Rear License Plate Holes

[MrMarquis]

So I was removing the ugly dealer license plate frame from my new-to-me T-Bird, and noticed the temp tag and frame was held in by one bolt. Searched around the garage to find a similar size but found nothing to fit. Apparently, at one point someone must have just yanked the bolt out as the hole is stripped.

Before I go and just find a larger bolt to drive in there, I just wanted to double check that I'm not missing anything. There's not supposed to be a metal clip or bracket behind the rear license plate holes for the bolts to thread into is there?

[EllisonCal]

No, it is just the masonite type material that the license plate bolts(or screws) tap into. I found a solution at the hardware store. Bought two metal dry wall pieces that I threaded into the stripped holes, then used two machine screws and washers instead of license plate screws. My problem was created by the installation of my rear view camera. The screws that hold on a license plate plus the camera bracket was asking too much of them.

It is called a self-drilling drywall anchor and with a machine screw and a washer it will hold up to 50 pounds, a lot more than a little rear view camera and bracket.

[MrMarquis]

It is called a self-drilling drywall anchor and with a machine screw and a washer it will hold up to 50 pounds, a lot more than a little rear view camera and bracket.

Wow, never would have thought of using a drywall anchor. That's a really good idea, actually. I have plenty in the garage that could possibly work just fine.

I was considering buying threaded rivet nuts but I might as well use what I have on hand!