My g6 came with a front license plate bracket installed. I was a bit upset to find that this item had been drilled into the front bumper of my new car when I arrived to take delivery of the vehicle. Not sure if that is a factory installed or dealer installed accessory, but I'm not much of a fan.

Can someone confirm that this item is indeed drilled into the front bumper? I can't get behind the bracket to see if this is indeed so. I hope it is not, but I'm not holding my breath.

If it is indeed drilled into the bumper, any ideas on how to "get rid of it"?

I think I am stuck with the bracket, so I guess I'll have to purchase some sort of license plate to adorn the front of my vehicle.

I'm pretty sure it is drilled into the front at the dealership

yeah mine was drilled in the front and it mad me mad to and i spent a lot of time tring to figure out how to get it unscrewed but i dont have a bit like the dealer ship so for now i put this dumb skull license plate. if i did get the cover of i was going to get some like rubber plugs to fill the hole that matched my car color. so like dirt and water would not mess up the front. :mad:

Yeah I'm sure I could just take it back to the dealership and get them to remove it, but that would look worse than the bracket does with the holes in the front bumper. I'm not sure that there is anything I could "fill" the holes with to make it look any better. Maybe I'm being overly critical, but I just can't believe they would drill anything into the bumper of a new vehicle. Boggles the mind.

me to every time i look at my car i get sad, i think of the beautifull front bumper is hiding behind this thing that no one else on this site has.
well it looks like judjing from the pictures.

does your state require a front plate?

No, Oklahoma doesn't require a front plate. The dealership I bought my g6 from had to get my car from another dealership via dealer trade. I guess the other dealership had already installed the bracket. I was not aware of this when I chose the vehicle. I guess it's not really that big a deal, just kind of an annoyance.

Yea mine came factory installed. But unfortunatly New York requires a front plate. Its one of the worst laws ever. It does mess with the appearance of the front bumper! At least you can remove yours or place a vanity plate there. If i do its a $50 fine everytime i get pulled over for it!

Haha, Ohio has the front plate law and I think its the worst law ever. I refuse to follow it, I went 4 years without one on my Grand Am, so I skipped it on the G6 too. I told the dealer that I would not take delivery of the car if it had a bracket on it or if they had drilled into my car. They made me sign a realease that it was my decision. The bracket continues to live in my trunk with the spare tire!

As for fixing the holes you could bondo them up and paint it, but it would never look perfect. The Grand Am had a plate pocket and cover to hide any holes, but they skipped that design feature on the G6.

I now have a vanity plate on the front of my vehicle, and am learning to live with it. It's a pretty sharp looking plate so it's actually starting to grow on me. I would still rather be without it, of course. However living in Oklahoma you blend in quite well with a University of Oklahoma tag on the front of your vehicle! Especially when you went to school there. I'm sure you know how that goes BigBen living in Columbus. Must be plenty of OSU tags.

^ haha, yep there are plenty of OSU emblazened cars here, mine included. It's my only mod so far: an "Ohio State University College of Engineering" sitcker on the back window! You other OSU guys had better watch out this football season, we're looking pretty good!

It's a dealer installed thing. The dealership that I purchased my Malibu Maxx from got it on a dealer trade, and THANKFULLY the front bracket was never installed. My dealership didn't get around to doing it before I picked it up.

Wisconsin has a front plate requirement (if you are issued two plate [which you always are], you must display two plates), too, but my dealer said it's rarely inforced. So, if I ever get a ticket, I plan on taking it back and having it installed... and I'll have the dealership pay for my ticket as well. ;)

Mine was drilled at the dealership. In Ohio, it is the law. If the dealership doesn't do it, they will get into trouble. I closed my eyes and turned around when dad did it. He preps the new cars that come in on the dealer lot.

Considering there is no front plate around here I would refuse to take possession of the car if my dealer drilled holes in my bumper to install a plate frame or if he got the car with it installed.

Guys, here's what I have as a vanity plate. Can't see it great in this picture, but decently. Tell me what would you guys choose? The vanity plate or a front end mask. Thanks-

Definately keep the vanity plate, that one looks classy. Front end masks look terrible on all cars!

It's not that hard to remove (drill it off), but the holes will always be visible! Get a front plate that reflects your personality (the one on my old car was just black!)

My opinion, for what its worth, I think it would look better with the four holes versus the plate.

I wonder if I took it to an auto body shop they might be able to work some magic??

They all give free estimates!

Guys check out this site I found....bumperplugs.com. They make plugs that will fit in the holes drilled into your bumper by your dealer. And what's better, they paint them to match using your factory paint code! They are designed for Porsche's but they say they will work on most vehicles.

I think I would probably like these plugs a heck of a lot better than my front license plate bracket. So I am definitely going to seriously consider this option.

bumperplugs.com (http://www.geocities.com/esklut/NewSite/index.html)

By the way- this may sound like a commercial, but I can promise you I have absolutely nothing to do with this site. I'm just excited that I have actually found something that could be a viable option other than spending hundreds of dollars to have an auto body shop repair my bumper.

