Someone must have backed into me when I was away from my car. Fortunately, they hit the front license plate. I noticed when I pulled into a gas station, and it was missing one of the bottom bolts, and hanging down. I removed the other underside bolt, and it came right off.

The license plate was so bent, that the entire plastic mount was flexing with the plate. I bent out most of the damage, and hammered out a ding, but it'* still not perfect.

It'* a minor issue, but I already have it off the car… any ideas on how to flatten the plate completely?

lol, i dont think theres really any good way about getting a bent plate back to normal. You could try to get another one

By hand is about as good as you will get. You can use special peening hammers on a leather bag filled with sand. But with the expense, just do your best by hand.

Okay, new issue: the top two bolts of the license plate holder don't hold. The holes are either stripped, or missing a nut on the other side. Before I run and get the next size bolt, any tips?

next size bolt, or, fill the hole with JB weld and then drill a new hole to thread the screw in to it.

Isn't CT a non front license plate state?

Yes, it is.

Are the holes in the bumper itself or are there two off white sqaure plastic inserts the bolts go into? You can buy new inserts at any parts stores for a couple of bucks.

Mine stripped out on my truck long ago. I just got some hex headed chromed metal screws one size up and neither have pulled out.

We one plate state'rs like to use vanity plates on the front.

I was able to get it back on with bolts one size larger. It'* still a little bit loose, but it'* holding steady. When I get a chance (maybe next weekend), I'm going to sit down and perfect it.

As usual, thanks for all the help!

EDIT: @Black Pearl: Yes, they are just bare holes in the bumper on the SE. Two holes in the bumper, two holes underneath. There don't seem to be any inserts on the back, but my eyesight sucks.