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I purchased some inexpensive silicone plate holders and was able to modify the front one to accept the removable plate holder. Now this looks more finished, and there’s even more soft protection for the bumper now. Compare to what I posted above. I super glued the clear bumpers on to the back of the plastic screws that I dremmelled off.
Uncle Dude,
Thanks for showing extensive images of your set-up. I will likely use the Craig Bracket like you have done (but am still also considering the Carbonio); my GTS is meant to arrive at the end of next month.
Which silicone cover are you using? I've looked at a few online and have not seen the back of many, as you have shown in your photos, which seems to be the most important part in this case as it makes the plate soft to prevent any possible damage should it get nudged or the bracket fail in any way (the former of which is unfortunately a possibility as I live in New York). Do you find that the silicone adds significant weight to the whole contraption adding to stress on the bracket and connection? Or is it minimal?
Thanks for showing extensive images of your set-up. I will likely use the Craig Bracket like you have done (but am still also considering the Carbonio); my GTS is meant to arrive at the end of next month.
Which silicone cover are you using? I've looked at a few online and have not seen the back of many, as you have shown in your photos, which seems to be the most important part in this case as it makes the plate soft to prevent any possible damage should it get nudged or the bracket fail in any way (the former of which is unfortunately a possibility as I live in New York). Do you find that the silicone adds significant weight to the whole contraption adding to stress on the bracket and connection? Or is it minimal?
silicone cover, and I use it for the back too. It adds a bit of weight but it is insignificant. I think it looks better with the frame and it protects the car if someone walks by and catches it with their pants or if someone pushes into it etc. I don't think the plate has ever hit the car under speed, it seems to be quite strong and can resist a straight on pressure washer force. For the cost, it is a great solution IMO. I was planning on driving around without the front plate, but I just can't bring myself to doing it and risking the hassle with the cops, but I do take it off for cleaning.
This is a pic of my front plate, not on the car. I'm using a very light, plastic black frame for my front plate. This protects the edges of the plate and of course looks great. I use plastic nuts and screws and trimmed the excess threads off to they don't push into the car. I also keep the plate at a bit of a distance from the bumper when it's mounted - which is rare. I don't keep the plate on the car unless I'm traveling over bridges and through NYC since that's where they tend to pull people over for no front plate. I tried the silicon wrap on the front but was concerned it was too heavy and could pull the mount off. I'm glad to see that is not the case for @UncleDude .
What I'd love to see is some option that goes in the tow hook mount and can easily be swapped to a tow hook for track days. Currently I unscrew my plate, and screw in the holder all the time, it'd be nice to have some sort of quick release to swap between them.
Thanks Uncle Dude and Adam for your replies. This is very helpful. Did you note anything special in getting the base piece of the bracket well-attached and in just the right spot under the bumper?
On the GTS the bumper has a small piece sticking up in the center. I wanted the 3m taped bracket base right on that spot. So I cut away a notch in the 3M tape to allow it to fit. I also bent the bracket slightly to arc over that bump and allow the 3m tape to stick better on the sides. So far so good. That 3m tape is strong stuff.
You could also mount the bracket in front of that bump, but then the stud is more visible without the plate on. For me,I didn't want that. My friend always has the plate on so that's how he mounted it.
Alternately, you could stick the bracket off center and then center the plate on that car.
Thanks Uncle Dude and Adam for your replies. This is very helpful. Did you note anything special in getting the base piece of the bracket well-attached and in just the right spot under the bumper?
That was easy, but I did need to trim a piece of the bracket out to fit around the protrusion on the underside of the bumper - but the nice thing is that protrusion marks centre. I used a dremmel, and it was a 2 minute job.
What I'd love to see is some option that goes in the tow hook mount and can easily be swapped to a tow hook for track days. Currently I unscrew my plate, and screw in the holder all the time, it'd be nice to have some sort of quick release to swap between them.
I have the US Millworks bracket with the quick release option. It's extremely quick and easy to swap it out for my OEM OMP tow straps. Worth every penny.
How did the felt pads work out? My first thought was they might collect water and dirt.
thanks!
So far, so good. But it’s not my DD so I’m not driving it in the rain.
I remove it before washing and flick off any dust, dirt and grasses with my fingernail.
For the 2800 miles I’ve driven, they look as good as new
The Magnetic splash guards take more of a beating, and I need a better buffer between the plastic and paint for those, the old style thin felt is about to fall off.
05-11-2022, 11:09 PM
