I picked up my ZR a couple of days ago from the dealer after the bumper incident and asked that they not install a license plate bracket on the bumper. My plan was to use the tow hook connector hole for a bumper free bracket. Here is what I came up with.

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The bolt is metric 16-20, the rubber grommets keep the plate from being pushed back at speeds and rubbing on the bumper. Is there anything I should be aware of other then the bolt connecting directly to the reinforced front structure of the car?

 

that sounds like a good idea, I believe stillen has a licence plate braket that goes in the tow hook as well?

 

Those rubber gromets constantly rubbing will definitely leave a mark. A little dirt gets behind them and they vibrate rapidly and the rest is history. I would make the front bracket like a TV mount with the two vertical supports on each side then bolt all four bolts on there to make sure it doesn't rotate about the x-axis at all.

 

I was thinking along those lines also, all though I'm not to worried about the bracket rotating, I used two lock nuts to set the depth and cranked the bracket in good and tight.

 

I was referring to the plate itself bending but referred to it as rotating. My apologies for not being clear. If you have an "H" bracket, you could put a screw on each corner of the H and the plate won't bend. Easy to weld, solid and completely touchless

 

Okay, I understand what you are referring to now. Yes, an 'H' bracket style would work nicely. Looks likes I will be doing a bit more welding. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Not a problem. Post pics when finished!


EDIT:

Consider heat treating the welds, too. Could be prone to cracking due to the vibrations.

 

can you post a full pic of how it looks on the car. good job

 

Stillen does have these.Last I saw,were around 70 bucks.I've got a buddy
that has one.The front that attaches to the plate is sheet metal or plastic about the same shape as the plate.The L plate protrudes about a qtr to half inch from the bumper surface.This distance may be adjustable.

 

I bought a stillen a long time ago and since have stopped using it and sold it. Pretty much the same idea as yours though.

I would do away with the rubber though, if you are that worried about screwing up the bumper to not drill it those rubber pieces will eventually do just as much damage.

Good job on the DIY action, probably a lot cheaper than $70+s/h from Stillen!

 

It is a bit less then the $70.00 Stillen bracket. So far I have about $10.00 invested in it.

 

Looks good. I love the ingenuity!As another alternative, here's what I did!

 

Sweet bro, im not a fan of putting my plate over the grill ( your losing cooling power) covering up your radiator and condensor is a dumb idea, Cool idea but its not functional- ill take my factory licence plate bracket until they make front plates an option!

 

I don't think I've ever seen your car before... any local clubs you're affiliated with?

 

Good idea with the modified / aluminum strap license plate bracket. I fasten my plate at the top and let it hang in front of the bumper with out any problems, however, I was also concerned about blocking air flow. Still, I like the idea and will definitely give it some thought.

 

Here is the completed bracket. It is a little more then 1/4" away from the bumper at the closest point. Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. I'm no welder so it's not very pretty, however, it is solid.

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