markpenske

So, last night I removed my front license plate & bracket. The plan was to plug the holes with Honda hole plugs and either relocate the plate, add a hidden plate bracket or drive with no front plate.
After removing the bracket I plug one hole (no problem), the other side I noticed the backing nut plate was gone. it must have come loose and falling behind the bumper. The plug will not stay in place without the backing nut plate. There is no access to get your hand behind the bumper to hold it in place while the plug is inserted.
I'm really not up for removing the front bumper. Anyone have any tips?

Jeremiah

I had the same problem...removing the front bumper only takes a few minutes. Or if you're lazy you can just hot glue the plug in place.

Bugsy

yeah, the front bumper HAS to come off to get to it...
Sorry bub.

NH_s2k_Guy

Actually it doesn't, I was able to get it out with several small tools, paper clip bent on the end, etc.

Although it probably took longer than just taking the bumper off.

Bugsy

He needs it back in place to get the covers to hold, not just out.

NH_s2k_Guy

Believe me I got really creative to get it to be back up in place and to hold long enough to get the bumper plug in.

I'm not that comfortable with pulling the bumper off so that was my only alternative, it took perseverance and a lot of
4 letter words but I was able to do it.

Bugsy

You're like a surgeon.
I heard that the latest gall bladder surgery isn't like it was in the past. In the past, they'd open you right up. Now they make the tiniest hole. Surgeons say it's like changing the plugs on your car without opening the hood.

Cool beans Mark.

NH_s2k_Guy

It was a GIANT pain in the @$$ but I was determined not to let it win!

markpenske

How did you access it? From the top? Did you hold the plate in place while inserting the plug from the outside?
I tried reaching my hand in near the top of the bumper with no luck. Almost got my hand stuck.

NH_s2k_Guy

It was years ago but I believe that I fished a paper clip bent on the end down through the hole to get it
then I held the one that wouldn't stay in place through the other hole until I got the plug in, then
put the plug in the other one.