Ford Dealer Drilled Holes In my Front Bumper to Mount Dealer Vanity Plate!

[Mewn]

Hi,
I live in Florida and just picked up my new black on black limited max today! What a awesome truck. I was so happy till I went to take off the dealer installed front vanity plate and realized they DRILLED CROOKED HOLES IN MY FRONT BUMPERS!!
I was in shock, how can they drill holes in a 70K+ truck to put on a dealership vanity plate in a state that does not require front plates!!!
I am dreading heading back to the dealer to complain about this stupidity!

After a few hours of feeling like total shit, I was able to find a parts diagram online and after looking up the parts to replace, I feel much better knowing they are under 200$ Not such a big deal..

Do you guys think its worth the hassle and drama to complain to the dealer or just suck it up and fix it myself?

Meanwhile, has anyone had the front bumper off yet? Any info or insight would be much appreciated.

Did not picture myself removing my front bumper a few days after purchase, FML!

https://parts.haagfordsales.com/oem...wMTgmdD1tYXgtcGxhdGludW0mZT0zLTVsLXY2LWdhcw==

https://parts.haagfordsales.com/oem...wMTgmdD1tYXgtcGxhdGludW0mZT0zLTVsLXY2LWdhcw==

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

You will never be happy - I would immediately return the vehicle and ask them to replace the part that had holes drilled into it (not repair the holes...).

Why did you accept delivery of the vehicle if the dealer did this to it?

 

[5150 pops]

The one thing not to lose sight of, is usually body parts come unpainted. No big deal, if the parts you want to replace aren't painted or finish coated in any way.

I just had the front bumper cover off my '18 this past weekend.
Knowing what I know, given your circumstances, I'd take the path of least resistance, keep the thing on there, and buy your own vanity plate like Party Bus, or Ford, or whatever.
As long as the outward appearance of the bracket is level and square, it's kind of a non issue, down the road you might sell the vehicle to someone who requires the bracket, or you move to a state that does require it, or Florida changes their requirements.

 

[5150 pops]

You will never be happy - I would immediately return the vehicle and ask them to replace the part that had holes drilled into it (not repair the holes...).

Why did you accept delivery of the vehicle if the dealer did this to it?

I don't think he thought it was a big deal, because his expectations were such that it was simple removal, without a trace. OP says he was surprised to learn that was not the case, as he attempted removal.

 

[benyl]

You need this part that is factory painted.

https://parts.haagfordsales.com/oem-parts/ford-protector-jl1z8419ba

 

[Mewn]

Trust me I am upset with myself for not immediately realizing what they did. Other vehicles have removable plate covers or built in plug spots that are meant to be covered up when there is no front plate. I was not expecting ford to just drill holes in front bumpers to install a 14 dollar plastic front plate holder. Check out the front plate removable cover on my GMC, Something like this is what I was expecting.




Not this!!

 

[Mewn]

You need this part that is factory painted.

https://parts.haagfordsales.com/oem-parts/ford-protector-jl1z8419ba

Thank you

 

[Artie]

Having seen your picture with the holes I agree with you, I wouldn’t be happy.... AT ALL. I wouldn’t be able to see anything else except for those holes when approaching from the front. When I ordered mine I specifically told the dealer I would not accept the vehicle with a front license plate holder or any dealer markings, he asked for me to send a reminder email a week or so out. I’m happy to report that they obliged. I wonder how many sales they generate from that free marketing anyway?

 

[JExpedition07]

That’s messed up, I’d demand it be replaced by the dealer. As you state Florida doesn’t require front plates, as such the dealer should not have drilled the factory bumper damaging clear coat and paint in the process. (Though it’s plastic I’d still mention it). What a bunch of cheapskates. I don’t blame you at all you can see the holes clearly.

Beautiful Denali BTW.

 

[Randy Schmidt]

You are not wrong to be upset about it. I would ask that the dealership replace the parts that they damaged. I am sure that they will make it right.

 

[Flexpedition]

You need 3 of each already.

 

[Mewn]

You need 3 of each already.

LOL!!

 

[Mewn]

Great news, I went to dealership, "Al Packer Ford" in West Palm, and the manager immediately agreed to fix the damage with new parts. He was incredulous at the stupidity of the situation and apologized profusely.
Feeling so much better!
Thanks guys!

 

[JExpedition07]

Good deal, those are the kind of dealers that deserve return business.

 

[proeasy]

Good to hear, had the same happen here in Michigan where front plate is not needed. This was on a VW. I noticed it and had them put in writing they would replace the front bumper, some other guy got one with holes

 

[NyackRob79]

Typical dealer greed. Why not use our customers' vehicle - which is their own and exclusive property - as advertising billboards for us? The only worse thing I've seen is mud flaps with big-fat dealer logos. I wouldn't accept delivery with this type of horsesh*t.

 

[haviland]

I have an issue with me advertising their product. You wanna pay me a monthly fee?

I ask that the dealer NOT put any of their advertising on my vehicle when I buy new.

Your dealer sounds like the kind of dealer everyone should get when they buy their vehicles.

 

[1955moose]

Back in the 50's and 60's we had a Chevy dealer here in San Francisco called Ellis Brooks that drilled into the left side of trunk, and put an Ellis Brooks placque there. I remember back when I was young, man I'd be pissed if I picked up my 59 Impala, and saw that on the trunk. Wonder how many trunks they had to Bondo and repaint, or replace?

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[rjdelp7]

I make sure I tell every dealer, I do not want there name on my new vehicle. Most use just a plastic plate frame.