I figured I'd take a crack at making my own front plate bracket since alternatives to drilling holes in the bumper is a common topic. Had some spare time at work to whip this up:



There are several bolts running underneathe the bumper (where a lip would be), so the goal is to catch the 2 left most bolts (closest to the passenger side). If you notice rather than two holes on the bracket for the bolts going into the car, one is more like a slot. I actually drilled the hole in the wrong location and then decided I'd make a slot so I can pivot the bracket around the one bolt and get it tight against the bumper or give it a little clearance. Mistake turned bright idea

I used this picture to show where the bracket would be on the bumper. The problem is the bolts currently under the bumper aren't long enough (hence the solo cup holding the bracket in place ). Tomorrow I will pick up a couple longer bolts so I can test fit. I prefer this location because it's low and off to the side and interferes with the grill less than the standard location along the bottom but centered.



If it fits, I have a can of dark blue spray paint that I used for my wiper delete plug that I'll use to paint this, however I don't intend on using it. I've been without a front plate for a few years now and don't get much hassle for it. I really just made this for fun but now at least I'll have it in case I do decide to put my plate back on.

Nothing revolutionary by any means, just wanted to share. Opinions welcomed

 

Mount it in the center or its rice.

I have something similar that bolts up to the bottom of my intercooler.

 

Clean and simple. I like it.

 

Belongs in the center,I'm sorry.
The offset plate placement has been done before.
Had this on a Alfa Spider.It worked on that car due
to the pointed nose.
Not on a Z.

 

That is not very attractive

 

suggestions? I'm not sure if ever seen a license plate bracket that I thought looked 'attractive' which is why don't have the plate on the car anyway.

 

pssh. front licence plates. 2 years, pulled over 3 times, never mentioned not having one. pointless imo

 

paint it black / put it in the center.

 

They really do look like sh*t. I've had it off for about 4 years now with no problems.

 

Use the tow hook or mount it behind the grile area, this just looks tacky

 

inforfinalproduct

 

more bling i see there

 

Haven't seen my front plate in quite some time...

 

This is a little "cleaner" in my humble opinion. Just sharing it for your possible benefit and others who may be looking for an alternative to drilling into your bumper. I chose to use a license plate bracket, but I assume you could use just the plate as the front half.

To actually mount the setup, I got some long threaded bolts, thin aluminum sheeting (thin as far as thickness, about 1 inch wide) with holes drilled into it. I took the license plate and frame on the ones side of our factory grill, and put the threaded bolts through the grille and then sandwiched the grille between the plate and the aluminum sheeting. With those together, I threaded the bolts on, got it straightened to where I want it and torqued them down.

It is also cool because you could put it in the center or the side (and I've done both!)




This was actually my first, uh, "mod" to my car!

Shitty little diagram, if it's helpful.

 

^^^ yeah that is clean and unlike mine it will work after the addition of a lip. How thick is the material behind the grill? I'm assuming it can't be too thin so you could make sure enough threads are engaged, or are you using pem nuts? I used .090 thick material for mine but nothing is threading into it.

 

the grille itself is like 1.5-2 inches thick I'd say, and the "bolts" i used were completely threaded (all thread the word I'm looking for?). I first spun on just a regular nut on each, and then a prevailing torque nut after. Ended up cutting the bolts too once I moved it to the side, they started hitting or at least getting close to something. Can't remember what, maybe ps cooler or horns after relocating them for injen long tube intakes.

 

front plate FTL

 

if you really must drive around with the plate then at least get the motorized one

http://www.hidetheplate.com/

 

Funny you bring that up because my next plan is to make a version of this one that hinges and slides under the car out if view or simply a quick release one that can be removed without tools. Neither would be motorized but fun to make IMO and more interesting than this current one.

 

Bought the hardware I needed and test fit:



Then removed it and painted with my $hitty rattle can (finish came out horrible because I rushed it. Too apathetic).



It fits pretty good and snug. I adjusted it so that the backside was making contact with the bumper. If I ever use it I would take a thin strip of rubber gasketing material from work with an adhesive on one side and stick it to the bracket to provide a cushion between the aluminum and the bumper.

Now that it's all done it'll probably sit on a shelf in the garage forever