Hey what's up guys, new Porsche owner...just got my new plates the other week and removed the front plate (the car was sold with a front plate on it) because it's not required in the state I'm in. Anyway, there are four small holes I hate looking at that were left behind for the plate's support. I'm wondering if a body shop could get this out and match the paint or if it needs an entire new front end?

Opinions?

pic attached

 

You can fill and paint, replace the bumper, or use bumperplugs.com - Eric is a great guy.

 

oh cool thanks! Checking out the bumper plugs now

 

You can find different sizes of plastic plugs at OSH hardware store. The flat matted black plugs harmonized with my black bumper. Maybe,
they can be painted to match other colors.

 

Eric. +1. Eric does you right! This, from a long time customer.

 

I had the same (4) holes on my bumper back in 2007 when I bought my 997S. I used Eric's 'Bumper Plugs' and although at first I just didn't like the looks after awhile they seem to become 'invisible'. I thought in time I'd change the cover but so far I haven't. Guess I'm used to the (4) little 'nipples' on my bumper cover.

Go 'Bumper Plugs' . . . far less than replacing the cover.

 

AP -- that's awesome, by any chance do you have any pics of your front bumper? Or did you get rid of your 997S?

 

Here's a pic . . .

 

I had the holes filled and the bumper repainted. I also had a lot rock chips in the bumper which was corrected. Cost was around $450. It looks perfect.

 

That looks great. I think I'll go ahead and go with the bumper plugs for now. Looks like the plugs are all the same size despite the hole size? (top two holes seemed smaller on mine from a drill)

 

Funny you mention that, a friend of mine was telling me it shouldn't be more than $500 to get it filled and repainted and have the paint matched. I think I may get that done eventually. Did you go to just any body shop with a good rep to get that done or did you go through the dealership?

 

+1 for bumperplugs

 

I will also +1 bumper plugs. I ordered mine right after I purchased the car and the paint color matches perfectly.

 

The bottom holes are used to secure the license plate holder to the bumper cover while the top holes are just from the bolts/screws holding the plate to the holder. If shorter screws/bolts were used the top holes or indentations would not be there. Just sloppy workmanship by who ever installed the holder & plate. Typically it's the lowest paid (i.e. washer, valet, etc) employee at a dealership.

$50 for 'Bumper Plugs' vs. $500 for filling & painting. Plugs take 10 minutes while filling/painting is a 2+ day job.