've been putting it off as long as possible. But I know I don't want to drill holes in the bumper..

Here are some non drill brackets also..
http://skenedesign.com/FPBracket/Installation.shtml
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PUXUYN0/
Let us know what you end up doing

Willbo · 05-20-2015, 11:38 PM

OMG. License plates are NOT Gov't property!!! Drill them, bend them, do whatever you want to do.

I bought the exact plastic plugs that were listed above from Auto Zone for super cheap. Yes, they are square, BUT, they do fit perfectly into the OEM circle holes. Just like they were designed to do.

I've since purchased a Perrin plate relocator kit off eBay for $76 and free shipping. Looks much better.

derux · 11-06-2015, 07:32 PM

I used these to mount the plate on my 2014 impreza.

Subisnob · 11-06-2015, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willbo

OMG. License plates are NOT Gov't property!!! Drill them, bend them, do whatever you want to do.

I bought the exact plastic plugs that were listed above from Auto Zone for super cheap. Yes, they are square, BUT, they do fit perfectly into the OEM circle holes. Just like they were designed to do.

I've since purchased a Perrin plate relocator kit off eBay for $76 and free shipping. Looks much better.

WRONG. Each state does in fact OWN the license plates. You merely borrow them. While they may not say anything to you about drilling them, they could fine you if they really wanted.

With that said, I have debated on drilling my plate to match JDM holes. I ziptied and 3m taped instead.

...

I mounted my plate today with 3 Extreme weather UV resistant Zipties.
One up top that runs through the JDM holes and two on the bottom going through each hole and attached to lower grill.

I covered the back in 1/8" Dynaliner. basically stuck the plate to a large piece and trimmed around the edge. I then put 3M double sided tape to the center where it touches the painted portion of the bumper.

Subisnob · 11-06-2015, 08:22 PM

derux, where did you get those from? Looks like a kit...

CbusRex · 11-06-2015, 08:44 PM

I'm in central OH and have been front plateless on all my vehicles since '98. So far, so good.

derux · 11-06-2015, 10:23 PM

I designed them and made some. I have a few sets left.

Subisnob · 11-07-2015, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derux

I designed them and made some. I have a few sets left.

Nice job. I enjoy making stuff like that, but I think I'll got the route below...if my zipties don't seems to do the job after a while.

"#10-32 x 5/8in Expansion Nuts and matching Stainless Steel bolts."

derux · 11-08-2015, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subisnob

Nice job. I enjoy making stuff like that, but I think I'll got the route below...if my zipties don't seems to do the job after a while.

"#10-32 x 5/8in Expansion Nuts and matching Stainless Steel bolts."

sounds good. The ones I have are alum and all stainless screws.

Subisnob · 11-09-2015, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derux

sounds good. The ones I have are alum and all stainless screws.

Those mollie inserts you use are only zinc plated. Only your adapters are aluminum.

IvanFA20 · 11-12-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach V Dan

This'll do the trick:

Mach V no-drill license plate mount/bumper trim

--Dan
Mach V
FastWRX.com

Thanks for sharing, mine comes in today and will post pictures!

04-25-2015, 10:13 AM	#13
MATR6 Scooby Specialist Member#: 376995 Join Date: Dec 2013 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago, IL Vehicle: 2015 WRX Limited CWP	mounting front license plate on 2015 WRX using OEM holes Bought this for $7 & 2 3/4" zinc plated bolts from Home Depot. Mounting Kit - 6" x 12" License Plate Mounting Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SCETXU..._Xk5ovb1NZGSY3 You can kind of see it in this picture. It's placed a little higher than if the dealer drilled 2 new holes & mounted via license plate holes. I did have to drill the mount a little to fit the 3/4" bolts through. Not bad for ~$10. Last edited by MATR6; 04-25-2015 at 10:29 AM.

11-06-2015, 07:32 PM	#17
derux Scooby Newbie Member#: 399851 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Grass valley Ca Vehicle: 2014 impreza	I used these to mount the plate on my 2014 impreza. Last edited by derux; 11-09-2015 at 03:07 PM.

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03-30-2015, 11:14 PM	#1
DannyB Scooby Newbie Member#: 56217 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Columbus, Ohio Vehicle: 2015 WRX Lightning Red	mounting front license plate on 2015 WRX using OEM holes I live in Ohio which requires a front plate (go to Wikipedia and search for 'ANPR -- automatic number plate recognition' -- it'll scare the pants off of you). So, fourth amendment violations notwithstanding... I scoured the Internet for ways of mounting my front plate to my 2015 WRX that don't require me to drill more holes, and don't use the tow hook port (which is a really cool solution, just not what I'm looking for). I just want to use the OEM holes in my front bumper to mount my plate. Turns out I can use something called 'well nuts'. I quote from the Lowe's web site: ‘A well nut is a flanged neoprene bushing with a brass machine nut molded into one end. Tightening a machine screw in the brass nut causes the insert to expand, making it secure.’ That’s the answer I was looking for. I can use the well nuts to mount the bracket which will hold the plate. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

03-31-2015, 03:38 AM	#2
slurredwords Scooby Specialist Member#: 402344 Join Date: Sep 2014 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Manahawkin, NJ Vehicle: 2009 WRX Stage 2 Satin White Pearl	I don't see any questions so I'm assuming you came to a solution. Post pics and good luck. What is it about the plate relocate you don't like? I'm OCD and thought it being off center would bother me but I think it looks good. Makes the car stand out. Anytime I see another car on the road and the plate is off center it catches my eye and they always get a few seconds of attention from me.

