rmhipo

Please post up some pics when you can. I've removed my bracket, and was contemplating on getting the holes filled and repainted. If I get the bumper spot painted, it will cost me $200. If I get the bumper removed and done correctly, it will run me $450. If the 2 additional holes do the trick, I may just put the bracket back on. This will not only save me $, but it will help avoid the fix-it ticket.

kitlz

For about the same cost you can buy JDM license plate frames. I got them from Nigel, a CL vendor. They are painted to match the color of your RX. And it says Lexus on the front so it's not plain. The frame is held on by the same bolts that hold the regular frames. Very sturdy though I don't take my RXh through a car wash. The only thing is I had to drill new holes in the front license plate and the frame itself to attach the plate. I probably could have come up with a better solution but I was impatient.

rmhipo

Anita, Do you have any photos that you can post? I'd love to see how it looks with a real license plate.

kitlz

The license plates fit within the frames with some extra space on the sides. The frames are made of plastic - very sturdy. And both actually says 'Lexus RX,' not just 'Lexus.' It adds a nice touch.

Here are some pictures:

DunWkg

If the frame is smaller than the support bracket on the bumper, the whirling brushes in your dealer's car wash will still catch it. That is why dealers tape the frame in place to prevent damage from the brushes.

You must ask yourself if the dealer's wash does that to the license plate and frame, what is it doing to my paint finish?

Granted many of us use car washes, just ones considered "touchless". Keep in mind a touchless does not completely clean the car. You need to touch it yourself to truly clean the surface.

kitlz

David, I've seen dealer tape the license plates by me. I still won't let them wash my RXh. All it takes is one look at their loaners to figure it out. Swirl city.

The back of the JDM license plate frames has double sided tape to help adhere it in place. I haven't used it because it's really not necessary. The existing screws securely hold the frames in place. They're pretty durable too. And I like to remove them when I detail.

Here is a picture of the back of the front JDM plate: