[Steverino]

They are steel rivets. I installed mine but used plastic body panel rivets instead so the bracket can be removed easily without needing to drill out steel rivet heads which can be a challenge if the center shaft did not snap below the flange surface.

Once you get the rivets out,, the filler/paint hole repair is one option, a small plastic body panel push pin (painted) is another,

 

[Steverino]

This is brilliance of GM Design & Engineering. Let’s save on the cost of two screws and two nylon clips for license plate bracket and let the owner drill holes in an $800 front fascia. 2024 Equinox doesn't even have dimples to locate bracket. Last time buyer…

Really? THAT's your hill to die on?

GM includes the bracket and mounting rivets for states that require front plates. The dealer installs them before delivery as part of their prep, not you. The car comes with the bracket installed unless you specifically tell them not to (like I did). This has been standard practice since at least 2011, maybe longer.

So I really don't understand your complaint, 48woodie.

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[Steverino]

I wish there were a simpler way to remove the rivets without the need for a drill.

The only other methods I can think of would be to try and punch them through (seems like it would cause more damage), or take off the fascia and cut off the back of the rivet with a Dremel abrasive blade being careful not to heat the metal as it's cut. Maybe a few drops of water now and then, Boltquinox.

 

[Steverino]

If and when I remove the fascia, do you think it would be possible to punch it out? like hitting the metal part of the rivet with a hammer from back of the bracket to front of the car?

The big bugger will most likely be behind the facia (toward the motor bay). So the head will be on the exterior of the bracket. Hitting it with a punch may work, but it will need to push the head through both the bracket and the facia. M concerns would be hitting it hard enough to tear through those two layers while not making a bigger mess. This is why drilling out the head might be better, but the still center pin of the pop rivet may not have cleanly broken below the rivet rim making it had to drill out the center. plus, the rivet could spin while drilling is attempted. just be carful to no drill in too fat, though I think the steel bumper is behind, no a radiator .Or, dilling may be easy and uneventful. Give it a try.

Regardless, you'll have sone holes. You can try filling with something from the auto store, prime and paint. Or use some small head plastic body panel rivets like I did that are easily removable, prime and paint. Or take it to a pro paint shop and have them repair the holes.