DIY: Center Mounting the Front License Plate WITHOUT DRILLING
 

Hello folks,

This DIY is for those of you that are required by law and want to mount your license plate front and centered to the car without drilling into the bumper for that clean clean look. I personally don't like mounting the plate to the tow hook or off-centered.

I've had this on for about 2 weeks now and can verify it stays on, can take rain, car wash, etc. etc.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U...0/IMG_0009.jpg

Things you will need:
- Cruiser 79050 License Plate Holder ([ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00032K4TW/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i00"]Amazon.com: Cruiser Accessories 79050 License Plate Bracket, Black: Automotive[/ame])

2x 3" bolts (9/16" I believe)
4x Big Washers
2x Regular washers
6x Hex Bolts
2 to 4 Zip Ties

Total Cost = ~$10 (4 for the holder and 6 for various parts)

The concept here is to mount it to the grill.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t...0/IMG_0010.jpg

Procedure/Steps:
1. The large washer goes through the 3in bolt
2. With a bit of force and at an angle (it doesnt do any damage) slide the bolt with washer through one of the grill holes but do not push the bolt through all the way. You just want to washer to get caught behind the grill.
3. Once its in the hole, place another big washer through the bolt, in front of grill.
4. Take a hex nut and bolt it up to the washer, so it holds it all in place. (Tighten with a 10mm wrench). Basically you sandwiched the grill in between the two washers.
5. Now it looks like a big bolt horn sticking out of your grill (x2). On the tips of the bolt, place one hex nut 2 cm in followed by a washer, and then another hex nut. Tighten this nut/washer/nut combo WELL.

So the bolt up looks something like this now:
O#Ox----------------xOx

O is washer. # is grill. x is hex nut.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q...0/IMG_0014.jpg


6. Using the Cruiser Plate, butt the end to the nut/washer/nut tip and zip tie the cruiser plate to the bolt (go easy on tightening the ziptie and adjust your angle to your liking before finalizing the tightness.

7. Stick a piece of foam the back of the lisc plate where the plate will meet the LIP (to prevent scratching). In the photo below, its a a photo looking up on the lip from the floor. The lisc plate has a piece of FOAM strip insulation (for doors) that I cut and stuck to help pad in case the plate ever touches the lip. Also, you can see the bolt tips in the photo.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_...0/IMG_0015.jpg

8. Mount the lisc plate.

DONE.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N...0/IMG_0016.jpg

I didn't want the plate to touch the lip. It doesnt. Perhaps it does at high speeds but I have a piece of foam on it. It is very stable and I don't feel super comfortable with using zip ties but will think of something else later.

I am also thinking of making a custom metal bracket that bend at 45 degrees for the tips of the bolt (instead of washer+zipties). IMO, if someone wanted to steal the front plate, they will just unscrew it.

NOTE: WHERE you set the washer+bolts in the GRILL also indicate how high your plate will sit above/below the lip. I like this height because it prevents the lip from ever getting "scratched" and the plate becomes the indicator first. NOT that i plan on it. EVER.

9/16 bolts would be about as big around as your index finger, I'm thinking they might be 1/4" ?

Nicely done... I was going to zip tie to the mesh, but I like this idea better. Adding to the DIY Directory.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7365

Works on FR-S only. Not the BRZ. :(

I've been debating paying that $80 for a grimspeed/perrin but this looks better to me not just by cost - symmetry ftw.

really nice... i wish my dealer hadn't drilled the holes though. Anyone know where to buy another grill?

dealer drilled thew my grill...
The top bolts started scratching my paint. So it just took it all off.

I would not do that here in the UAE. It is hot and that would put strain on the radiator, by reducing the air flow to the radiator. It reached 50 C (122 F) yesterday.
Hear it is a must to have front and rear Plates. But we have the option of tow different sizes. Don’t now what is the size thou. but one is narrower and longer that can be used at front.
Wish I can do it thou. Locks OEM, love it.

Man oh man I hate front plate laws. :(

Aftermarket options are nice and flush but this is a great free option. Good work!

I could see that a light tap by hitting a curb would take out your grill. Drive carefully.

I was hoping for answer to the same!

:thanks:

Is it possible to drill underneath the bumper to install a couple angle brackets to attach the top of the license plate to. Drilling underneath the bumper you do not see it.

My Corolla license plate is mounted using only the top two holes and the OEM brackets are welded underneath the bumper.

I havent really inspected the front grills much and etc. but why doesnt it work on the BRZ? I was thinking of doing this :(

+1 on symmetry comment. Will be using this once my plates come in.