Where can I find a front license plate bracket for my 05 Outback XT? Not just a frame for aesthetics, but the actual bracket to attach the license plate to my front bumper? Thanks.

Where can I find a front license plate bracket for my 05 Outback XT? Not just a frame for aesthetics, but the actual bracket to attach the license plate to my front bumper? Thanks.

 

Well, unfortunately, Subaru intends for you to just use 2 srews at the top directly into the bumper! (at least if its like my outback).

 

Autozone does carry a black plastic 'plate' with plenty of adjustment slots so you could raise it up a little to a different part of the air flow and THEN attach the plate.

 

I did a similar thing on my wrx - You MAY be able to get an idea from the few pics I have;

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=105

Take the plate and screw it right onto the bumper. I really don't see a problem with this. It's what I did to my '05. Plenty of ground clearance. You won't smack a curb and bend it. The car wash certainly won't effect it.

 

There is no need for a bracket, unless you want to advertise for your favorite dealer. I get a kick out of people who use the dealer's brakets like it's a cool, free promo. Take a look around next time you're out and count the number of dealer plate brackets you see. What's up with that?

 

Just screw the plate on. Really. You don't need a bracket.

Juan

After a great deal of searching, I finally ended up using the bracket for the Saturn ION. Found it on eBay for $2.50 plus shipping.

 

You can see the part here http://tinyurl.com/9o3ey

 

You have to drill three holes in your bumper fascia and then use a pop rivet gun to attach the bracket with the included rivets.

 

I like the way it looks on my '05 Legacy. I attempted to post a photo of it in this thread (http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43138), but it is hard to show a black frame on a black car with a white license plate.

 

mikkl

Sharp car, Lucky. With that front bumper geometry, I see why you went with the Autozone bracket. Am I correct in assuming you only used two screws for attachment?

 

mikkl

Sharp car, Lucky. With that front bumper geometry, I see why you went with the Autozone bracket. Am I correct in assuming you only used two screws for attachment?

 

mikkl

 

Yeah, 2 screws only holding the backing plate on - not uber secure but OK I guess. Then 4 screws holding the license plate to the backing.

 

I suppose someone could also devise some curved or U shaped brackets that would come from behind the bumper and support a plate. But the dealership had already attached a frame to the front. If I do move the plate someday I will get (possibly make) a trim piece to 'fill' and use the holes. like here;

http://www.autospeedperformance.com/Subaru/bumpertrim.htm

 

I hate that my state requires this, I HEARD that folks usually just get warnings to put 'em on if running a clean front bumper but I guess I just don't want the risk. I suppose I might try it until I get busted, but not without a trim piece to cover the holes.

There's a company that sells a bracket that attaches under the car (I think) and will hold two fog driving lamps as well. I don't have the link at home, so can't get it until tomorrow.

Thought it hooked underneath, guess not.

 

http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.aspx?partfamilyid=984