Hello and quick question

[donno]

Feel like I'm finally part of the family now with my recent purchase of a 91 Range Rover SWB from e.provost on this site. I've been a member of the forum for a few years, always lurking but never finding the right one to buy. Now that I have, I'm looking forward to the joy and heartache that comes with ownership. :D

One simple question I have (instead of starting a separate thread) is how to access the rear license plate bolts? Three out of four bolts are spinning when I try to remove the screw. Anyone had to deal with this before? Need at least two working bolts to hold the plate on. :)

Thanks and hope to see everyone around.

[DaveB]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy the Range Rover experience.

It seems that nobody knows the answer offhand, or like me doesn't want to venture out in the frozen wet and monkey around. If I recall I had similar on my truck, only thing two or three of them actually broke off. I was able to drill some new holes and squeeze in some aluminum inserts using something like this...

inserter.jpg

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http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/6 ... -p8533713e

[ANDYD]

Yes, welcome to the forum and congrats on the new RRC.

It sounds like the captive threaded insert has come loose and is spinning. Try sliding something thin like a knife or scraper under the licennce plate and lever the licence plate out towards you at the same time as unscrewing the screw. This often pulls the captive thread insert into the metal panel and stops it spinning just long enough to get the screw out.

Once you get the plate off you may have to replace the inserts with new ones (like Dave shows in his photo).

cheers,
Andy

[donno]

Heh that's a great shot of my new RRC! Yes that's exactly what's happening with the insert. There's no plate on it at the moment, trying to put mine on. How would I get the old insert out? Does it need to be drilled out? I don't want it dropping inside.

Thanks
Don

[ANDYD]

Hi Don,

Yes, the only way to get them out is to drill (and that wont be easy as it will spin when your drilling it!) and of course it will drop inside and never be seen again.
I would try putting in the new screws while pulling out on the new licence plate. As you pull on the plate it should cause friction on the captive inserts and stop them spinning enough to get the new screws in place. Add a little grease on the threads to help them go in easily.
Once the new plate is on it acts as a "anti-theft" device for your new licence plate :wink: be hard to get off again!

[donno]

Thanks for all the info. Now just trying to find some nutserts. No one seems to carry them, especially on the Sunshine Coast. Was in Van today and tried Home Depot, Lordco and Fastenal. Didn't have time to drive out to Coquitlam to try Princess Auto. Any other suggestions; even if it's online?

[sailourboy]

Look at Princess Auto web site, call the Coquitlam store on their toll free line , give them your CC info and address and they will put them in the mail or any other method of freight you wish to use. They are in stock I just rearranged them new shelf location :D
Cheers
Ted

[donno]

Thanks Ted. I'll probably be out that way this week and will just stop in and get it.