Looks like you found a good solution between a body shop filling 'em in and leaving them open. Let us know how it turns out.

I personally like the vanity plate you have. Like previouslly stated it has some class to it. my opion keep it!

Well guys I received my bumper plugs and they are as close to a spot on match for the colour as I could have expected. However, I have run into a little problem. The front plate brackets are put on with snap rivets. For the bumper plugs to work, the holes cannot be any larger than 1/4 inch in diameter. Well obviously I wouldn't know that until I took the bracket off. And if the bumper plugs aren't going to fit, I don't really want to take the bracket off. So I'm in a dilemma. Does anyone know how big the holes are? Also, any tips for getting the bracket off? Thanks in advance folks.

I got my G6 in Roxboro, NC and they asked me if I wanted them to put it on. I looked at it and said "Not No But @*^@ Now", Those things are ugly.

I don't know what my dealership did. The front plate has 4 mounting brackets, and they only riveted three of them to the bumper. So I'd have to get two sets of these bumperplugs. I must say those doorplugs look nice though.

Mike

Good solution to that is to wait for a good body-kit to come out. And as far as those bumperplugs go one of my friend has it on his car and within a year or 2 they some how came off (thats what he told me).

I live in Montreal' Quebec, Canada. Front license plates are not required. Mine was in the trunk at delivery. So I feel some dealers do install them, and others don't.

I live in Tennessee and this is the first car I have gotten that did not have the license plate bracket on it. I was very pleased it was not on there.

I live in Massachusetts and if you have the older green plates, you only need one. When I was buying the car I told the dealer not to put one on the front and also not to put the dealers tag on there (as it turns out theirs is only a sticker). When I picked it up, there was a bracket on the front and to top it off, it was crooked! I was pissed, but I wanted the car anyway. It's still emtpy, I'm going to have to get something to put on there one of these days.

It seems that everyone dislikes the front license plate bracket. My car didn't come with one, but I just ordered a cumstom plate so I'm getting a bracket to install myself. I really just wanted to personalize the car, so that's what I'm doing. Yeah, it may not make the car look as great as it did, but I think it'll be a nice addition. Like the OSU license plate.

I too have complained a number of times about the front plate bracket but since Illinois has a front plate law I could only complain to my wife lol. When we got the car it had a cardboard insert with the dealers name on it. When I finally got around to putting the new plates on it I was suprised to see that the license plate is held on by 2 screws that go thru the bottom holes in the plate. All of the aftermarket plate covers that I have come across all have the screw holes in the top or have 4 holes in them. I have looked at a number of places trying to find a chrome cover with the holes at the bottom. Has anyone seen anything like this?

I live in Pa and my car was delivered from Ohio and it had a plate on the front.
I HATE Front plates also, and when I got my G6 The salesman told me I could take it off but when I got to looking at it I could not believe they Riveted it on. :mad:
So here is what I did, A guy I work with had a Cobalt and he gave me this Idea.
I carefully drilled out the rivets, Do not use too large of a drill
then I went to an Advance Auto parts store and bought some black plastic headliner plugs for I think it was a Toyota. they were slightly mushroom headed and a hair bit bigger than the holes I drilled. I carefully used an razor knife and trimmed the edges of the holes so the plugs would be really flush against the bumper face. Then I boiled some water and put the plugs into a washcloth and poured the hot water on them to soften them up a bit (because without softening them you would have had to really force them into the holes.) this way they popped right in without forcing them.
I left them black and I think they add something a little different to the front end of my car.

That doesn't look too bad. I may have to do that. I haven't found anything to put in my empty bracket yet, I try not to look at it. ;)

Nice write up!!
That looks good,.I am added to your reps not sure if it works but i tried.

I bought my G6 GT used and didn't pay any attention to the license plate bracket on the front at first since my Grand Am had a dealer plate put on the front also but could be covered with a plastic filler which said "Pontiac". After I bought the car I took the bracket off since we don't need plates on the front in Arizona and I noticed that holes were drilled afterward, and worse yet they put the bracket on crooked! Thankfully the holes blend in with bug splats so no one really notices. Eventually I'll take it to a body shop and have them filled in/covered.

I got really frustrated when I went back to the dealership to sign some final paper work and I saw all the brand new G6's without any plates, brackets, or holes on the front. :-(

Hey Charles,

They put mine on crooked too!

I bought Plastic plugs and painted them silver to match my car. I have had them on for a year and a half and have only touched them up twice. And I live in IL so that is with nasty winters. Front plates do not belong on cars!

I am looking for a front license plate bracket to put on my G6. Any out there? Thanks

I hate it even more than u guys cause i got the gxp and it covers the grill :(

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/coolmanvette1975/G6003.jpg

^^^ Your bracket was mounted in a bad spot, I'd go smack whoever put it on. The GXP's I've seen have them mounted right below the grill.

