How to put front license plate bracket on Tesla
Auto repair

How to put front license plate bracket on Tesla

09.11.2022 /

While many cars only have a rear license plate, some states require that it be on the front of your vehicle as well. While you can install the front license plate bracket at the factory, you can save on costs by doing it yourself.

When doing the work yourself, be sure to follow a few simple instructions to successfully install the front license plate bracket on your Tesla. These luxury vehicles are all-electric and emission-free, a major benefit for environmentally conscious drivers.

  • A warning: Be sure to check local laws in your area regarding front license plate brackets. Most of the states that require them have very specific laws on how and where they are attached.

Method 1 of 2: zipper fastening method

Necessary materials

  • Drill with a 1/4 or 3/8 bit (if you need to drill additional holes)
  • Front license plate bracket
  • level
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Tesla Front License Plate Bracket
  • Two plastic ties

Ties are an easy way to attach your front license plate bracket to your Tesla. Keep in mind that the malleable nature of ties means they are more prone to breakage at some point in the future. It is important to inspect the ties from time to time and replace them if they look worn.

This particular method requires a license plate front bracket with two mounting holes per tie bar on the face of the bracket, not the sides or corners. Tesla's factory front license plate bracket should have holes where they are needed.

  • Functions: If the front license plate bracket does not have the required number of holes on the face of the bracket, you may need to drill additional holes. Mark the spot where you want to drill the holes with a pencil and use a 1/4" or 1/8" bit to drill the holes.

Step 1: Find the Center of the Bumper. Measure from side to side on the front bumper to find the center. Mark the center with a pencil for later use.

Step 2: Check the position. Position the front license plate bracket above the front grille or lower grille if your Tesla model has both, using the center line you drew in pencil.

Make sure the license plate bracket is flush with the grille, use a level if necessary.

Step 3: Pass the zip tie through both holes on one side of the bracket.. Pass the tie through the grate and secure the tie behind the grate. To do this, you need to get under the car.

Step 4: Repeat for the other side of the bracket.. Pass another tie through the holes on the other side of the bracket and then through the grate. Fasten the tie.

Necessary materials

  • Foam (to prevent the bracket from scratching your car's paintwork)
  • Glue (to attach the foam to the back of the bracket)
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Tesla Factory License Plate Front Bracket
  • Nuts (two 1/4" to 3/8")
  • J-hooks (two 1/4" to 3/8")

You can also use the J-hooks to attach the front license plate bracket to the Tesla. This method may require you to cut the J-hooks to size so they don't stick out too far on the front of the bracket that the license plate is attached to.

Step 1: Attach the foam to the back of the bracket with glue.. This includes a long stripe along the base and two smaller pieces at each of the top corners.

This is to prevent the bracket from scratching the bumper trim. You may need to double the foam to allow enough clearance for airflow.

Step 2: Measure your front bumper. Find the center of the bumper and mark the spot with a pencil. Also, you can align the bracket with the Tesla symbol on the hood if your particular model has one.

Step 3: Pass the J-hook through the grate.. Don't forget to secure the grate.

Pass the J-hook through the hole in the license plate bracket.

Place a bolt on the end of the J-hook and tighten it.

  • Functions: Do not overtighten the bolt or you will bend the grille.

Step 4: Repeat for the other side of the bracket.. Pass the other J-hook through the grate on the other side of the bracket.

Pass the J-hook through the hole in the bracket and place the bolt on the end of the hook, being careful not to over-tighten.

Attaching the front license plate bracket to your Tesla by yourself can save you money. Although you may think that the task is difficult, it is actually quite simple if you have the tools and materials to complete it. If you still don't feel confident enough to install the front license plate bracket yourself, you can always call in an experienced mechanic to do the job for you.

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