BRZ tow hook cover hole mod for license plate holder

[TSY]

I know there's a DIY for the FR-S here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15922

I figured I'd just post some pics for our BRZs since they are different. Pretty simple to do- about 20 min, just be patient.

Instead of using a drill I used a Dremel since the hole had to be oval because of the angle of the cover.

This is what it looks like without the cover which I didn't really like and you could see it open from the side:



First I made a template of the cover, laid it over the grimmspeed tow hook shaft, and put a hole in the template at the center of the shaft. Looking back, cutting out a hole here may have been a better idea than what I did:



Then I put the template over the cover and drilled a hole at the location of the tow hook shaft. After drilling the hole and measuring the size of the shaft from center, I used a dremel to cut out a larger hole. Once I made a round hole I test fitted it over the tow hook and used the dremel to make the hole oval on the horizontal plane to adjust for the angle the tow hook plate is over the tow hook until it fit nicely. Hopefully you can see the slightly 'ovalized' hole here:



After replacing the tow hook cover you can see it looks better even if you can't really notice it behind the license plate.






It would be nice if GrimmSpeed and/or Perrin had a template outline included in the directions. I'm sure it would have made this even easier.

[ESC POD]

Template was exactly what I was thinking when looking to buy one of the relocation kits...it would be a great idea.

[TSY]

It would be nice to have one and I half expected one to be with the instructions. But it's pretty easy to make your own template- you just have to have the tracing skills of a 1st grader.

[ggpaul]

I did this to my car as well. What's your opinion on those electric retractable license plate brackets where it comes from the bottom?

[TSY]

Originally Posted by ggpaul

I did this to my car as well. What's your opinion on those electric retractable license plate brackets where it comes from the bottom?

I thought about one of the retractable plate holders. I figured it's more complicated than it's worth. The Tow Hook license plate holder is a much simpler solution.

Also, for track days you can easily remove the front plate if you want.

[Calidrifter]

If it makes you feel better mine is a huge ass rectangle. But on the plus side I no longer need a flathead to remove the cover on my FR-S.

[BigFatFlip]

I've also thought of doing this but have not gotten the balls to try it on my cover. Anybody know what the part number is for this cover? Also, I was trying to figure out a good way to keep moisture, etc out of the hole. Was thinking an oring or gromet but have not gotten much luck because of the odd oval shape.

[ESC POD]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

I've also thought of doing this but have not gotten the balls to try it on my cover. Anybody know what the part number is for this cover? Also, I was trying to figure out a good way to keep moisture, etc out of the hole. Was thinking an oring or gromet but have not gotten much luck because of the odd oval shape.

You might have luck with a large rubber grommet/plug? I can picture one that seats around the edge of the hole one would cut then trimming a hole just a bit smaller than the bracket bolt that protrudes from the bumper...then sliding the grommet hole over for a nice tight seal?

[RYU]

Can you post some full car pics of the plate on the car. Multiple angles would help

Can you tilt this side to side, meaning point it facing the curb more vs. straight towards the front?

You might have just pushed me over the edge and order one!

[TSY]

^^^^I'd have to pull my car out and take some pics and it's pouring outside and dark, so instead here are some other threads with pics so you can see:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ate+relocation

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ate+relocation

The plate is quite adjustable as to how you position it and you can angle it. I'm quite happy with it as well as not having holes drilled into my bumper.

[TSY]

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

I've also thought of doing this but have not gotten the balls to try it on my cover. Anybody know what the part number is for this cover? Also, I was trying to figure out a good way to keep moisture, etc out of the hole. Was thinking an oring or gromet but have not gotten much luck because of the odd oval shape.

It's not too hard to do and I doubt the cover costs more than $20. You don't even have to paint it.

I thought about a grommet but I didn't think it would do much.

[DaJo]

Cover only costs you $5 - $6 from Subaru for the BRZ.
It's about $30 (more or less) from Scion for the FR-S because of the paint match.

I bought an extra; kept it in its original packaging, and left it in my trunk where the spare tire and jack is.

[cinnabar]

I used tubular foam pipe insulation to surround the mounting post:

http://tinyurl.com/8nqy2af

It cuts easily with scissors or a knife and fills up most of the empty space in the cavity.

[Pandle]

Originally Posted by DaJo

Cover only costs you $5 - $6 from Subaru for the BRZ.
It's about $30 (more or less) from Scion for the FR-S because of the paint match.

I bought an extra; kept it in its original packaging, and left it in my trunk where the spare tire and jack is.

Where did you buy the covers from?