License plate bolt/screw threads?

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich)
11/11/2015 at 17:43 • Filed to: None

I just swapped plates on the Vibe, the newest addition to the BaconSandwich automotive family. My sister-in-law sold it to us before leaving for Europe, so we just got it insured and registered. In the process of putting the new plate on it, I discovered that whoever put the previous plate on pretty much just jammed it on using whatever bolts they could find. I suspect they used something with a larger thread pitch that what they were supposed to, so they just torqued them in as tight as they could, and let them rust in place. As a result, there’s a bunch of play between the plate and the car, which I suspect will rattle around, and eventually fall off. So, in the spirit of doing things right, I’d like to figure out what I should actually be using for bolts to hold it on. Is there a standard thread pitch for things like license plate bolts, or should I tap out the holes to something else?

DISCUSSION (11)

Urambo Tauro > BaconSandwich is tasty.
11/11/2015 at 17:52

Kinja'd!!!

Some cars have threaded inserts that are replaceable. Does the Vibe have anything like this?

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Urambo Tauro
11/11/2015 at 17:56

Hard plastic, seems full GM.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > BaconSandwich is tasty.
11/11/2015 at 18:04

I have a Matrix, which is mechanically identical to the vibe. The bolt you need is a M6X1.00 pitch in a half inch size.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Urambo Tauro
11/11/2015 at 18:06

Not that I can see. It seems to thread right into the sheet metal.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
11/11/2015 at 18:06

Given the Vibe is really a rebadged Matrix, it’s not as bad!

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
11/11/2015 at 18:07

Good to know! Hopefully the existing threads aren’t too messed up.

pjhusa > BaconSandwich is tasty.
11/11/2015 at 18:16

need pix plox

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > BaconSandwich is tasty.
11/11/2015 at 18:36

Fair enough, my dad always put a piece of that foam insulation tape behind the license plate to keep it from chattering or rubbing against the body.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
11/11/2015 at 18:46

I remember having to do something similar with my parent’s Festiva. It only rattled at certain RPMs, like when sitting there with the brake on at a red light.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > pjhusa
11/11/2015 at 18:47

Perhaps I’ll take some pictures once it is cleaned up. It’s not in amazing condition on the outside, but the inside seems pretty nice.

Nisman > BaconSandwich is tasty.
11/12/2015 at 20:48

I would drill out the existing bolts with a titanium bit and then get the aforementioned plastic nuts and screws to use.