Interior/Exterior How to mount front license plate on Orciari kit
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license plate mount
Picked up mini in sept from Texas no front plate.Went to dealer got him to pull out both plate mount panels in stock and trial fitted in spot I wanted.Then I centred panel on bumper used pencil in pre moulded holes to mark best spot for mounting holes.Then removed plate mount :impatient :impatient and checked shape of bumper area.Tranfered the shape with tool to paper and trimmed edge of plate mount to this shape.Next got some large headed rivets and attached plate mount panel to bumper.Predrill mounting holes to a tight fit for rivet .Test fit rivet then mount plate panel to bumper cover push all rivets and panel in with rivet gun.Spent most of time test fitting and trimming plate mount panel,with patience it will look perfect.
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I thought about that. The grill does have a small cutout for the tow hook, which would be a great way to mount the license plate. Except for the fact that when the grill was put on it was placed backwards, so that the hole is on the wrong side (I didnt do it). And I really have no way to lift the car up so that I can get in ther and switch the grill around. Grrr. That would be perfect though.
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try heavy duty suction cups
I have seen people with body kits that dont want holes in their bumper who use suction cups to stick the license plate on the front bumper for temporary periods of time. Just use two suction cups and put the ends in the holes of the license plate. Supposedly it holds at really high speeds. Good luck with that!
#10
being one that had a show vehicle (not a mini) in texas a few years ago, I ended up just not using a front plate and luckily got away with never getting a ticket. Getting a license plate anywhere near the bumper cover scared me. It only takes one slip and your paint it damaged. Unless you are willing to put it in a plate box and mount it, there is really no other way to protect the car. I would just keep it in the window and take it down when you don't want it seen.
#11
Well I have decided to do some lighting and an airhorn, so the car is going up in the air next week anyways which means I will have the opportunity to switch the grill around how it should be and have tow hook access, so I think I will rigg something up with the tow hook for the plate. I just need to find the right length/size bolt with the right thread pattern, which may even be an adventure in itself knowing that everything that I try with my car usually is.
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Originally Posted by jeffroestobar
Well I have decided to do some lighting and an airhorn, so the car is going up in the air next week anyways which means I will have the opportunity to switch the grill around how it should be and have tow hook access, so I think I will rigg something up with the tow hook for the plate. I just need to find the right length/size bolt with the right thread pattern, which may even be an adventure in itself knowing that everything that I try with my car usually is.
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Thanks for the input. I just finished my tow hook project. I used an aluminum angle and some various bolts. Just had to cut the angle for length, and then cut a strip for the bottom and bent it. Then drilled holes for the bolts to clamp it down, and to bolt the angle to the license plate frame. Then I used a thin washer to make the tow hook horizontal instead of vertical:
#17
Originally Posted by The MINITOR
Thanks for the input. I just finished my tow hook project. I used an aluminum angle and some various bolts. Just had to cut the angle for length, and then cut a strip for the bottom and bent it. Then drilled holes for the bolts to clamp it down, and to bolt the angle to the license plate frame. Then I used a thin washer to make the tow hook horizontal instead of vertical:
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Good show!
I think that's the best solution yet. I hate the factory plate location, your offset plate looks great.
My bumper cover is still virgin no holes, no plate but I'm paranoid about a $55.00 ticket. Think I'll look into this today.
mini-rolls, "Pitch of the threads for the toe hook are unique."
Metric unique? What is the size and pitch?
My bumper cover is still virgin no holes, no plate but I'm paranoid about a $55.00 ticket. Think I'll look into this today.
mini-rolls, "Pitch of the threads for the toe hook are unique."
Metric unique? What is the size and pitch?
#22
Don't know if this will help you or not but I mounted my plate on the lower grill with no adverse side effects (Driving in Dallas during the summer is about as hot as it gets).
I used the original front license plate mount and a simple stud through the grill - not a permanent mod. Here's a cartoon schematic / cutaway of the mount:
/gary mc
I used the original front license plate mount and a simple stud through the grill - not a permanent mod. Here's a cartoon schematic / cutaway of the mount:
/gary mc
#23
Originally Posted by Bahamabart
Love what you did but I'd like to suggest a) you use shorter screws and b) a strip of rubber (something protective) because if you ever get tapped your going to have two really nice indents on that beautiful body.
#24
Originally Posted by gmcdonnell
Don't know if this will help you or not but I mounted my plate on the lower grill with no adverse side effects (Driving in Dallas during the summer is about as hot as it gets).
I used the original front license plate mount and a simple stud through the grill/gary mc
I used the original front license plate mount and a simple stud through the grill/gary mc
#25
I had a PT Cruiser and the front plate mount was huge black and ugly.
I removed it and used a thin metal plate frame and mounted it below the bumper. That left 2 holes in the bumper from the old mount.
I got a couple of metal screws and screwed them into the holes then I got some license plate screw caps painted them the color of the car and snapped them onto the screw heads.
Looked pretty cool. Sorta like rivits holding the bumpers on.
You could probably do the same if you drilled the dimples and mounted the plate frame. Then if you wanted to remove it for show you could put the screws in the holes and screw caps on the heads. Painted to match the body of course.
I removed it and used a thin metal plate frame and mounted it below the bumper. That left 2 holes in the bumper from the old mount.
I got a couple of metal screws and screwed them into the holes then I got some license plate screw caps painted them the color of the car and snapped them onto the screw heads.
Looked pretty cool. Sorta like rivits holding the bumpers on.
You could probably do the same if you drilled the dimples and mounted the plate frame. Then if you wanted to remove it for show you could put the screws in the holes and screw caps on the heads. Painted to match the body of course.