Front License plate bracket - options?

[Fry]

Purchasing my car from several states away has created some interesting situations, one of which is the lack of a front license plate bracket. Don't get me wrong, if I lived in a state that didn't require a front license plate, I would be very thankful for the dealer not installing it before shipping it to me. However, that is not the case in Missouri.

The dealer did send me the stock bracket and parts, so I imagine I could just go with those. But are there other options that don't involve holes in the car?

I called local dealers to see what would be involved if I wanted them to put it on, but they wanted $70 to install it. Another dealer was more reasonable at $15, and I might take them up on that if I want holes in my bumper. Just seeing what options are out there for these silly brackets.

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

place a small strip of metal behind the grille something like this (called a strap)

use long bolts and lock nuts to "clamp" the bracket to your grille.

 

[firstorbit84]

Zip ties!

 

[Fry]

place a small strip of metal behind the grille something like this (called a strap)

use long bolts and lock nuts to "clamp" the bracket to your grille.

Good news everyone,

This is a great suggestion. It's holeless. And cheap. I even have some of that!

Thanks! I'll make my attempt to put the plates on this weekend.

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

I have always been told I was full of something, who knew it would be great ideas though

 

[Eric Smit]

I'm a fan of metal twist ties.


-Eric Smit

 

[SonicBoy24]

Yea definitely don't use the stock bracket.
Even though NY requires the front plate, I wish I had though to have my dealership leave it off so I could mount it some other way, looks terrible.

 

[Fry]

Update:

I got a chance to try out a few options. There are a couple pictures here. The first picture is where the bracket normally goes, with attachments through those four impressions in the bracket. The second picture is where I could install it if I want to avoid drilling into the bumper.

If I put it in there as in the second picture, I would use two 2" bolts through the lower set of holes in the bracket. Those would go through the very top section of the opening in the bumper. Then I would have a strap, lock washers, and nuts. The only trick is getting back there with a wrench/socket/something to hold the nut in place while I gently screw it in, making sure not to damage the plastic. I'll look around the forums to see how to get behind that bumper.

It got dark, so this will be finished up later after some learning and contemplation.

 

[kevindaniels63]

I would not mount it in the lower position because of the intercooler. Just my .02.

 

[Fry]

I would not mount it in the lower position because of the intercooler. Just my .02.

That thought has crossed my mind. Though the difference between the two is very small, there is still a difference. It's part of the reason I'm still thinking about this whole thing.

 

[kevindaniels63]

Could you flip it upside down and make it cover the chevy emblem?

 

[SonicBoy24]

How bout this? I'm putting it on my next car that is actually worthy..
2012 Camaro rs white show and go plates - YouTube

Available here

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I attached the front plate to my LeBra with nylon screws.

 

[AdorableKaren]

How bout this? I'm putting it on my next car that is actually worthy..
2012 Camaro rs white show and go plates - YouTube

Available here

Lol that's amazing just whip it out when the cops come

 

[Makusue]

I requested the factory plate mounting bracket not be mounted. So both now are inside the hatch storage compartment.

 

[Dustin]

I requested the factory plate mounting bracket not be mounted. So both now are inside the hatch storage compartment.

So did I. It's on my car.

 

[bandita52]

i'm looking to get a Front License plate bracket for my sonic. i live in arizona but only need a plate in back but since i have a set of veteran plates i will need one for the front. where would be a good place to get one besides at a dealership which can cost a lot of $$$(to include installation).

 

[jeremiah.wells]

why even run a front plate? i've driven all over southern California for the past 7 years without 1 and paid a $60 dollar fix it ticket once.

 

[sonic24740]

How bout this? I'm putting it on my next car that is actually worthy..
2012 Camaro rs white show and go plates - YouTube

Available here

wow that's awesome.. I think I mite just get that..

 

[JohnT]

Could you flip it upside down and make it cover the chevy emblem?

Thanks for the idea, I just did this so the plate is no longer blocking the intercooler. You can't use the factory mount, but I had a universal plastic plate mount in the garage that worked perfectly. Not the prettiest but it works.