737 Jock

The license plate attachment nuts on the RDX are subject to flaking rust. This will eventually ruin them, which is trouble because they are tack-welded to the hatch. Without the nuts there would be no easy way to attach the plate. Here is what they look like after 3 years:



To repair, wire brush and sand the loose flaking rust and coat with a good rust paint. I used POR-15:



Get new stainless attachment screws and washers from the hardware store in 6 mm x 1 thread. If you have a plate backer the screws should be about 25 mm long. For just a plate only, about 10 mm screws will do. For the lower attachment fittings get stainless sheet metal screws in #12. Again, for a plate backer, 20 mm long should do; without a backer, 10 mm.

Drill out the indentation in the lower plastic fitting, using a drill-bit thinner than the #12 screw. Use caution; it's very thin plastic and will take very light pressure:



Then turn the #12 screw into the fitting to make threads:



Now you can attach the plate, starting with the upper screws. When doing the lower screws remember to only snug them in the plastic, so as not to strip the threads.

The hatch will shut rattle free.