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I've seem lots of threads where people "have" to add front plates, but don't want to drill holes in their bumpers. Some folks use the front towhook receptacle option, but this is off center and will not work with cars with parking sensors.
Here is my cheap solution.
What you need:
1. Bell Automotive 22-1-46230-8 Adjustable Mounting Bracket for License Plate Frame (Autozone ~ $8.00)
2. 1/16' thick by 3/4 " wide aluminum bar (~ $4:00 for 3ft section from hardware store)
3. T-40 Star-Bit (~$4.00) plus 3/8" Round Head Ratchet (~$10.00)
4. 1/4" Drill Bit (not shown)
If you already have a ratchet set, then to save some money. DO NOT use a drill to remove or install screws on your car as this may strip you holes. Use a ratchet set.
1. Disassemble mounting bracket. Sand and spray paint each piece and fastener with any good rust prevention spray paint to prevent rusting. Let dry and add a second coat.
2. Reassemble bracket
3. Cut aluminum bar to dimensions shown. (fig 3)
2. Drill holes per dimensions shown. (Fig 3)
3. Center and attach bracket to aluminium bar.
4. Using T-40 Star-Bit, remove two middle screws for front Chrome Bumper Shield Guard. (fig 4)
5. Attach aluminum bar to Chrome bumper shield using your ratchet set.
6. Adjust bracket as needed. Check all screws for tightness, but don't over tighten.
7. Attach bottom of licence plate to bracket.
8. The END
I like the idea, but will the plate flex at high speeds and scuff the paint behind it?
Plate does flex a bit, however, I have to push pretty hard for it to touch the bumber when I was testing this out. But like Fourdiesel said, put some duck tape on the back just in case.
My soultion: pay the 10 dollar ticket the every year or so I get one. Current holes plugged by black screws, don't notice them and the fron end looks much cleaner.
My solution: pay the 10 dollar ticket the every year or so I get one. Current holes plugged by black screws, don't notice them and the front end looks much cleaner.
I switched from VA to NC, now I'm going to remove the front plate holder and see if i can get plugs from the dealer or a body shop ... i agree no plate on the front is much cleaner look
Another idea for the possibility of where the plate could contact the bumper cover... self-stick foam insulation strip applied to the backside of the license plate.
Original plate is flat but I used heat gun to bend it little bit as shown in the picture. Or you can use some sort of soft rubber spacers but you may need
longer screws then. Plate comes with six screws, two are to drill in the plastic bumper and two each are or two sizes and cab be used with frame around
the plate or without frame. I drilled the holes after placing the plate on the bumper, as you have seen before after bending it is very snug with the bumper.
I attached some double sided tape as shown. Just keep track that you don't stick before putting the screws. It is little tricky but not too much. I attached
some double sided tape in the middle of the frame also to keep the real license plate stick little better. You see the two types of screws, I used long one
to attach the plate and then stick the double sided tape to it. I replaced the long screws with short screws. Now when I get a frame then I will replace the
short with long. If you use long they are going to damage the bumper because they jut out in the back. This was a cheap solution vs 50$ plate and I
bought my vehicle used for 14000$ so want to keep cheap luxury going on.
Last edited by DavNeil; Jul 13, 2019 at 04:56 PM.
Reason: Some formatting.
Something interesting is that my car came with the bumper plate support from Mercedes. I am just sending a photo, sorry that is in black and white. I think it is better to look for the original support at Europe parts dealers and install.
I brought my GL over to Finland since we've moved here and needed a front plate. I did something similar to the OP but am obviously using an EU plate holder that I bought at a local auto parts store. I used a couple brackets that I found laying around the house (I think they were originally used to mount a radiator to the garage wall.) You could find something similar at Home Depot, etc.
Plate Front View Mounting bracket underside Plate Top View Vertical Mounting Bracket
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