Help Removing Front License Plate Bracket
 

I recently moved to PA and now get to take advantage of one of it's few redeeming qualities: being able to legally run without a front license plate. However, I'm stumped on how to remove this bastard:

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...603_194442.jpg

The hex bolts just seem to spin when using a socket wrench. I tried prying it a bit from behind while using a wrench with no luck either. It's entirely possible that whatever genius installed this at the dealership could have stripped it. It appears to be impossible to reach up behind the mustache since the front bumper bracing is back there.

Am I missing something, or did Subaru really make it necessary to remove the front bumper to uninstall a simple plate bracket? Thanks in advance.

It's most likely bolted on. I have the front plate kit (uninstalled) since most dealers don't install it by default unless customer wants it installed.

There could be plastic tabs like the rear license plate. Maybe be able to take the under panel off and stick your arm up there? I haven't taken off the under panel yet, but it might be worth a try.

I have the same problem, the 2 10 mm bolts just keep spinning. Maybe have to remove the front bumper ? curious to know how to remove it as well

The install kit (which I ignored - I used the magnet trick) contains rubber fittings with a brass threaded insert - I believe these simply mushroom behind the bumper cover to keep things in place, but that explains why the bolt just spins. You'll need to get behind and grab the rubber so it doesn't spin.

You'll have a pair of ~1cm holes if you remove this.

cjd is correct. You will have to get behind the bumper somehow and hold the rubber inserts with pliers or something similar and then loosen the hex. Good luck.

Given the fact that you will now have 2 unsightly holes in your bumper when you remove the plate mount, you might want to consider keeping the mount and putting a Subaru or STi plate on it. I wonder if this would cleanly cover the holes?
http://www.fastwrx.com/collections/m...neous-exterior

Thanks! That's what I suspected and feared. What a ridiculous design by Subaru. I don't think it's possible to reach back there with the bumper still attached.

I was considering filling the holes and then wrapping the mustache in a black vinyl, as close to OEM as I can get.

will u just keep it on ?

let me know if u figure a way to remove it. I was planning on doing the same thing, filling the holes with bondo and then vinyl wrapping it

I still plan on vinyl wrapping it. Just need to find the time to take the bumper off first. I'll update this thread detailing how to remove that bracket. I'm sure it's not rocket science, but I was surprised there was no info on it, hopefully I can help someone out. I still can't believe Subaru made something so simple such a pain in the ass.

I had the same issue and ended up trying for hours before this post was made. I ended up calling the service department at dealer in Ohio who told me about the rubber rivets or whatever and said I should just be able to pull the bolts out with pliers but it doesn't feel like the bumper cover has any give..

Like it would just tear giant holes in the plastic so I gave up and just cut the bracket of and have been driving around with two irritatingly bright aluminum screws in my bumper just begging to come out.

I can't wait to find out more on how to get rid of these hideous things.


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Flat black paint is your friend.

I'm also trying to do this. I'm actually gonna go to the dealership tomorrow and demand them to remove it themselves.