Front License Plate Bracket screwed into the bumper or uses adhesive?

[spitteler]

First post, few questions on my XLT I just picked up this evening. It was snowing at the dealership so things were a little rushed. I had found a truck similar to the one that I wanted to build, so with the extra rebates it made more $$$ to do a dealer transfer. When I got home with the dealer temp tags I realized the truck does not have a bracket for a front license plate. I went to look up the part numbers and it looks like there is a different part number for if you have a block heater or not. It also looked like the grill trim is different if you have the heater or not. The dealer is supposed to be installing a heater in the future for me since it is currently on back order. I probably won't be making the trip back to the dealer until the parts are in to do the service. What would you recommend for finding and using for a bracket for the time being? I don't mind ordering one, but I want it to be the right one.

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[05RubiconLJ]

If your state requires you to have a front plate, the dealer/Ford should be providing that to you free of charge. If they will not, I am sure that someone on the forum would be happy to send you theirs.

If the block heater requires a different grill trim and plate bracket, your dealer should be ordering that as a set and installing it for you.

 

[spitteler]

I just spoke with someone in their parts department. They say Ford has 760 on back order and that only 7 dealerships nation wide have them in stock. I can't verify, but that's what I was just told.

 

[CnB150Lariat]

It should’ve come with the truck if your state requires it. If they don’t have the right one, they need to make it right and give you one that will work for now and replace it when the 761st one is delivered to make it right. Or they can take one off another truck and order the other one for that truck. In no way should they allow you to drive off the lot with a non compliant vehicle that you can potentially be ticketed for.

On another note, it’s quite possible that they had it on and it fell off on your drive home? I’ve noticed that dealers are installing the front brackets upside down (mine did but I noticed it and fixed it) and when it’s upside down it does not properly secure in place. It’s loose when upside down and doesn’t securely ‘click’ into place. Maybe this is why the big back order because they’re falling off?

 

[05RubiconLJ]

@CnB150Lariat brings up a good point. Anything dealer installed should be double checked. Dealers often have the salesmen or some other underling put the small things/easy things on the truck. I worked one summer in college for a Saturn dealer washing and detailing cars. I was constantly asked to put this or that on a car, so that the technicians could focus on more involved/profitable work.

Warning for all: in the current state of car buying where many of us are buying cars from dealers hundreds of miles away to get the best deal (I have purchased two in the last few years, but was lucky to get my F150 locally), be very very cognizant that what is legal in your state may not be in another state. If your state does not require a front plate, but the state from which you are buying your vehicle does require one, you need to be very clear with the dealer that they are NOT to put the plate bracket on. While I don't believe this is an issue for the F150, most manufacturers require the plate bracket to be screwed into the bumper. The dealer your buying from does it every single day and will go into auto-pilot and put the plate bracket on, thus damaging your shiny new bumper. Trust me...I know.

 

[spitteler]

The dealer I purchased from will certainly make it right. I am trying to avoid the ride if I can help it. I am surprised it is back ordered. If anyone on the forum has one they would be willing to sell please message me.

 

[Knickell]

I will second what @CnbLariat150 Lariat said. I too have read that front the license plate bracket can be installed improperly.

Both look like they could be correct, but apparently number two is the proper method as it is drilled or stuck on via adhesive (I’m not sure which). In image one, it just pops onto the bumper (improperly) and will have a tendency to fall off.

 

[Bryan Simon]

This is how I got mine

It is not like either one of the two above

 

[Knickell]

This is how I got mine

It is not like either one of the two above

I guess it’s just “dealer’s choice” as to how to install that front bracket.

 

[CnB150Lariat]

This is how I got mine

It is not like either one of the two above

I guess it’s just “dealer’s choice” as to how to install that front bracket.

maybe the 3.5s and PBs have a bracket because of the different intake?

 

[Knickell]

3.5 EB has a

maybe the 3.5s and PBs have a bracket because of the different intake?

Good thought. That’s also possible.

 

[Bryan Simon]

This is how I got mine

It is not like either one of the two above

Profile pic.
Pretty sure they don't have MULTIPLE variations
Maybe just with block heater and without-----not even likely there, but I'm not sure

 

[Pawheel]

Can anyone confirm if the front bracket is screwed into the bumper or uses adhesive?

 

[Knickell]

Can anyone confirm if the front bracket is screwed into the bumper or uses adhesive?

This is the post from the guy who had the truck in the photos I posted above. He says it’s an adhesive.

 

[BMWtoF150]

Can anyone confirm if the front bracket is screwed into the bumper or uses adhesive?

Mine was neither glued or screwed to the bumper. It merely clips onto the vertical supports in the lower opening. It is very easy to install or remove. If installed correctly it will not just fall off.

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