I needed to remove the license plate bracket from my car. After removing the license plate, I noticed that there were two large phillips head screws holding the bracket.

As I removed one screw, I heard something hit the ground, but I could not find anything. As I tried to remove the other screw, it just kept going around in a circle, and I couldn't get it off no matter what I tried. Suggestions?

Since it was turning dark, I wanted to put the thing back together. No dice. I was trying to put the one screw back in the mounting hole, but there was no thread inside the hole!

Is there a nut and/or washer that's supposed to hold the screws onto the car? I didn't have much time to look up from underneath the car, but if this is the case, how in the world am I supposed to get to the inside of this thing to install it once again? I'm about 90 miles from home and if there is thread, it's probably just sitting on the ground back at my place.

What kind of replacement part(s) do I need to a.) remove it and b.) properly install it back on?

I will be going to a salvage yard on Sunday. Thanks!!
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Regards,
Eric Staufer,
'89 244DL 117k
My 240 Page