DIY GrimmSpeed/Perrin Front Plate Mount Cleanup
 

So I installed the GrimmSpeed Front License Plate Mount today, and was very unsatisfied with the messy opening left behind by removing the tow hook cover:

http://i.imgur.com/3AFQqLi.jpg

I mean, who wants to see styrofoam on their car? So I did what any man of action would do and decided to do a little cleanup. You're gonna need:

• Drill with 1" Drill Bit (I used a spade bit since it's plastic, leaves a cleaner hole)
• A nice cold drink

First, pop the cover off the bumper and bring it to your base. On the back there is an embossed "SUBARU" logo. Line up the center of the drill bit to this spot:

http://i.imgur.com/ziP2nAQ.png

Then drill baby drill:

http://i.imgur.com/7MZbgen.jpg

I actually started with a 3/4" bit, but quickly realized that it was to small. Lucky for you I've already made that mistake so you don't have to. Go out to the car and pop it on:

http://i.imgur.com/MkKo8Si.jpg

Install your plate bracket and you're done! Take a few steps back and pat yourself on the back!

http://i.imgur.com/qvzqCHq.jpg

Now go open up your beverage of choice and chillax, cuz you're 31337 h4x0r!

*I did not check this on the Perrin mount, but by the looks of it you may need a larger bit, the tow hook bolt seems larger. If someone is daring enough to try and post feedback, please don't hesitate!

Nice! We did this with our front and rear tow hooks, so much cleaner than an open hole in the bumper lol.

Thanks,
Rick

Thank you for identifying the center drill point, I've been meaning to do this but I have been too lazy to pull it off.

:happy0180:

I can't believe I just found this. I was just about to step out to do some measurements for where to drill and figured I'd see if anyone had found a good spot.

Thank you so much for pointing it out and saving me a little time! :bow:

not a bad idea...

i ordered the tow hook mount for my frs... was going to install it but noticed that there was Styrofoam exposed so i just mounted the plates to the black grill:thumbdown:

would be nice if someone did this for the FR-S as well...

People have done this with the frs.... just buy a tow hook cover (about $20 I believe) then mark it and drill. Now you got one with hole for front plates and another to revert.

yeah, I've seen those posts before. it just seems convenient to know the exact point to drill, like shown in this DIY...instead of having to make a paper template, which seems less accurate.

Thats true, maybe you can be the founder to this exact location haha :thumbsup:

Just went to the home improvement store to buy a 1" spade bit and try this on my frs. Installed the grimmspeed this weekend.

I had to shave mine a bit as I was a bit low on my eye check, but on the frs the center point is closer to the left middle of the 'S'. There's maybe an 1/8" gap on the bottom and tight all the other sides. The frs is much more in the 1 o'clock position.

Def worth a shot. Even if you are slightly off, you can shave it cleanly with a sharp utility knife

another thing is when u wash ur car... u need to remove it to clean that area or just spray it

You can mount it so there is a wee little gap between the back of the plate and the bumper, and let the wash take care of it. Or in my case, just sneak a wet rag behind the plate :p

Also, all y'alls are awesome.

What I did was order an extra tow hook cover plate just to be on the safe side and have a replacement that I put back in place if I didn't like the way it work out. It only cost a bit over $4
Attachment 55688

After removing the cover plate and inserting the Grimmspeed tow hook bar I used green painters tape to cover the opening working around the bar.
I then used a small exacto blade to cut the tape from around the opening I had covered.
Attachment 55695
Attachment 55696
That left me with a template that I could use to mark the exact place to put the hole in the cover, which was a bit of and oval rather than a round opening.
Attachment 55697
Attachment 55698

so much better!

I followed your direction and drilled with a 7/8" paddle bit as I don't have a 1". The Grimmspeed fit perfect and very snug. Thanks!

- AdrianG

Two cents
 

Wanted to add a few tips.

- I bought an extra BRZ bumper cover from the local (SoCal) dealership for $5.50, and it took about a week to get in.

- When installing the shaft into the car frame, don't forget grease! Also a torque wrench is a must, as it turned many more times than I would have expected.

- While some photos seem to show that the license plate is mounted in the lateral plane, it turns out it only fits on an angle. I have mine at about 10 degrees, which is a bit more than necessary but it gives me piece of mind that the bumper paint is safe.

After the relocation kit is installed, what do you guys use to cover the old front plate holes? Just some bondo or black bolts?

For anyone with a 17+ BRZ that wants to order a spare, the part number is 57731CA510 not 57731CA210.