Stripped License Plate Screw

[Jim In Tucson]

Thanks everyone, this was a most informative thread. I just ordered both the better bracket and the tabless frame.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

[OwenFrost]

One option is to use a threaded insert or a Helicoil, which can add more strength to the plastic and allow for a stronger hold. You can find these at most auto parts stores or online. Another option is to use a different type of fastener, such as a machine screw and nut, that can provide a more secure hold than a traditional license plate screw.

 

[sacharama]

The first thing I do when I took delivery was to remove license plate holder.

 

[insightman]

The first thing I do when I took delivery was to remove license plate holder.

The first thing I did when I took delivery was to remove the skeuomorphic hood scoop, but I didn't replace it with anything. You didn't replace the license-plate holder, you just screwed your plate directly to the hatch? Did you remove your license-plate holder to add lightness? It seems that would make a stripped license-plate screw even more problematic.

Maybe the OP would have paid you for your pristine, never-used, genuine MINI license-plate holder.

 

[sacharama]

The first thing I did when I took delivery was to remove the skeuomorphic hood scoop, but I didn't replace it with anything. You didn't replace the license-plate holder, you just screwed your plate directly to the hatch? Did you remove your license-plate holder to add lightness? It seems that would make a stripped license-plate screw even more problematic.

Maybe the OP would pay you for your pristine, never-used license-plate holder.

Yes I attach the license plate directly onto the backing plate of the car. I did that because aesthetically it's cleaner without the extra line motif created by the holder.

I thought op reported a stripped holder and not the screw so I am not sure what your "that would make a stripped license-plate screw even more problematic." comment is referencing.

Unfortunately the license plate holder is not available for sale as it went straight to the plastic recycling bin after it was removed.

 

[insightman]

So I tightened the screw a little too much and stripped out the very soft plastic of the rear license plate holder.

I thought op reported a stripped holder and not the screw so I am not sure what your "that would make a stripped license-plate screw even more problematic." comment is referencing.

I meant that it's easier to replace the cheap holder than the expensive hatch, so if a car detailer was working on your MINI and removed the license plate, it would cause a big problem if he stripped one of the holes you made for the license-plate screws. [Note: I brought an imaginary car-detailer into my scenario because I know you wouldn't accidently enlarge the hole.]

 

[sacharama]

I meant that it's easier to replace the cheap holder than the expensive hatch, so if a car detailer was working on your MINI and removed the license plate, it would cause a big problem if he stripped one of the holes you made for the license-plate screws. [Note: I brought an imaginary car-detailer into my scenario because I know you wouldn't accidently enlarge the hole.]

I have no idea what you are talking about.

The license plate holder is just a piece of plastic frame that goes on top of the license plate which can be replaced easily, as you can buy all different types of them at auto parts store as well as online stores. So why would the hatch of the car be involved?

As for the detailer scenario, I suppose there are people who wash, wax, polish or even ceramic coat the backing plate behind the license plate? More power to them.

 

[SameGuy]

The license plate is screwed into the holder which is screwed into the hatch. Are you guys talking about the same thing?

 

[insightman]

The license plate is screwed into the holder which is screwed into the hatch. Are you guys talking about the same thing?

I guess not. I think of a license-plate frame as the piece that goes on top of the plate, which is attached to the holder.

 

[SameGuy]

The license plate holder is just a piece of plastic frame that goes on top of the license plate which can be replaced easily, as you can buy all different types of them at auto parts store as well as online stores. So why would the hatch of the car be involved?

See post #14. Like many others here, I replaced mine with the $11 version from Amazon, and it is 10 times better than the stock one. I also put on a silicone “frame” which I think looks better overall than just the plate, while reducing vibration.

 

[sacharama]

I guess not. I think of a license-plate frame as the piece that goes on top of the plate, which is attached to the holder.

View attachment 20082

Ok we are talking about two different things.

When i stated holder I was referring to the plastic surround frame piece that goes on top of the plate, and I believe I am not the only one who thought so. Hence, in my response to you, I stated that I attached the plate onto the "backing plate".

My mentioning of the "backing plate" should indicate that I was not referring it as the "holder". Otherwise, I would not say "backing plate" while I was discussing the "holder" at the same time.

In addition, my comment about the cleaner aesthetic should also further indicate that I was not talking about the "backing plate" as it doesn't add additional lines to the aesthetic.

So no, I didn't remove the backing plate when I took delivery. It's still securely attached to the hatch of the car as it's always been.

 

[insightman]

See post #14. Like many others here, I replaced mine with the $11 version from Amazon, and it is 10 times better than the stock one. I also put on a silicone “frame” which I think looks better overall than just the plate, while reducing vibration.

It's good that BMW and MINI use the same mounting for their rear license-plate holders. I was amazed to see more than 800 people bought this one on Amazon in the last month:

 

[sacharama]

It's good that BMW and MINI use the same mounting for their rear license-plate holders. I was amazed to see more than 800 people bought this one on Amazon in the last month:

View attachment 20084

Well, let's see what it is called by various sites

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bm...MIj_S-6POI_gIVczizAB10wgUFEAQYASABEgIWbvD_BwE

Here it's called the "base".

https://eeuroparts.com/product/uro/...MIj_S-6POI_gIVczizAB10wgUFEAQYAyABEgLH6PD_BwE

Another "base" naming.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIj_S-6POI_gIVczizAB10wgUFEAQYBSABEgIgK_D_BwE

Here we got "bracket".

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_I...MIj_S-6POI_gIVczizAB10wgUFEAQYByABEgKy6fD_BwE

Pelican call it "base bracket"

So I think my "backing plate" is a pretty good description of that piece.

 

[ethylgocili622]

So I tightened the screw a little too much and stripped out the very soft plastic of the rear license plate holder. Actually, I didn’t really torque it very much, but that plastic is soft and I guess it didn’t take much.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I can do so my license plate doesn’t fall off? There really should be a better way to attach the plate, especially in CA where I have to take the plate off every year to put on the new registration sticker. I’m not sure that plastic would have held up even I were careful.

For those in California dealing with yearly sticker changes, a license plate frame with an easier removal system might be worth considering. On another note, if this is a used car, checking its VIN history with a tool like FaxVin https://www.faxvin.com/vin-check/locator can uncover any prior damages that might explain the weaker materials in the holder. Good luck with your fix!
Is there a way to put some kind of threaded insert or something? I’d like to try and get a more permanent solution and I don’t want to lose my plate.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue, but there are a few solutions to fix that stripped plastic and keep your license plate secure. One option is to use a threaded insert or Helicoil kit, which can be screwed into the damaged area to provide a new, durable thread for the screw. These kits are designed for repairs like this and can be found at most auto parts stores.