05Stang_WI

OK. So here are the basics.

1) I got some aluminum flat bar, at my local TrueValue hardware store. Very thin stuff 1” wide 4’ long. (You can see them in the top right of the first picture – If I can get it to post). From these I bent around until I had a basic template of what I thought would work.

2) I crawled under and looked for a place to both on some bracket. Turns out there are is a nice place on the back of the bumper – but you can’t get to the front side to add the bolt (or nut). Since I’m getting stripes painted this week, I’ll put the bolts in when the bumper is off. (templates are in the upper right hand corner, final brackets are lower)
Templates and final brackets
Close-up of a final bracket
Close up number 2

3) While under the bumper I drilled two 5/16” holes in the back of the bumper with the width of the holes in a real license plate as a guide – I measure only when I have to - Oh my aching arms

4) I went back to the hardware store and bought some nice thick flat bar (anodized aluminum ) 3’ long

Bar stock
5) And cut this exactly in ½ - 18” each piece.


6) I bent them up like my template – and stuck them on with two sided sticky tape – temporarily to take some pics. And yes I know there a tiny bit crooked.
Stuck on brackets
From the side - clearance
Front with old plate - bracket tops not trimed yet

Like I said, when my bumper comes off I’ll add my stainless steel hardware, and put eventually put it all together for a final shot – but I thought I’d get my prototype out there for your comments.

Am I nuts? Or does this look feasible?

(If I can't attach the pics I'll try and set up a link some pics)

adrenalin

That is feasible, but I don't understand why go through all the fuss. You have to have a front plate. You will obviously have it on the car so why does it matter if it is screwed to the bumper or on those brackets?

RM Mustang 728

It sounds like a great idea but wont the aluminum bar bend back a lil if ur going at high speeds?

05Stang_WI

I could put it driectly on the bumper - there are two small dents provided by Ford, however, if I used those spots I think the bottom of the plate would be in left to dangle in thin air! Also I feel the front bumper is not flat enough and would need some kind of shims to level it out side to side and top to bottom. :notnice:

Maybe the real reason is that I just can't bring myself to drill into my front bumper!

I want to use an after market black frame and clear plate cover (Bug shield). I don't see how I can do that on the bumper directly due to the above. I thnk the bracket is a better idea and gives me more frame options.

I'll keep your idea in mind if my plan fails - which they often do!

Tony Alonso

You are on the way with your design. I have a couple of suggestions -

1) It would be nice if you could remove the front plate and not have any of the mounting hardware showing - looks good for car shows that way! Perhaps a sliding mount that pushes into mounting brackets that are permanently attached.

2) It will be important to have the proper strength to handle the aerodynamic effects of higher speed, as the above poster mentions.

3) If you have the plate more flush with the bumper cover surface, it would be good to have a way to prevent the plate edges from contacting the paint to prevent any marks or scratches.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

05Stang_WI

RM Mustang 728 - It's pretty stiff stuff at 1/8"

Judging from the effort it took to bend it - it's not going anywhere !

I'll put a 'bumper' on the back of the plate just in case !

Thanks for pointing that out.

Rondosa

This is great - thanks for the help!!

I have a question for everyone - i posted in another thread but i thought i would try here. does anyone have the link for the retractable front plate device that hides the whole plate inside the front bumper hole?

kris

05Stang_WI

Here is a link Route 66 posted a while back. It's in another forum - and no one seems to know how to get one! Would it even fit in a Mustang?

Retractable license plate

I've seen others - mostly for trucks that just flip up - but that won't work for GTs

Rondosa

BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!! That's the exact thing i was looking for. Apparently the Vette guys say it isn't being made anymore :bang: :bang: :bang:

Too bad the link to the original post is broken now. BOOOOOOO

I'm going to keep digging. Thanks again :worship:

The Lyin' King

Try this link . . . . . http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/license_plate.html

Here's another . . . . http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm/pa...license%20plate

LLG05

Just read what I did. Looks great, easy to do. Total cost of material was $3.94

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=23692

Dave...

Rondosa

thanks for the info but i'm actually looking for something that will flip down and retract back into the bumper itself, on a switch.

still looking.... :scratch:

Flyinlow

This bracket kit mounts under the lip and I'm sure would work under the lip where the license plate is supposed to mount. This way you don't have to drill holes in the front of the fascia, but underneath it where it can't be seen.

http://www.tandaperformance.com/page2.html