997_rich

In NJ we're required by law to have a front plate (ask me how I know that law). In the interest of minimizing LEO attention I've taken to mounting a front plate. However the stock front plate holder is killing- it sticks up proud of the hood. I've seen a few low profile solutions but I wanted something that was as hidden as possible- preferrably inside the center rad hole and with a body-colored frame to further hide it so I made my own mount/frame.

I had a few minutes this week to fab up a new mount that lives in the center radiator hole. My car doesn't have a center radiator so it has a plastic filler plate. You drive the screws for the mount into the center rad filler plate so no more holes in the bumper. the center rad filler plate is only about $60 and it's not painted so It's no big deal to drive screws into it. I had to trim the license plate about 15mm on the top and bottom to make it fit but it didn't cut into the letters. I also milled a plate frame to cover the edges.

I'll probably pull the bumper in the spring and have the holes filled and repainted. I have some bumper plugs to tide me over til then.

997_rich

here's the finished product. Be kind when looking at the plate mounts. I've got a mill but I'm working with hand tools for sheet metal and it took a few tries.

ajayabb

That looks great. I feel your pain living in NJ . I have also gotten pulled over as well. Really like the low slung placement much better than the tow hook option IMO.

pissedpuppy

market these!!!!!

Edgy01

I did this several years ago. Also, to get the thing down off the paint. It's on a set of hinges. Without a center radiator, there is no cooling impact.

997_rich

Not planning on marketing these as I don't have the means but I'm happy to build them in 3d CAD for anyone who would like to market them or make one for themselves. The one I did requires that you trim the plate a bit but it keeps the plate and mount forward of the the paint. But of course the whole thing still lives within the confines of the profile of the car.

Just PM me if you want to cad. I can send it in Pro E format, 3d iges, STL etc.

Zeus993

Dan - that last pic sort of looks like something Batman would have that lifts up to reveal a machine gun or something. Great use of the license plate. Groovy.

Spiffyjiff

or put that feature on the back end for fooling the red light/speed cams.

Edgy01

If you have to wear one, at least make it fun! (I have an alternative solution for the red-light cameras that involves two camera strobes and a slave unit...)

user 72902

I was at my dealership today and they had on that mounts into receptor for the front towing hook. Looked like an interesting way to have a front plate without mounting anything into the bumper.

alexb76

Quick question... if one added a center radiator, would a license plate in the spot COMPLETELY negate the radiator effect? I was thinking of adding the 3rd radiator to my 997, while also doing a similar license plate in the same spot.

To me, I don't think it would do any harm, just lower the efficiency of 3rd radiator... like by 30% or so?

997_rich

The black polypro panel gets removed for the radiator... so you might have to cobble up a new mount that screws into the bumper cover itself. I mounted to the black polypro insert myself because I didn't want any more holes in the bumper cover.

ECS Tuning

Wow. Very cool idea.