I also have a Mazda 6 that had the front plate assembly. I went to a local auto part store in the help section and I found some bumper plugs. They are only a few dollars for a pack of 4. I used chrome since I have chrome trim. It looks OKAY to me. (just a thought)

I just got my 08 G6 GXP on tuesday and it had the front plate, it bothers me even more because it covers the grill. my car is pearl white and the cheap black plastic plate holder looks like crap. I got the car tuesday after work and didnt drive out of the lot until about 930, the last thing I asked the sales guy was hey you got a screw driver so i can take the bracket off, ohh yeah stop back this week. then the next day i realize its riveted through, Im heading into the dealership weds and then offered to get me plugs but I think im gonna offer that I give them a horrible review, call the GMC rep who helped me with the GM employee discount paperwork and try to get a whole new bumper or have them fil and paint it. Nothing beats buying a brand new car and getting pissed everytine I walk around the front end:mad::mad:

Nothing beats buying a brand new car and getting pissed everytine I walk around the front end:mad::mad:

It's kind of like a pimple on you nose while on a date. Good Luck!

i dont like it but it was already there when i bought the car so what i did it put my sig there ha ha :) its black and chrome so it works

I dont know what it is with people putting the front license plate brackets on crooked. Because mine is too, but you can just barely notice. But of course we all will notice, right? haha. I got a airbrushed license plate with my name and flip flops! :D I think it looks okay, but i agree, it would definitley look better with no license plate up there. I have actually seen where people just screw their license plate into their bumper. I mean seriously.. are you crazy?

Yes they are crazy.

yup they sure are!

They have that gay 2-plate law here in VA as well. I go home in December (Michigan), I am going to register my car there, get a new plate for it, and booya, no more dual-plate rule, because my car is now no longer registered to VA.

Also, this little move gets me around:
-tint (how are they to know what the law in Michigan is?)
-yearly inspection. (You need a yearly vehicle inspection in VA, lameo... but not
after December!)

So if you live in a state thats oppressive like so, and have family in another state, or you still have your residence in a different state without such pointless laws, just use that loop-hole.

If you can register your car in a state that does not have the law, then it does not apply to you where you live. For example, I am originally from Michigan and still have my license registered there. So, when I go home in December I am transfering my car's registration.

This way I can tint to whatever I want, because how does a VA cop know what the law in Michigan is? Is he really going to look it up, or even pull me over if he sees a Michigan plate?

Also, in VA they have the 2 plate law. Well that won't apply to me after I change my car to a Michigan plate.


Booya. Take it to "the man".

Sorry about the double post, it said the first post did not post... which it clearly has...

weeeeeird.

When I bought my 2009 last month I insisted they remove the frame before I signed the paperwork. The salesguy sent the car back to the garage and it took the shop about 5 min. to remove it. When I had a chance to inspect it closely I realized they had drilled out rivets! After giving the salesguy a hard time he said they will purchase the plugs and paint them OEM midnight blue and install them. I said if they don't do a good job I will give them a shity review when I get my survey. :)

When I bought my 2009 last month I insisted they remove the frame before I signed the paperwork. The salesguy sent the car back to the garage and it took the shop about 5 min. to remove it. When I had a chance to inspect it closely I realized they had drilled out rivets! After giving the salesguy a hard time he said they will purchase the plugs and paint them OEM midnight blue and install them. I said if they don't do a good job I will give them a shity review when I get my survey. :)

When dealers receive cars, they automatically drill on the plates. Its not really their fault, because usually these cars are from a different state where the front plate is a law. And all they are going to do for you is buy $0.50 plugs and paint them. Theres really no way they can do a bad job, its cake.

I complained when i got mine too, but the guy said it would take 2 weeks to get them. So i just went to autozone and got them myself, this is what it will look like when they put them in.
http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq357/troycoltscap/IMG_1556.jpg

I absolutly hate my front plate and the plastic front plate bracket its sitting on ... so im getting it removed ... bondoing the holes ... then getting the whole bumper respreaded the color of the car including that those ugly plastic lower grilles ... cant wait :)

I have a 2009 GXP and live in Massachusetts where it is required, if you do not have the green lettered plates, to have 2 mounted plates. I have heard others on different forums talk about side mounting the front one to get it away from the nice view of the grill. Also if you think of it before the warranty ends, have the dealership's auto body area fill in the drilled holes for free. :)

I am just not sure where to find these side mounted brackets...anyone?

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc389/becksmerc/287414_2296379178127_1508540397_2540991_3353873_o. jpghttp://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc389/becksmerc/290250_2296379938146_1508540397_2540993_5590226_o. jpg

does anyone have a front plate frame for sale? I just got a 06 GTP and theres no bracket just the plate drilled straight into the front and I'd rather have the frame than just the plate

Wisconsin is the same way too, its stupid

PA doesn't have it but ive hated it on both G6's ive had i finally took it off the other day. you can do it extremely cheap too if you dont wanna pay 50 bucks for little plugs. just go to your local hardware shop and get plug-in fasteners. theyre like 80 cents then go to your dealer and get a little bit of the paint so you can paint them to match. an easy job that you could save $40 on instead of paying some porsche guy