2003 baja tag mount

[ArmaScooby]

Hello everyone, new owner of a 2003 baja. 5spd blk/silver 167k miles. Needed some TLC when i bought it and still needs more.

I just recieved my tag for it and noticed that it has 5mm studs in it and not just screw in places for the tag. Any easy to fix to this or a way to change it to regular screws? 2 of the studs are broken off and a small nut wont hold the tag on.

Thanks in advance!

[Guacamole]

I'm guessing you're talking about the rear plate bracket?
My studs actually broke off from the rust trying to remove the temp tags.
Get a pair of heavy duty cutting nippers like these, or a hacksaw.

nippers.jpg (27.77 KiB) Viewed 3335 times

Cut the bolts off the rear bracket up to the plate so they're somewhat flush. Then open the tag bracket so it's facing up, & put a brace below it like a piece of hard wood wedged between the back of the bracket & the bumper. Then get a power drill & drill new holes using the previous studs as your drilling areas (it may be easier to drill from the bottom, but you'll need someone to push down on the bracket & don't drill through their hands!). Make sure to oil (like 3-in-one) your drill bit so it doesn't overheat & every so often drip some oil on the place you're drilling. Then get yourself some galvanized or stainless steel bolts & nuts & plop them through. Just make sure the bolts you use aren't over 1in long, otherwise the bolts will hit the top of the bumper when you open the tailgate.

[Guacamole]

Pics of the new bolts:

[ArmaScooby]

Thanks a ton for that! Will be a good project for the weekend!