I'm sorry for the total newb question. My plates just arrived and it's time to put them on (I've read other threads about the aesthetic hell of the front plate and the various workarounds available, but I'm not ready with that just yet; I've got to get' em on).

I went into my trunk for the kit they gave me when I bought the car (I'm in California, if that matters), and it's a black plastic frame that seems a Mazda part (with some of the text on the back), and a plastic clear envelope with three screws.

Two are silver and seem designed to screw the plate into the frame, with the head not having any Phillips or slot fitting.

One is brown, Phillips head, with a pointed end (like for going into wood).

It seems like there's some parts missing? Another screw? And some nuts or something to hold it behind the front grill?

I'll have to call my dealer and see what they should have given me, but before that I wanted to check with folks here on what the heck I SHOULD have.

Thanks!

 

You are missing a bracket that bolts to the front grill area. Call your dealer and have them order it. They should also install it for you at no charge.

 

I just spoke with the dealer and he said they drill something into the front bumper and that's why they don't automatically do it, because not everyone wants that. I said "I thought it goes in the grill!" (which is what I've heard here) and he said, nope, they drill into the bumper. If I bring it in, they'll do it for me.

[Menlo Mazda, in Redwood City, CA, if you are curious]

So are we talking about the same thing or are there two different front plate installations?

ThankS!!!

 

do not let them dril into the bumper.....it does go in the grill area..... but why put it on? unless u have to let it be..... when the cop pulls u over let him know the plate is in the trunk and u are working on getting the holes in the bumper to put it on......

 

Because where I live you are guaranteed parking tickets for not having a front license; I had the same with my Miata; looked worse, but cost me money. I'm putting it on, that's a foregone conclusion.

It's just the "how" that is confounding me. The dealer is insisting they will drill into my car? So now I need to find some other kit to do this, what a pain in the ***.

 

look into your grill see if you dont already seee two holes there with the nut already in place

 

Go here…

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html

…and then click on the link that says:
"Front License Plate Frame Mounting Instructions" (about half way down the page)

 

I bought mine last week from Putnam Mazda in Burlingame and had them take off the front plate. It was attached to the grill. I almost bought from Menlo Mazda and noticed that none of them had front plates attached. Where do you live that they cite you for no front plate?

 

It happens in Oregon although I'm sure not everyone without front plates gets a ticket. It is still required, though.