If you don’t know how to install a front license plate bracket on your Chevrolet Silverado.
Then you have selected the right article to read.
You just got a beautiful chevy Silverado but didn’t have a license plate installed.
And so you can`t step into the road yet.
Because the law requires every car to have a license plate mounted.
You will get a ticket if you don’t have one.
So, what are you going to do?
Well, if you don`t want to lose $120+ on a ticket,
Then keep reading about installing license plate brackets.
Here are some Front License Plate Brackets or Silicone Number Plate Frames that will fit your vehicle.
[ninja_tables id=”70″]How to Install Front License Plate Bracket [03 DIY Methods]
There are various ways to install a license plate bracket on cars.
It all depends entirely on our individual desires.
Some people do not have problem drilling holes in their car bumper.
But with others, drilling holes in their car bumper is something they don`t want to think about.
They will use alternative methods such as the “No Drill Method,” which we will discuss later.
Let’s look at how to use the drilling method, which is commonly used to install front license plate brackets on cars.
01. The Drilling Method
Some Silverado comes with two pre-installed bolts, and others don`t.
If yours did not come with any.
Then you will need the following materials to successfully perform this method-
- A 3/16” drill (to drill some holes)
- 11/65 & 5/16 drill bits
- 1/4″ screws with 14 X3/4″ thread size (to hold the plate bracket)
- A screwdriver (to send in the screws)
- A tape (to measure the distance between the holes)
- A plastic tape (to trace the limit of the holes)
- Two rivets
- Riveter (to send the rivets in)
- A glue (you can use gorilla glue)
Make sure you are using the recommended factory license plate bracket.
How Does the Process Work?
Once you have all these assembled, you can start by cleaning the surface of your car bumper very well.
Place your plastic tape and measure the distance between the two holes.
It should be according to the bolt holes requirement of your state.
According to the regulation in the US, Canada, and Mexico, bolt holes are measured as follows:
- Diameter = .3125 inches
- The space between the bolt hole to the center, horizontally = +/- 3.5 inches, and vertically = +/- 2.375 from the center to your plate
Some states have different geometry.
So, it’s important to always confirm your state’s motor vehicle agency regulations.
When you are through with the hole measurement, mark out the limit of the holes on the tape.
Make sure you measure and mark every hole you need to drill.
This is to ensure you are through each step at a time.
Get your 3/16-inch drill with 11/64 bit installed and start drilling.
After drilling the holes, Place your bracket on the bumper against the holes, and guide it with the rivets.
Use your riveter and send the rivets in.
You now have your bracket safely installed on your car bumper.
You can try to move it around to feel how firm it is set.
So, you are confident of its safety.
The body lines may not be the best.
But what is important here is to get your license plate and be regulatory with the state law.
You can now go ahead and fit your license plate on and use your screwdriver to screw in the screws.
This method is good if you don`t mind holes in your car.
Let`s now look at the no-drill method.
02. No Drill Method
The GMC is an expensive car whose owners mostly love the no-drill method.
The no-drill method has two options –
- Using a double-sided sticking pad
- Using a magnet
Let’s start with the magnetic method.
In fact, with these simple inventions.
You won’t worry about installing the front license plate bracket on Chevy Silverado.
03. The Magnetic Method
The magnetic method is one of the strategies used by people who do not want their car bumper drilled.
It may be a good idea if you know what you are doing.
With this method, you don`t need a plate bracket.
Because the license plate sticks directly on your car bumper.
If rightly done, it will stick on your car bumper for as long as you use the car.
But if wrongly done, it might fly off your car on the motorway.
So, to perform this process, you will need-
- Two magnets
- Glue with a pulling force of 68 kilos (gorilla glue is ok)
- A sandpaper
- A tape (to take measurements)
The Process
The magnet comes with two plates.
So, the first thing is to sandpaper the back of the plates.
And then, apply your glue to the sanded surfaces of the plates.
Place the surface with the glue on the back of your license plate and give it time to set.
Next, dismount the bumper of your car completely.
Measure the position where you intend to place your license plate.
On the inner part of your car bumper.
Place the two magnets directly in the exact position you measured.
And on the front part of your car bumper.
Place your license plate in the same position.
The magnet will hold the plate.
But there is a caveat to this method!
Note: For the best result from this process, you should make sure your license plate is not a 4D type.
If it is, I doubt if the magnet will do good for as long as it is supposed to.
Because 4D license plates are equally heavy!
The Double-Sided Sticky Pads Method
This is also another easy-to-perform method.
It is clean, simple, and quick.
But I don`t know how safe this method can be.
Perhaps you should give it a try and see for yourself.
Now let`s dive into it!
For this process, you will need the following –
- A two-sided sticky pad
- A seizor
The Process
Use your seizor, cut the sticky pads into sizable pieces, and place them vertically on your license plate.
You should place enough of them across your number plate for the best result.
Once you are done with this, clean the surface of your car bumper.
And go right ahead and place your license plate onto your car bumper.
Make sure it is placed in the center.
It is as simple as that.
But as I said before, I don`t know how safe this is or how long it can stick on your car.
It could serve a temporary purpose, but I think I like this method because of its ease of use.
Even if it means doing it repeatedly and keeping your car undrilled and clean, I think it’s ok.
But it’s entirely up to you!
FAQs
How to Select the Best License Plate Mounting Frame?
You may be wondering and asking yourself what the big deal in the plate is mounting frame selection.
But I want you to know that the process of license plate frame has some nuances you should understand.
So, while you are considering installing the front license plate bracket on Chevy Silverado.
You also need to consider this.
Especially when it comes to the back of your car.
The back of every car is the most complicated environment of a car with very harsh conditions.
In addition, things like snow and other road trip residue settle more at the back of the car.
These all end up messing up the appearance of the license plate area of your car.
I am not saying the front does get nasty too.
But the back does more.
What to look for before buying a license plate?
Because of these points, you should look for stainless steel type license frame.
The stainless-steel frames are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions in the back of the car.
Again, the frame should have a semi-wide bottom.
The frame should be rust-free and break-resistant.
So, buying from a reputable distributor gives you the confidence that you are buying the right thing.
Some reputable distributors are Kaoroad, Surplus, Power pink, and Ohuhu.
Well, the front of the car is not as complicated as the back of the car.
Besides the fact that the plate bracket must be solid.
Because the front of the car is exposed to the wind.
And as you are driving, the wind blows, takes away every residue, and always keeps the license plate clean.
Opposed to the back, which is not exposed to the wind, and whatever falls on it, sticks there.
So, what you need to consider for the front of the car may not be as complicated as the back.
You will need to consider –
- Quality
- Durability
- Performance
- And of course, the price
Final Words
Now you know how to install front license plate brackets on Chevy Silverado or any other vehicle using various methods.
Follow the steps very carefully, and you won’t have any problems.
If you face any problems, you can watch the videos we provided.
We hope these videos will guide you.
Best of luck and don’t forget to install the license plate unless you want to get a ticket.