Hole in My Front Bumper - Ford F150 Forum

daboyce67 · 11-20-2009, 05:57 PM

Okay, so maybe not a hole. But I'm out removing the dealer's fake license plate on the front bumper(you know, the one they put on when you buy a vehicle and you replace with a real plate when you get them). Anyway, while doing this I notice it is nothing but empty space on both sides and behind the plate, with some sort of flexible plastic something or other behind that open area. What's with that? I'm thinking something ain't right, so i go online and, sure enough, that's the way they are.

Anyone know what's the point of that open area on the front bumper? Just curious.

G0MERP · 11-20-2009, 07:01 PM

this I believe is just to help route air through the radiater.

2009XLTBFF1fitty · 11-20-2009, 10:23 PM

I thought the same thing. I actually send a pic of that to my sales guy and told him I was missing something - 'cause I had no plate when I brought her home...then I began to research and saw that's how they are supposed to be....

big_ole_truck · 11-21-2009, 12:49 PM

Normally, I insist on buying a vehicle without front license plate holder (FL doesn't have a front license plate). But this time it's different. The gaping hole in the front bumper is too ugly and becomes a focal point without the front license plate.

Some others here have done a rain gutter guard mod while others have bought a grill to cover up the opening.

Maybe Ford will wise up and change the front bumper design for 2011.

Roofuss · 11-21-2009, 02:47 PM

Bought and installed a Carriage Works " bumper grille " from Stylin' Trucks that bolts right into the opening, got the main grille now on order that goes along with it . Thought I could get away without having to replace the main grille, but somehow it just does NOT look right

as they're two different styles / designs altogether

.

TheCougarGuy · 11-21-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roofuss

Bought and installed a Carriage Works " bumper grille " from Stylin' Trucks that bolts right into the opening, got the main grille now on order that goes along with it . Thought I could get away without having to replace the main grille, but somehow it just does NOT look right

as they're two different styles / designs altogether

.

I have the same bumper grille and it looks great on my truck with the stock grill. I have a two-tone FX4 (Razor Red w/Sterling Gray bottom) so it kind of blends in with the bumper. I could see how it could look strange with body colored bumpers, especially white.

Roofuss · 11-22-2009, 07:15 AM

I could see how it could look strange with body colored bumpers, especially white.

My '09 Screw is Pueblo Gold { has chrome bumpers / XLT package } but the factory chrome grille looks to " busy " and " gaudy " to me especially with the billet bumper grille now offsetting it. So have decided to go with the Carriage Works replacement / bolt in style main billet unit that goes with their bumper grille . Not a big " billet look " fan, but has to be an improvement over the factory style, inmo ?

Texasplayboy · 11-22-2009, 06:53 PM

its so more air can get to the intake. the rubber blocks off the air so it only goes up in the right side which is where the intake sucks in air

Stevegud1 · 12-02-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texasplayboy

its so more air can get to the intake. the rubber blocks off the air so it only goes up in the right side which is where the intake sucks in air

Ram air! Sweet!

Dark_Wizard · 12-03-2009, 06:29 AM

I didn't like it either and asked my dealer for a front plate kit. They said all the trucks come with it and it was supposed to be under the back seats so the new owner can install it if needed...so, mine was missing and they ordered me one and I put a valet plate on it and now it looks 100% better.