When I removed the temporary paper plate from the rear of my pre-owned F, I found a patch of white adhesive tape. I had a heck of a time getting rid of it all. I couldn't figure out why it was there. I have recently read some posts that make me believe that quite a few F owners have done similar. So what am I missing? What is the purpose of the adhesive? Or have I completely misunderstood what is going on under some of these plates?

 

Rear license plate sometimes rattle and when it does, it sounds just like chassis rattles so people take the car to the dealer for warranty claims, if you put double-sided tape this stops it from rattling.

 

My rear plate is affixed with nothing but adhesive tape, otherwise I would have to drill new mounting holes coz the stock holes don't line up with my custom plates.
Sits dead flat with no brackets, rattles or dodgy looking screws and IHMO looks waaaay better that way.
I have changed plates twice now and yes getting the old tape off is a PITA, but the secret is you don't need to get absolutely all of it off, leaving a thin residue works as a good "key" for the new tape.