License plate/frame rubbing off paint on tailgate.

[eatSleepWoof]

I randomly decided to pull off the dealership-branded license plate frames yesterday. When I pulled the rear one off, I found two spots where the frame had completely worn through the paint down to the bare metal. Both areas roughly 7mm x 2mm, and thankfully not showing any signs of rust.

The spots were immediately next to the two bolts which hold the license plate/frame in place. I cleaned everything up, dried it, and covered the bare metal with liquid electrical tape, as that was the only thing I had on hand. (It is waterproof, and can be cleanly peeled off down the line.) I then added strips of fairly thick felt on the back of the license plate, on both sides of each bolt hole, to act as a soft spacer between the tailgate and the license plate.

Has anyone else found this to be a problem? I've never seen this before... wondering whether the previous owner's license plate was not secured tightly enough, or whether mine was secured too tightly by the dealer...

 

[T4Runner]

I think of dealer license plate frames and decals like automotive acne. I request the dealer remove any and all of their blemishes prior to taking delivery (they sometimes “forget”) but I remove them immediately upon arrival at home...

Insofar as license plates themselves, I usually put some industrial grade felt pads on the back to avoid metal to metal contact...

 

[SteveP]

or put some 3M double sided tape along with the screws to also prevent rattling (if you happen to have a sub woofer in the back lol)

 

[luke27617]

Using rubber feet you can buy in Walmart on all my cars

 

[Tripledave]

+1 on rubber or felt pads. I prefer felt on the LC as plate sits flush to tailgate. Also, insert felt pads and drill them for the mounting screws to avoid rubbing at mounting location(s).

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Found a good deal for a whole bunch of adhesive-backed, soft fabric: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07BGZ82XH/?tag=ihco03-20

Thinking I'll cover the entire back of the license plate when this arrives next week.

 

[NCMTNS]

I use the furniture felt pads.

https://www.amazon.com/Felt-Pads-Protectors-Furniture-Protection/dp/B00JPVPN20?tag=ihco-20

I used about 5-6 of these all around the back of the plate. Pushed the plate far enough away from vehicle/paint but shallow enough to screw plate back on.

 

[Battleship]

I put a few adhesive rubber pads on the tailgate. I was concerned that something on the plate would still rub on the paint, like sandpaper when it got dirt on it.

 

[hankinid]

I used a couple of push-in plastic bumpers, sized to fit a 1/4" hole, maybe a bit bigger based on your state's plate.

The only tool needed is a bit of spit on your finger.