03 XLT Front License Plate Bracket

[Seth Pierce]

First post, so, hey guys (and gals)!



I'm in the process of painting my plastic bumpers all the way around. I've done my side cladding and rear bumper cover but had to wait on the front due to rain...



Before I begin on the front, how in the world do I take off the license plate mount? I've yanked, pulled, and growled at it to no avail...I really want to paint the front cover with it still installed on the truck and just tape everything else off.



Thanks!

 

[Lloyd Ledford]

knock out the center pin on the pop rivets, then use a 1/4" drill bit to drill out the rivet

 

[John Zuber]

I ended up making a small mark on my bumper with I drilled them out. Think "small drill bit".

 

[Seth Pierce]

I ended up just removing the bumper cover...way easier than I anticipated. Now I don't have to worry about getting paint on the rest of the body. I'll be sure to post pictures when I'm done!

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[Yardsale]

Dude - is that YOUR towel?

 

[swshawaii]

Dude - is that YOUR towel?

LOL LOL LOL :rofl:

 

[Seth Pierce]

Ahaha! That was my sisters from when she was little. Pretty sure that thing is 15 years old by now...

 

[EddieS'04]

Seth, I did away with the factory plate holder. Went more streamlined..Got rid of the bulk..



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[Seth Pierce]

Would've gotten a pic up sooner but college is kicking butt... Here's the back, it definitely looked the worse. Also, the holes up front now aren't that noticeable and really don't bother me.

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[Bruce Crone]

I'd like to paint mine, how did you prep the plastic?

 

[Seth Pierce]

I followed this guide:

http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/PaintingCladding/PaintingCladding.htm



However, instead of Dupli-Color I used Krylon Fusion Satin Black. I used a greenie sponge to clean it with. I did two scrub downs with a mixture of Dawn dish soap and vinegar then two more scrub downs with Simple Green. I rinsed really well between each wash down. Let everything dry and spray it on! It may not be necessary, but I let everything set a full 7 days in my garage with a fan blowing on it. It's holding up way better than I ever thought it would. The side cladding and back bumper are still perfect. The front bumper is still good, but there are two small (can't see them unless you're up close) chips from bugs hitting it.