Thanks Ashley & Ron. I think tomorrow I'll try loosening the top two like you described and try wiggling it around. I'll take the rubber washers off if I have to.

Ron, the distance from hole to hole on center is about 1".

Also, during my extended search for slightly longer flange bolts (with a thread pitch of like 2!) for installing the JDM mudflaps, (Oh that's another story....)..... I discovered that nifty parts book Napa has, where they've shrink wrapped samples of all nuts/bolts/clips etc in a book. I can get all kinds of "retaining clips"...those little things the top 2 screws go into in the license plate area. Maybe I can find a different clip (maybe stronger too) that will let me angle the plate down a few hairs or something....making it get closer to alignment, then push like he!! on the bottom edge like you did, hopefully catching the threads.

I have about 3/4" from the skid hole to the edge of the plate...if I have to elongate that hole with a file, how much can I go...maybe 1/4"? What's the minimum amount I should leave for strength? If this hole is going to be under extra pressure with the bolt really applying force to the one edge, I don't really want to remove much of that plastic....I would guess?

I'm also thinking I should drill the skid hole a tiny bit larger, so I can get a latex tubing "sleeve" (like LDub did) on it for extra abrasion protection, since I "think" this bolt is going to end up being under pretty good pressure on the one edge.

Ron your idea is probably really the best one, move that bracket a little toward the rear, and push on the plate really hard. Or maybe Luna's idea of a slide hammer to persuade that bracket to move a little.

Maybe after a few Chocolate Munkees on the stoop, and AFTER some wheeling, and some more alcoholic beverages, some of the gang on the stoop will be ready to rip in to the front bumper. Get that bracket moved, plate installed and send me on my way home!

Thoughts?