8 Dollar Plate Relocation
 

So I got bored and thought I would contribute something to the forum as well. I recently was pulled over not having a front facing license plate. This being said, I did not feel like spending $40.00 and up for a location kit. I know this topic has been somewhat covered before. However, I figured I would do a write up for those interested.


1. Acquire a mounting adapter from any AutoZone, O'Reill's, etc. As well as 4 (2 extra in case) stainless drilled mounting brackets form Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

http://s15.postimage.org/wwdughlh3/image.jpg

2. Clamp the brackets in a vice sideways and bend them to the appropriate length that you choose. (I chose to make them somewhat short so the plate wouldn't be extremely distanced from the bumper ). They should come out something like the following:

http://s15.postimage.org/o6lctdtdj/2..._49_42_622.jpg

3. Set bent brackets inside the grooves of the adapter like so:
If you bent them properly, they should fit perfectly in the small channel with a hole lining up in the slot.
http://s15.postimage.org/txbj741dj/2..._50_54_956.jpg

4. Remove brackets from adapter and mock up to bumper. Use a sharpie to identify where the pilot holes must be drilled and then set the adapter as well as the license plate on (mocked up) in order to make sure the everything is aligned properly.


5. Drill holes with a smaller bit then the screw diameter you plan to use.

6. Attach everything with the whatever size bolts you have purchased to make them fit in the hardware you have purchased.

6. Step back and admire your work!
http://s15.postimage.org/f2mxsxrsn/2..._35_25_672.jpg
http://s15.postimage.org/7nxm0k5x3/2..._35_49_447.jpg

I am not a fan of drilling holes in my car... I just used the stock bracket and bolted it to the underside of the bumper. I think I had to use some spacers on the bolts so the bracket would clear the lip but I dont remember.

Here's and old pic.
[img]<a href="http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee311/Primos003/?action=view&amp;current=RX7pics8-2011029-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee311/Primos003/RX7pics8-2011029-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/img]

djSL >> Instant No Button! Star Wars funnies FTW!

Seriously, don't drill holes in your nosecone... Do literally anything else to mount this: double-sided tape, zip ties, DIY bracket that DOES NOT drill into your nosecone [$10 strip of Aluminum from True Value...], put it in the windshield, throw it away, keep it in your storage bin, etc.....

why? it's 2 teeny tiny holes. even if you remove it the car is still a $4.5k blue market car and people would have to kneel down to notice them.

i didn't like it either but i did it. it also allows you to mount it high and out of the way of the brake and radiator ducts. the original post is a bit worthless considering you can just screw the plate right to the bumper as i did.

Ideally you'd just recreate [or buy for $30] the stock bracket which holds the plate a nice 1-2" out from the nosecone, tilted forward.. Keeps it out of the way and doesn't touch the nosecone. :)

Also it really bugs me to know that there are holes in the bumper, even if I can't see them..

I used zip ties to mount my front plate i didn't want to drill holes

In response to Rotary Evolution. The reason I chose to do this over bolting it directly to the bumper is to avoid the plate vibrating and scratching the rest of the paint. I previously had it zip tied and that was what it resulted in.

To each their own. :)

unfortunately when you mount the plate to the bumper it will scuff the paint regardless(brackets will pull and discolor the paint) so when you do you commit to it being rather permanent there. only better alternative is to mount a bracket in an opening so there is no mount points on the bumper itself but that usually results in flimsy mounting.

The discoloration is true if your car sits baked in the sun all the time. In terms of the brackets rubbing, I forgot to edit and mentioned I used double stick weather proof tape on the underside in order to alleviate that. Hopefully, it will work and last.

Or just throw it on top of your dash and dont touch the nosecone :)
Havent got pulled in the 5 years ive owned rx's
I dont think they care here

^^^Can you say flying projectiles????

Lol. Indeed flying projectiles. Also, MN has no emissions laws but apparently they are anal when it comes to license plates in the windshield.

Ya got that right - one time in a deer struck beater sunbird - i had my plate in the windshield and got pulled over - while the constable was checking my license i pulled out my big blue mikita and 4 small self tappers and screwed the plate right to the hood - i still got a ticket and yelled at for getting out of my car:(

I would have given ya a ticket for drivin the Sunbird..lol!
I hit a deer with Ma's Sunbird.(deer must like these cars)
Broke the back legs on it.It tried to jump a fence with no legs...it died.
Some guy stops and asks 'hey..whut are ya gunna do wit da meet?"...
He took the damn deer!..

I just stick them in the corner of my front windshield. There isn't even a need for a front plate. It's not lit up. If you run away, they will see your rear plate. It's just a way for politics to generate extra revenue.

I have only gotten one front plate ticket ever.
Putting a plate in the window is NOT legal. You have just been lucky, like I have, having no front plate on my car since 1995 and PLENTY of other cars as well.
Put it there if it makes you feel better but if a cop wants to break your balls he will and you will be paying that ticket.