So, I was detailing my gorgeous mini and decided to get behind my license plate... Come to find out the dealership I brought it from drilled the plate to the car! I know!.... how can anyone do such a harsh thing? Well, my question is can i fix it myself or do I need to buy a whole new front bumper? Any ideas?

 

There's a guy on here that sells those plugs that are color matched. I don't remember the name but I'm sure someone can help you.

 

You can buy the plugs at any Autozone ...they are made for interior panels coming in any size.

Then just paint the heads with OEM paint and clear coat them yourself...push them into holes when dry.....

If you have a dark silver MINI, I can make you a set. I have plenty of OEM paint/Clear coat on hand.

 

i went to my local autozone but could not find it... i ask them asn they haev no idea what i am talking about

 

bumperplugs.com is the pre-made (and pretty high cost) solution.

I'd do what grayraven suggested... but I have painting skillz.

You can also find plastic plugs at your local hardware store or in the hardware department at Lowes.

 

Moss MINI has OEM touch up paint on sale for $16.

 

Two suggestions....

I personally don't like the plug idea. I'd either put a Euro plate on the front or just take the bumper off and have it repaired.

When we install a new bumper on a car that was involved in a wreck, we don't ever install a front license plate bracket unless the customer had a 'specialty" (ie. alumni, etc) plate. (NC doesn't use front license plates)

Mark

 

Try www.bumperplugs.com i picked up plugs from them a couple of years
ago good luck

 

Me too. Got them for my BMW. Eric provides great customer service. Unfortunately, even his product doesn't make a drilled bumper look good. Only aesthetically pleasing options are to get the holes epoxy'd and then repainted or just get a new bumper. Both are $$$$$. That's why from now on, I will NEVER, EVER buy a car with drilled holes in the front.

 

A friend actually used paintable caulk on his and it turned out really good. Just make sure you take your time when prepping.

 

It's not the best fix, but it's the cheapest. I used flat head screws & painted them to match. This was the best picture I could get to show them.

I never thought about the Caulk idea...I might have to try that one out.

 

I flattened the hole as best I could. I t was pretty small and then I filled it with color match paint. You can't even see it from 5 feet away.

 

I use plugs from bumperplugs.com. I think it looks just fine, much better than it did with that dumb plate on there.

 

I painted and clear coated screws. Very cheap and looks much better than the plate. Still looks OK after three years.

 

using screws seem ok... wbhat tye do u use?

 

It was almost three years ago so I am not positive but I think I used the stock screws that originally held be plate bracket to the bumper. They are a small round head (torx bit) sheet metal type screw that screwed into the plastic bumper cover.