I bought a 2004 F-150 super crew from a guy earlier this year. It runs perfectly, just has some little things to fix up...needs new windshield washer pump, new bed rail caps and window visors, window on the rear driver's side doesn't go down...little pidly stuff lie that that's easy to fix. Anyway, I decided to replace the license plate screws since they are weathered and rusted so I looked up the screws for it and ordered some only to find out they are too small. The one on the left in the pic is the one that's listed as the size (1/4″ x 3/4″ screws with a 3/8″ hex slotted head), but the one on the right is what's on the truck (slightly over 1/4" wide and 1" long with a 1/2" hex head) and I can't find this bolt anywhere. I've been to every hardware store in town and tried to look everywhere online, but I can't find it. I was hoping somebody might have had a similar problem, or might know what kind of bolt this is so I can get a few. Thanks.

 

They are both sheet metal screws. The one is just a larger size than the other.

If the nylon "nut" in the plate mount was stripped out , they needed a larger screw.

Body shops usually have an assortment , try one of those shops.

Most auto supply stores will also have them.