TeaAholic1

So I am going to change to new number plates soon and I won't be using screws for mount them.

Will the holes in the boot fill with water? I washed my car today without the screws in and I worry that water would get in the boot. Is this part waterproof?

TeaAholic1

Hey guys.

I just took a look outside. There is a hole at the bottom of the boot lid to drain water out.

dchar

If I were you, I would put some screws with a low-profile head in the holes. What kind of plate are you putting on that doesn't require the holes?

TeaAholic1

Most custom plates in Australia don't have holes in them.

mcomer

Kindly post pictures of the results. I concur that some smooth low profile head 6 mm machine screw would
keep water (and insects?) out of your hatch. The fittings are not blind, they are open to the inside cavity.

corradoMR2

And the electrical locking mechanism is right beneath so I wouldn't take a chance keeping the holes exposed.

TeaAholic1

I opened up the back cover of the boot. There is a wall between the inside and outer areas of the boot. The hole is located on the lip.

I will probably end up putting electrical tape over the top.

Are these holes drilled by the dealer? I'm pretty sure those indented areas are supposed to be where the drilling happens.

NXOwner

Electrical tape will start to peel off before your even have your first oil change. I would either use small plastic plugs, low-profile bolts, or some exterior weather-stripping putty.

lexusbexus

I'm gonna piggyback off TeaAholic's pic and ask a different question(s)

1. Whyyyyy do they put strips of tape on the screw holes? They're visible above the plate and I can't peel mine off without it leaving adhesive.
2. What if I want to screw the bottom two screws on the plate? There are no holes for them on the car.

TeaAholic1

I found out that the holes are either drilled when Lexus accepts the shipment from Japan, or they are done from the factory.

I saw a truck load of 2016 RXs and they all came with the holes drilled.

You can't drill directly on metal. The drill will ruin the surface so they use part to protect it. I got rid of the residue by using a product called "De-Solv-It". It is natural and dissolves adhesives.

I guess you can drill holes? But the top ones are enough, do you really need 4?