Front Number Plate holder removed

[Yeldarb]

Hi All, I ordered new slim line plates in an effort to reduce the "mole on nose" effect the number plate holder does to the front bumper.

Before I removed the number plate holder it seemed there were only 2 rivots that held it too the bumper.

Only after drilling out the rivots did i discover that there are 2 extra "guide plugs" that probably assist in placement while it's being fitted in the factory.

My plan was to mount the new slim line plates flat against the bumper with a downward facing angle, but as the 2 big holes are so high on the bumper I had to change plans and mount the plates higher so I can cover them. See Photos below.

The end result is better than it was, but still a bit bummed about the holes.

My question, to the trademan skilled in panel beating, can a workshop bog those holes and respray?

I know it's a fine detail and most people wouldn't care, but it's a car thing I guess.

Any advice welcome!

[Leelu]

Sorry I can't help with the panel beating side of things but I know what you mean about wanting flush plates - I've had number plate brackets fitted to mine. My sales guy fitted them with plate brackets that I purchased from Lakin Custom Plates, because the workshop boys couldn't be bothered taking the factory fitted bracket off. He had to slightly bend the plates and bracket to get it to sit right, I like it much better than the ugly factory fitted bracket!!

The idea with Lakin is they they custom make the plate to prevent having to drill holes in the car or the plates - mine were about $170 for the set. They didn't have brackets made up for the MPS until I enquired, so they found one in Tassy where they're located, they went out and measures it up for me. Really good service and the guy was super helpful.

Front Bracket - Mazda 3 MPS - 2009 - [Mazda 3 MPS - 09 - - F] - $82.50 : LAKIN Custom Plate Brackets, Add some CLASS to your car!

Here's how mine turned out:

MPS 002 No Plate C&#.JPG

MPS 003 No Plate..jpg

MPS 005 No Plate..jpg

[Cton]

Yeldarb, Yeah a panel shop could plastic weld the holes up easily.
I actually pulled my plate off last week to have a look behind it cause the bit the number plate sits on looks shit!
Think i might look into making some brackets. $170 seems way too steep.
Although i had someone back into my car in the first few weeks i got it. And the crappy looking factory plate support did save my bumper getting damaged.

---------- Post added at 05:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:25 PM ----------

just noticed you can buy the front bracket by it self for $82.
Not so bad.....

[2XS]

You could go to a plastic repairers or bumper repairers and have them filled. Then you would need them resprayed anyway.

I will have a look at one tomorrow, maybe a bit cheaper to fab one up, than buy them elsewhere.

[Yeldarb]

Hey Leelu, nice find, thanks for the website. I think I'll be tempted.

As for repair and respray, I hope they only need to spray the grey part. Won't be cheap, but thats the price you pay for perfection...

[Cton]

Yeah, they would only paint the grey.
But by the time they remove bar, weld holes, primer/paint grey + refit bar. youd have to be looking at a few hundred minimum.

[Yeldarb]

yeah, thinking maybe I should just get over it...save the money for the DP.

[Cton]

You wont regret doing the DP. I havent....

[Qwooootz]

I had the touch up guys do the same job to my EM1 few years back, look for a guy name adam (if his still franchising that is and if you live within his vicinity hehe), always does a top job.. looked great unless your super fussy you will see the bog a tinnie bit, but never showed in photo shoots.. worth it..!

[3MPSPWR]

Oh damn! I didn't know there was so many holes for the numberplate holder :S I just ordered a towplate from the US so i can move my plate to the side for extra JDM look But now those holes are gonna annoy the crap outta me... Is there anything we can buy to plug it up for the time being??