03-31-2015, 10:19 AM	#3
VVRX24 Scooby Newbie Member#: 378662 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Chicago, IL Vehicle: 2015 WRX Premium WR Blue	"well nuts" are what come with some of the license plate delete kits (My nameless did), and also with the totsubo license plate bracket kit I used on my 2014. As far as I know you will have to drill holes in the front plate to match with the factory holes if you are going that route. I went with the relocation kit because I wanted to be different

03-31-2015, 10:52 AM	#4
officer falcon Scooby Newbie Member#: 414826 Join Date: Mar 2015 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 2015 WRX GBP	This is the adapter I used to mount mine. With this the stock JDM holes can be used. I thought about using the relocation kit but I don't like things being off center. http://www.amazon.com/Subaru-Front-License-Plate-Adapter/dp/B00PUXUYN0

03-31-2015, 07:06 PM	#6
Rallbaru Scooby Newbie Member#: 322127 Join Date: Jun 2012 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 2013 WRX Limted DGM	I don't understand why all the confusion with mounting a license plate and spending money on crazy mounts. Just go to the hardware store and get the license plate clips for $0.10 and make 2 new holes in your license plate that match the OEM holes in the bumper. If you want to go all out you get the fancy stainless hex screws to make it look neat. These things: http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...36869538lg.jpg

04-01-2015, 12:01 AM	#8
Mach V Dan NASIOC Vendor Member#: 12029 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sterling, VA	This'll do the trick: Mach V no-drill license plate mount/bumper trim --Dan Mach V FastWRX.com

04-25-2015, 10:05 AM	#12
Jack25 Scooby Newbie Member#: 367872 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Westchester, NY Vehicle: 2016 WRX Lapis Blue	Does the bumper of the 2015 wrx come with pre-drilled license plate holes from the factory. I placed an order last weekend for my wrx and I told the dealer that I don't want then to drill holes in the bumper. If they are oem holes then there's nothing the dealer can do but I just want to make sure.

05-08-2015, 01:38 PM	#14
mpz81 Scooby Newbie Member#: 395850 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chicagoland Vehicle: 2015 WRX DGM	If someone wants to go the well/expansion nut way, I'll save you some time. Buy two #10-32 x 5/8in Expansion Nuts and matching Stainless Steel bolts. If you have trouble getting expansion nuts in, warm them (rub, hair dryer, heat gun) up and twist them in. They fit perfect!

05-20-2015, 09:32 PM	#15
awrxgirl15 Scooby Newbie Member#: 421038 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Westchester, NY Vehicle: 2015 WRX Pearl White	For those of you who have done the well nuts or expansion nuts.. did you have to take off all the clips & part of the front bumper? And for those of you who have done the relocation kits, do you feel that it sticks out too much from the bumper? I'm also still deciding what to do with my plate/I prefer it off so I've been putting it off as long as possible. But I know I don't want to drill holes in the bumper.. Here are some non drill brackets also.. http://skenedesign.com/FPBracket/Installation.shtml http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PUXUYN0/ Let us know what you end up doing

05-20-2015, 11:38 PM	#16
Willbo Scooby Specialist Member#: 386070 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Northern Virginia Vehicle: 2015 WRX Limited WRB	OMG. License plates are NOT Gov't property!!! Drill them, bend them, do whatever you want to do. I bought the exact plastic plugs that were listed above from Auto Zone for super cheap. Yes, they are square, BUT, they do fit perfectly into the OEM circle holes. Just like they were designed to do. I've since purchased a Perrin plate relocator kit off eBay for $76 and free shipping. Looks much better.

11-06-2015, 08:22 PM	#19
Subisnob Scooby Newbie Member#: 431964 Join Date: Oct 2015 Vehicle: 2015 Forester XT	derux, where did you get those from? Looks like a kit...

11-06-2015, 08:44 PM	#20
CbusRex Scooby Newbie Member#: 431827 Join Date: Oct 2015 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: 16 WRX Limited LBP	I'm in central OH and have been front plateless on all my vehicles since '98. So far, so good.

11-06-2015, 10:23 PM	#21
derux Scooby Newbie Member#: 399851 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Grass valley Ca Vehicle: 2014 impreza	I designed them and made some. I have a few sets left.