So, I got my front plate installed today thanks to a very wise and similarly frugal Rennlister's advice. My neighbor came over to help me with this and we decided to try the zip tie method. If it doesn't work, I'll install the Inventiva Front Plate Holder I bought. I'll know in a few months if I don't get any tickets, it doesn't rattle, and it stays on.

We put foam on the back of the plate with liquid nails so it wouldn't "hurt" the bumper.



Yeah, it's not perfect, but what in life is?


Filthy plate, is this is simply from sitting in the car for 9 years! The black crap from the rear mat must have done something to it. I put it under my rear mat and yes, I used simple green to clean it but it didn't work too well to get it off. I work on it later with something else I guess.


True, it's not going to be easy for a meter reader to read the word "Maryland", but I'm willing to try it like this before I drill a hole into my bumper


Yep, can't really read "Maryland" from this angle
but it's better than no plate at all.

Legal? I guess I'll find out in time.


2 tags. As Alfred E Newman used to say "What me worry?"


Time to celebrate


Cheers,
Steve R

 

I keep thinking of that 'Mater' comment in the other thread. Sorry but it does give it that look when it sticks out at that angle. Any way to angle it in the opposite direction?

Luckily the cops in TX don't care if we have front plates, at least I've never been cited in 9 years for either car.

Better not to attract unwanted attention if local authorities take a dim view of absent number plates.

 

Steve,

I think you should think about another solution. Doesn't look so good.

Mark

 

I hear ya but you know what, for the moment, I just don't care.

I got a front tag so now I don't have to drive around town with post traumatic stress syndrome over getting pulled over this BS.

I walked by a new M3 today a guy had drove up to the gym I was at. It was gorgeous, white, and his pretty girlfriend was getting out of the passenger side when I walked by. Didn't get to see him but they were going to my favorite sushi restaurant that was right next to the gym. On the way back out of the gym an hour later the car was still there and I noticed it didn't have a front tag on it.

I told this to my neighbor and he admitted his X5 has never has a front tag and it's an 05. I guess it's a matter of time till they get pulled, or maybe they only pull Porsches .

 

No they pull over BMWs too. Ask me how I know

 

Steve, please forgive me but that is the worst buck toothed 993 I've ever seen.

 

+1 on all of the other comments. Sorry, Steve; it doesn't look right to me at all.

 

No guys, you have to see it in person. Really, it's gorgeous.

Ok, so you don't like it. Would the Inventiva plate holder look that much better? It's not as angled on the Inventiva plate holder, I understand that. But does it make that much of a difference?

The towhook plate holder is not an option at the moment. Now THAT is a look only a mother could love.

 

I have the Inventiva (actually both the front license plate bracket and the cup holder) on my wife's Targa.
It doesnt look bad, mounts easily.

 

Steve,

You already have holes in your front bumper for the factory front plate H bracket to go. The factory bracket will look a 100 times better than the silly bucktooth approach to attaching a front plate. Your car looks like it needs an orthodontist.

Buy the bracket or maybe someone hear has one to give you and put the plate on where God originally intended it to go.....on the front bumper. And sell the bumper plugs to someone who lives in a State that does not require a front plate.

And cut off that UGLY thing hanging. It's like walking around with food on your chin. Go out to your garage now!

Seriously, don't over analyze this. And do the right thing.

Mark

 

One problem though. The foam thingy is already liquid-nailed to the back of the plate. I guess it can be scraped off.

 

This is fitting, LOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEuAq1A-TF4
I would give the inventa a shot then if no success go back to what you have now.

 

Steve,
I have another solution that worked for me after my fix-it ticket for no front plate. I put the original bumper plugs back in that accept the screws for the OEM license plate bracket; I measured and drilled corresponding holes in the license plate and monted the plate directly to the front bumper cover with two screws into the original bracket mounting holes/plugs.
It worked for me.
Phil

 

Darn, and I thought you guys would be so proud of what my neighbor and I did. I actually like the way it looks.

I'll do the Inventiva before the original mounting plate bracket. Leaving for a week and I'll figure this out in the coming months...

I do appreciate your replies even though I don't want to hear them nor do I agree.

 

There is a factory solution to this problem