- 06/18/2015
- 1 Min Read
- By: Alex Fiehl
How to Install a Front License Plate on a Volvo (The Right Way)
Purchasing an out-of-state vehicle for us New Yorkers involves a very painful aesthetic modification. The front license plate required here not only involves drilling into the bumper, but it's a bug magnet, slightly increases the aerodynamic drag coefficient, and probably doesn't match the color of the car.
Rather than drive coarse screws into the bumper to quickly mount a new plate, I opted to use the factory hardware to mount my new license plate just as it would have been in 2004. The Volvo bracket looks great, and the assorted hardware is simple and easy to install.
Parts Required
Volvo License Plate Retainer - Genuine Volvo 31391626
Volvo Expanding Nut (S60 S70 V70 S80 XC90) - Genuine Volvo 987282
Volvo Six Point Socket Screw - Genuine Volvo 986216
Volvo License Plate Spacer - Genuine Volvo 6817476
Procedure
On my '04 Volvo C70, Volvo included two small divots in the bumper cover that locate the license plate, should it be equipped from a plate-state.
Now, comes the worst part. I used a 3/8" drill bit, however the hole will need to be slightly larger to fit the threaded grommets. Since I apparently do not own a bit any larger, I bored out the hole using the 3/8" bit until the grommets could be snugly popped in.
With the grommets loosely rattling around in their new homes, they will need to be compressed within the bumper cover to activate their "mushroom" effect. Use one of the holes on the new license plate frame as a washer, and drive the T30 torx screw in by hand. It will be firm for a while until it bottoms out - this is the grommet bending and mushrooming out within the bumper and cannot be seen from the outside.
Now, the bumper is successfully retrofitted to accept a front plate. Assemble the new hardware using the plastic spacer - this will prevent the metal bracket from touching the bumper and gouging the paint.
