I have a couple guys working on two different designes for a front plate bracket that would mount the plate in the center of the grill area. I need to know from the membership what they would reasonably pay for an all metal well made bracket. If there is enough interest and the manufacturing costs are not prohibative, I'll start making them.

 

Pat,

Do you mean replacing the plastic frame that is bolted to the front end?

When you say in the center of the grill area, you actually mean recessed into the grill area, right? That could be nice.

I don't know what that would be worth, applying a value to it. Frames (license plate frames, not the holding frame) are in the $20-$40 range, I believe. Maybe that is a starting point, even though it isn't the same item.

Good idea,
Todd

 

I think it should go for between 1000 and 1500 points.

 

Pat,

Definitely not more than about $2.

Can't wait to see the Hollywood magic. I could see you getting between $20 and $40 if it looks good because it will be easier to put on and take off for those times when looks really do matter.

 

Hey Victor, the ty-wrap idea to me is an interim fix. The problem I see with that is that the plate, frame and bracket will vibrate and possibly cause damage to the upper and lower bumper area around the grill...rubbing on the paint. I am proposing a metal bracket that attaches to the tow hook anchor. The front plate and frame wuld attach to that. This would be a sturdy piece that wouldn't allow the plate to move around and cause any damage.

Anyway..there are a couple prototypes being put together. I'll let you guys know if they can be produced cost effectively

 

Pat,

I am currently working with one of my machinists on a brushed aluminum license plate bracket with the Z and three dots on each side. I am finishing up the design and will post pictures soon on a separate thread. However, the reason I bring it up is because my next project was going to be a front bracket that fits into the tow hook hole, but it sounds like you may already have that taken care of. If you want some other input, post the drawings (or whatever info you have), and I'd be happy to have my shop quote the design as well.

-D'oh!

 

Maybe $20? But I'm going to risk having no front plate in CA, as I've gotton away with ot for over 2 years already.

 

Pat,

Sounds like a winner. Keep working on your prototype.

 

maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree here, but wouldn't putting the plate there possibly restrict airflow to the radiator??

Out here in AZ where it can get 160 degrees off the hot asphalt, everything makes a difference.

whatdoyathink??

DJ

 

If it's easy to install and uninstall, you can carry it with you and just put it on if you get pulled over.

I would think that something that would prevent the paint from being damaged and is easy to install and uninstall would be worth at least $40.

 

AudioPat any update on the bracket ? When, How much ?

 

Should have something this weekend..I'll let you know

1..if it works

2..if it can be made for a reasonable cost

 

If the dealer dosn't install mine like I asked him to. I would definatly be interested.

 

Hey AudioPat, any news???

 

My buddy said I might have something tomorrow. I will post as soon as it is ready.

 

I was drawing something up this weekend to have fabricated. If you have one already near production it would be worth the $25 it would cost me to make a one-off. I assume it mounts securely to the tow hook and will not rotate over time.

Thanks

 

I've mentioned this before in another similiar thread, but I think it is worth mentioning again.

If we attach something solid into the tow-hook provision (such as a longer bolt), that extends past the front of the bumper, could this negate the function of the front bumper, since the bumper is designed to be the first thing to make contact in a slow moving 'bump' at the front end?

Picture yourself slowly pulling into a parking space, where there is a light standard at the front of the space. You accidently bump the light pole. In most cases, your bumper might have a little scratch. But if the first thing that hits is a bolt that is connected directly to your frame, the give of the bumper is negated, and the force is directed to your frame.

I'm not poo-pooing the concept, as I also want a different mounting method for the front plate. Maybe a break-away extension that attaches to the tow-hook provision would be the way to go. Maybe something out of PVC.

I just had this thought (which might be what Pat and nokidz are designing anyway). Previously, I was picturing a long bolt, connected directly to the tow-hook provision, and extending past the bumper, then having a mount for the plate. Now, I am picturing a small bolt, that attaches an "L" shaped support to the two-hook prov. This "L" drops down a bit (an inch?), and then extends forward past the bumper. Now, a front end bump would not send the force straight into the tow hook prov, but below it, and the "L" would break before any energy is transmitted to the frame.

Patent # 3567TY499-0389

 

All valid points Jeff..hopefully my guy will have something for me to see tomorrow

 

*bump*

Any update?