Picked up a new '04 about a month ago, and plates came in. Except no bracket for the front plate, so to mount it "as is" , well... it bends the plate and looks kinda dumb. I'm new to Chevs, and haven't really been paying attention to any I've seen in a parking lot for an answer to this question, so I'd though I'd risk asking a fairly dumb question.
So my question is: Should the dealer provide me some cheapo plastic piece, or do I make my own?
Thanks

Most dealers provide plate frames, usually with their logo. Should have a bracket to keep the plate from bending. Contact you dealer, sounds like it was overlooked in the pre-delivery servicing. Dealer is supposed to check all fluid levels and such but it might be wise for you to verify by doing a self check.

I didn't receive a plate mount at delivery either. The dealer put my Jaguars mirrored plate on and bent it, now it is cracked. Next time I'm in there I'll ask about the mounting plate. Thanks for bringing this up. JJ :)

I do not think that it is Standard at least it was not on my '03

Sounds like another item we all took for granted they got rid of like the under hood light and so on.

i didnt get one either and i found the same thing in regards to mounting it, regarldess of how i set it up, it looked like **** so i just left it off - hasnt been a problem and is much cleaner looking

:mad: Had this same problem on my 2004 which I brought to the attention of GM Customer Service. Their solution, and this went all the way up to the factory, is to mount the '03 bracket by putting two holes in the bumper where the '03 bracket would go and pop riveting it to the bumper (the holes are about four inches apart on the '03). They said this is what they do on models shipped to states requiring a front license. I didn't want to put holes or pop rivets in my bumper, so I tried mounting the plate by itself and had the same problems with bending and warpingCensored .

This is my solution: I took the '03 mounting bracket (see if you can talk your dealer into getting it for free - I did) and trimmed the X shaped spacing posts off of the back with a utility knife, otherwise it will stick out too far from the bumper. I then mounted the bracket upside down from the '03 application, i.e. wide holes on the top lined-up with factory holes. This requires that you use 1.5 inch long screws to go all the way through plate, the long plastic spacers on the back of the bracket, and into the plastic inserts in the bumper. The license plate is held firmly at the bottom by the groove in the bracket and the spacers on the back keep the plate from bending at the top. I also put a piece of self adhesive velcro loop on the back of the bracket where it contacts the bumper to prevent it from abrading the surface.

I'm still looking for a better solution, but this is at least acceptable. My '96 Yukon SLT had a nice form fitted mounting bracket that actually looked like a design that belonged on the vehicle. But then again, that vehicle had lighted mirrors in both visors, an overhead console, a lighted console and glove compartment, rear coat hangers for mounting a bar....:rolleyes: This 2004 is what Chevy calls an LT??? Looks like we're going backwards - more money, fewer features. Not attempting to hijack, but anyone have a solution for mounting a clothes bar in the back seat area of a crew cab? Rowdy

I just got some plastic washers, about 3 per side from the hardware store to space it out away from the bumper and eliminate the bending.

If you live in a state that requires a front plate then the dealer needs to make sure the truck has the bracket. The bracket on my GMC looks like an after thought, too.

I went to local auto supply store and bought chrome license plate cover and bolted it on worked fine and provides a clean look the gm license plate bracket in my opinion looks like cheap and like sh**

my 03 came with one

My 04.5 came with one, a cheep looking plastic thing however it holds the front plate. Purchased the truck in Amarillo Texas. As I recall all the trucks on the lot had front plate holders.

I asked the dealer about it when I took delivery. No joy.

I went to the parts dept and asked about it. There is no front license plate bracket available from Chevrolet; the part does not exist for an '04.

Sometimes you wonder WTF??!!

If you live in a state that requires a front plate then the dealer needs to make sure the truck has the bracket. The bracket on my GMC looks like an after thought, too.
In New Jersey front plates are required & must be installed, sometimes they just drill holes in the bumper to match the holes in the plate & install plastic inserts that will accept a screw & finish it off with a license plate frame (usually with the Dealers name on it)

You could install a front mount hitch receiver with a license plate mount, front hitches come in handy for all sorts of tasks (like temporary winch mounting, etc...)

my 03 (bought used) didnt have one. was at the dealer for steering shaft TSB and asked about it. he told me they had the original style and a new, redesigned one. i bought the newer one for $15 and it worked perfect. the older one held the plate above the holes (partially blocking the 2 vents on the bumper) and the newer one mounts lower. i will look and see if i kept the invoice to get the part number. i think the 04 bumpers are the same so it should work. mine was the type of bumper with the mounting holes close together, not standard license plate width apart.

The '03 and '04 are different (I assume the '05 is the same as the '04, but maybe not). 2004 has holes the same width apart as a standard license plate while the '03 has closer holes that accept the factory pos mounting bracket. As HBruns stated, there is no part number for a 2004 license plate bracket. I do wonder WTF???

My 05 didn't come with a bracket either. The license plate bolts up to the holes in bumper, bending license plate. Called the dealer - not available. That's stupid.

I bought mine in FL, it came with a bracket and the obligatory dealer frame. :cool: