Model S Refresh: License Holder Part of Bumper?

[FlatSix911]

Actually the plate is glued on and screwed on with safety screws for which there may be no available removal tool. Apparently it is possible to just rip the plate mount away from the two screws below the bumper (destroying the plate mount) and then remove the screws with pliers.

Or just wait until the printed security socket is available ...

Since this was the primary thread about the license plate holder I thought I would add the following...
The screws on the bottom are non-standard security screws that have a 5-point (not standard 6) star shape in the style of a Torx Plus. I've searched high and low and no one makes a socket to fit these weirdo screws.

So, I am getting some of these screws shortly and intend to design a 3D printed metal socket insert to solve this problem. I will give this CAD model to anyone and I'll also post this on www.shapeways.com

It should be reasonably inexpensive printed out of stainless steel because it will be so small. I'll keep everyone posted. One way or another I'm not planning to leave with the car with that front plate bracket attached.

Great idea ... I am interested in the 5 point socket.

 

[SDRick]

So has anyone managed to remove the bracket without damage? My hunch is that if the screws are not too tight they could be removed with a 90° bent needle nose plier.

 

[James Anders]

So has anyone managed to remove the bracket without damage? My hunch is that if the screws are not too tight they could be removed with a 90° bent needle nose plier.

I think pliers would work if there was an even number of lobes or points. Pliers can grip 180 degrees apart. There's a reason why 5 point fasteners are used for security.

Hang tight. I'm going to push this through so I'm ready for my delivery in June.

 

[MDMGSO47]

Socket to me.

 

[beantobe]

I think pliers would work if there was an even number of lobes or points. Pliers can grip 180 degrees apart. There's a reason why 5 point fasteners are used for security.

Hang tight. I'm going to push this through so I'm ready for my delivery in June.

Definitely interested in a socket that fits as well. Taking delivery in early June.

 

[Soundchasr]

Which seems like a total BS answer to me. Is this to say it was a total screw-up by Tesla to test with the bracket on as opposed to off?

Has anyone actually seen the law that the DS's claim prevents them from removing the license holder? I've been been a lawyer for 20 years and can't imagine that there is any such law that would preclude them from removing the holder after delivery. I can (almost) understand having to deliver it with the holder but after we show up to get the car we should be able to tell them to remove it.

 

[DCGOO]

Has anyone actually seen the law that the DS's claim prevents them from removing the license holder? I've been been a lawyer for 20 years and can't imagine that there is any such law that would preclude them from removing the holder after delivery. I can (almost) understand having to deliver it with the holder but after we show up to get the car we should be able to tell them to remove it.

I was told it was "Tesla policy." Might have the same effect on the average 22 year old Tesla employee. I would have no problem refusing delivery on the vehicle if the bracket was attached. We have never had front license plates in my state.

 

[pixel4]

Has anyone actually seen the law that the DS's claim prevents them from removing the license holder? I've been been a lawyer for 20 years and can't imagine that there is any such law that would preclude them from removing the holder after delivery. I can (almost) understand having to deliver it with the holder but after we show up to get the car we should be able to tell them to remove it.

I recall someone on here claiming that Tesla had performed crash testing with the plate on and so they were forced to include it.

 

[Soundchasr]

I recall someone on here claiming that Tesla had performed crash testing with the plate on and so they were forced to include it.

Yes but that does not explain the refusal to remove it after we arrive for delivery.

 

[James Anders]

I recall someone on here claiming that Tesla had performed crash testing with the plate on and so they were forced to include it.

That's the "story". Seems strange to me. First, I can't imagine the plate holder making any significant difference. Second, why wouldn't they leave it off for the test? Or do all car companies need to test with and without plates/brackets?

 

[Tanquen]

That's the "story". Seems strange to me. First, I can't imagine the plate holder making any significant difference. Second, why wouldn't they leave it off for the test? Or do all car companies need to test with and without plates/brackets?

I'm not sure if it's a requirement but I do seem to remember tests involving low speed contact with the bumpers and associated costs of repair. It may indeed be that without the front bracket the metal hood makes contact first and causes great deal more cost with low speed front end contact.

 

[Soundchasr]

I don't really care about the reasons why they include it. I just want it removed when I get the car. I've bought a lot of cars and I've never had a dealer tell me they wouldn't remove the license holder.

 

[SDRick]

I don't really care about the reasons why they include it. I just want it removed when I get the car. I've bought a lot of cars and I've never had a dealer tell me they wouldn't remove the license holder.

As long as I can remove the bracket and reattach if necessary I am fine with it. At this point it appears to be easier said than done.

 

[SDRick]

Well I guess we have an answer and not too difficult.

Facelift MS with front license plate holder removed & rear debadged

 

[FlatSix911]

Well done!

Well I guess we have an answer and not too difficult.
Facelift MS with front license plate holder removed & rear debadged

So the front plate is held on by two screws that I don't have the name for in a star pattern. The pattern isn't one of the obvious ones that comes in those kits from Harbor Freight. Thankfully an 11/32 socket gives just enough grip that a gentle push will loosen them and then you can screw them out by hand. This is the screw:
View media item 115142

 

[Zaphod]

Alternate method of removing the security bolts is to take a Dremel tool and cut slot in the bolt head and use a flat head screw driver.

 

[K_style]

11/32 it is. Will be doing that as soon as I get home.

 

[Manny13z]

Tesla's promotional pictures on their website does not show the cars with the front license plate holder, false advertisement I say! If the car comes with it installed, the promotional pictures should show it as well.

 

[Reekdog]

All three showrooms I've been to in Los Angeles Ca. area have taken the front plate off of their Red floor model. I also saw a couple of new deliveries being prepped that had the front plate remove by the service tech's.

 

[Soundchasr]

Then they should be willing to remove it for us on delivery...