So one of my license plate bolts was rusted and seized. The solution? Cut the head off and drill it out. Unfortunately, this also ruined the nut that is recessed in the bumper; it actually fell backwards once i cut the head off the bolt.

My question - did I seriously f up my bumper? How are these nuts attached to the bumper? Can I just order up some new nuts, pop the bumper off and snap them in?

TIA!

 

There are 4 small plastic studs that stick out of the backside of the bumper, 2 and 2.

There's 2 rectangular plates with 2 threaded holes in each of them, that press onto these studs.

you can simply replace the plate.

 

i'm wondering in my attempt to loosen the bolt if i ripped the studs off? i put a good amount of pressure on it and it got a bit loose... what would be my solution in that case? new bumper? a nylon anchor-type nut to put in the now present holes?