So i haven't touched my rear plate in about 2 years. Today, i went to remove it to swap it to another car and the darn screws are frozen in place.

I even swapped them to stainless steel screws to avoid this problem. Guess the salt can't be stopped.

I currently have the screws soaking in penetrating fluid and will keep applying and trying until I can get them out.

Has anyone ever dealt with this? In the case I decide to snap or drill the heads off, can the bracket be replaced easily or does the bumper need to come off?

What a PITA.

 

It's those weird clips that hold the plate on behind it. I made sure to douse my new bolts in never cease.

 

Ok bump on this. I have a vanity plate on my car I really need to transfer and can't get it off!

To the FSM I go.

 

Mine has plastic backers... One of mine came loose and I had to reach around underneath the bumper & hold it to get the screw threaded. Wasn't hard to reach though.

 

I had the metal clips on the back and they were fused to the bolt due to road salt. I took a Dremel and sanded the had of the nut off.......5 mins plate off.

 

Ok, but after I get the plate off, i need to put another back on. Did you replace the bracket? Where did you get a new one?

 

If I'm getting what you're trying to do...You could just replace the bolt that goes through the bumper & back it with a nut & a good sized washer.