Hi. I'd like to install 2 screws in my new Prius to hold the lower edge of the plate. Is there any precaution I should be aware of concering drilling into the rear door? What about potential for rusting? Not sure why Toyota doesn't have 4 holes prepared for this already.
I would not drill into the metal. That is asking for rust. I put fake bolts on mine. It is nut and a bolt. The back of the bolt is cut off. This is a bad pic because of all the salt in Cleveland.
Why? Precautions do not know once again, why do you want to make holes in your new car?, The hatch is made from Aluminum there could be a potential problem of dissimilar metal corrosion unless you use Aluminum fasteners. If you look at the top the hardware they thread into threaded inserts covered by the tape in the picture below. Why not four holes because it is not necessary. You should have two foam bumpers shown in picture below and if the existing two fasteners are tightened correctly your plate should be secure and rattle free.
That panel is aluminum so rust won't be a problem. Toyota didn't put 4 holes there because it would have cost a few cents more. Here's one way to add two tapped mounting holes. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-rear-license-plate-installation-gen-iii.html
Your lower hardware is only securing your cover to the license plate, not actually securing the plate and the cover to that hatch right?
Disagree. With only two screws, the license plate rattles significantly. I solved this by attaching adhesive felt pads to the bottom area of the plate. These pads are commonly sold for placement on chair legs to prevent scuffing hardwood floors.
There should already be two form bumpers on the license plate area from factory. Didn't your car come with them?
