DIY: License Plate Relocator
 

Ok... so I gave this a shot and I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

**I have a number of parts being powder coated so these pieces will be added to that job.

Parts I used:

- Cusco tow hook base (got lucky on this - free)
- 16mm bolt with 2.0 thread pitch (Ace Hardware - $3.99)
- 16mm nut with 2.0 thread pitch
(Ace Hardware - $1.19)
- Screw on rubber gripper
(Ace Hardware - $3.99 pack)
- Aluminum sheet, rivets, roll pin, thread tap, screw - free

Tap head of bolt and drill hole for roll/guide pin. Install guide pin. Guide pin will keep plate from rotating.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod05.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod04.jpg

Trace plate onto a sheet of aluminium thick enough so not to flex (I used .065in). Round off the corners to match your plate. Mark and dremel out the four openings for the license plate screws.

Make a small plate (mine is 2in x 5in). Measure and mark on back of license plate panel the best location for the smaller plate.

Before attaching to license plate panel, mark and make the holes for the guide pin and screw. Use the small plate to transfer the hole pattern to the license plate panel.

Attach it to the back of the license plate panel. I used rivets. Drill the holes through the license plate panel. Counter sink the large screw hole on front of license plate panel and the rivet holes on small plate.

I needed a washer here.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod02.jpg

Front of license plate panel.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod07.jpg

In case the license plate panel ever flexes enough to touch the bumper I will attach the pictured rubber gripper as a buffer.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0Kit%20Mod.jpg

Will buck the rivet after powder coating.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...%20Mod12_1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod11.jpg

Unmounted rear view.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod09.jpg

Adjust bolt to a length you are comfortable with and tighten set nut. I plan on adding a second nut to guard against any rotation.

**I plan on cleaning up the surround of the tow hook opening**

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod01.jpg

Finished product

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...it%20Mod10.jpg


2014 6-speed Monogram (37J)

Btw, I plan removing my front grille or replacing it with with another grille pattern.

2014 6-speed Monogram (37J)

Finished up this mod now that my bumper is back on...Ended up polishing the Cusco tow hook base and lock nuts because the powder coat flaked off when I torqued them down with a crows foot. License plate back held up fine though.

For car shows I will remove the license plate relocator and cover the hole with a spare color matched tow hook cover I have.


The hole I cut out aligns perfectly with the Cusco tow hook base.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...tion%20Mod.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod06.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod05.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod07.jpg

Should never touch but.... just in case...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod04.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod01.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...on%20Mod02.jpg


projekt zeal86 build

have any ideas where i can get a tow hook base?

I would purchase a used or really cheap generic tow hook just for the base from eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist. If you have the resources or the hook up, you can have one machined for you.

projekt zeal86 build

Why not just use a longer bolt and a nylock nut to lock it in place?

or that too...

projekt zeal86 build