FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET P/N - M VANS C/K TRUCKS
FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKETS (RPO VK3)
VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1987-88 M VANS AND 1988 C/K TRUCKS
Some 1987-88 M vans and 1988 C/K trucks were built without the front license plate bracket (RPO VK3) option.
Only GMC vehicles built between the following VIN breakpoints are affected:
1988 C/K Pontiac East JE506067 - JE513444 Oshawa J1513826 - J1527032 Fort Wayne JZ508856 - JZ516708
1987 M Baltimore HB531545 - HB539795
1988 M Baltimore JB500001 - JB504534
For those vehicles affected, front license plate brackets should be ordered through the Parts Department.
Parts Information
Model Model Year Description Part Number ----- ---------- ----------- ----------- C/K 1988 Front License 15531658 Plate Bracket
M 1987-88 Front License 15597389 Plate Bracket
The following procedures should be used to attach the front license plate bracket. Repair times are provided for each model at the end of the procedures.
MODEL: 1988 C/K --------------- A) FRONT BUMPERS WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET ATTACHMENT HOLES OR RUB STRIPS
Procedure
1. Align center of license plate bracket, P/N 15531658, with center of bumper.
2. Move the license plate bracket up or down until the bracket contour matches the bumper contour.
3. When bracket is aligned as described in Steps 1 and 2, mark the location of the upper bracket attachment holes on the bumper.
Notice: Ensure bracket and bumper remain centered as described in Step 1.
4. Remove bracket and center punch the bumper in the middle of the marks.
5. Using a SHARP 9 mm or 11/32" high speed drill bit, drill the two upper bracket attachment holes at the center punch marks.
6. Attach the license plate bracket to the bumper and tighten.
7. Mark the lower bracket attachment holes on the bumper.
8. Remove the bracket and center punch the bumper in the middle of the marks.
9. As described in Step 5, drill the lower bracket attachment holes in the bumper.
10. Before final attachment of the bracket to the bumper, the following process should be performed:
a) Clean drilled areas of metal chips.
b) Any oil residue should be removed with a suitable cleaning solvent (which does not leave a residue) such as GM cleaner, P/N 10950938, or equivalent.
c) Apply RTV (aerobic sealant) on the face of the bumper around and over the area of the holes.
Note: Enough sealant should be applied so that bracket bolt installation will push the sealant through the hole, and nut installation will coat the rear side of the bumper.
11. Place license plate bracket on front bumper and attach with bolts and nuts described below:
Description Quantity Size ------------ --------- ----- Hex head bolt with flat washer 4 M8 x 1.25 x 30 zinc finish
Hex nut phosphate finish 4 M8 x 1.25
Use the most applicable 1-hour operation from the Canadian Labour Time Guide and claim 0.3 hours.
Labour time for installation of the front license plate bracket is included in the predelivery inspection allowance.
B) FRONT BUMPER WITH RUB STRIPS
Procedure
1. Attach front license plate bracket, P/N 15531658, at lower attachment holes.
2. Using a pencil, mark the shape of the upper bracket attachment bosses on the rub strip.
3. Remove bracket and cut the rub strip at the marked areas with a sharp utility knife. The upper bracket attachment holes are located behind the rub strip at these locations.
Note: Care should be exercised not to scratch the chrome with the utility knife while cutting the rub strip.
4. Remove the notches cut from the rub strip and attach the license plate bracket to the bumper. Use the bolts and nuts described in Step 11 of the previous procedure.
Use the most applicable labour operation from the Canadian Labour Time Guide and claim 0.2 hours.
Labour time for installation of the front license plate bracket is included in the predelivery inspection allowance.
MODEL: 1987-88 M VAN --------------------
Procedure
1. Remove air deflector center attaching bolts (5). Air deflector does not have to be removed.
2. Attach license plate bracket, P/N 15597389, at lower attachment holes.
3. Mark the location of the upper bracket attachment holes on the bumper.
4. Remove license plate bracket and center punch the bumper in the middle of the marks.
5. Using a sharp 9 mm or 11/32" high speed drill bit, drill the bumper at the center punch marks.
6. Before final attachment of the bracket to the bumper, the following process should be performed:
a) Clean drilled areas of metal chips.
b) Any oil residue should be removed with a suitable cleaning solvent (which does not leave a residue) such as GM cleaner, P/N 10950938, or equivalent.
c) Apply RTV (aerobic sealant) on the face of the bumper around and over the area of the holes.
Note: Enough sealant should be applied so that bracket bolt installation will push the sealant through the hole, and nut installation will coat the rear side of the bumper. Attach the license plate bracket to the bumper using the following bolts and nuts:
Note: The backside of the bumper is accessible for nut installation by moving the air deflector which was loosened in Step 1.
Description Quantity Size ----------- -------- ---- Hex head bolt with conical 4 M8 x 1.25 x 25 washer phosphate finish
Hex nut phosphate finish 4 M8 x 1.25
Use the most applicable labour operation from the Canadian Labour Time Guide and claim 0.4 hours.
Labour time for installation of the front license plate bracket is included in the predelivery inspection allowance.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
