It's been 7 long years, but I'm finally back. The 240's licensed in Colorado after sitting in the garage since '07.

That being said, does anyone know off hand what the thread type is to attach the front license plate holder to an '87 bumper? It's got two holes with what look like threaded inserts (of course it's parked at the office so I can't look or add a picture). I've never lived in a state that required the front license plate, so this is new to me. The local dealership told me they had them, then they didn't. The holder/frame cost me $40, so I see no reason to overpay for something else, especially something that can be had at the local hardware store for almost nothing.

why did you spend $40 on a Frame

my 87...no frame 2 bolts in the top holes...metric with a 10mm head.

Return the frame...got to HD or Lowes and or ACE ...for short reach bolts.
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for Odometer repair... Art's Clean Flame Trap page
Mine died this spring, have yet to get to it.

http://cleanflametrap.com/speedo5/.

I think the threads being asked about are those into the staked nuts in the bumper to which the front plate bracket attaches. I've seen everything from #6 UNC hardware through and nuts to sheet metal screws forced in them, but I believe if unmolested, they are M5-0.80 thread. Yes, two. Very likely rusted.

As for the Odometer repair page, I think mine is in dire need of modernizing, and OP should check out Dave Barton's write up. http://www.davebarton.com/240-odometer-repair.html

The only thing I would emphasize is I see no particular advantage to servicing the odometer in removing the needle and faceplate. Dave is probably more comfortable pulling the needle as a consequence of developing his whiteface product offerings.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

Yes, two

The fog is lifting. I and apparently CB are thinking of the earlier cars where the plate fastens directly to the bumper.


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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

as I posted, my 87 has the plate attacked directly to the front bumper

there are 4 holes, but you only need the top two. The lower two do not match up with standard American plates in the front

My guess is that the lower two are there for European plates...the long ones, that need four mounting points.

Only two holes? Are you sure there aren't four?

Anyway that should be your ordinary M6 screw. 10mm long should do it. Full thread, of course. I'd opt for hex washer head with no slot if available.


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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon