No holes license plate bracket - thunderbirdnest.com

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 10:03 AM

I did not like the idea of drilling holes on the front bumper/valance of my 02 "bird, so here is what I came up with.

I purchased some 1" x 1/8" flate aluminum plate from Home Depot.I cut one section 12" long and two sections 5 1/2" long. I then drilled two holes through the 12" piece 3 1/2" from the center of the plate and countersunk them. I then drilled a hole 1/2" in from one end of each of the two 5" pieces. I used stainless steel screws and nylon locking nuts to secure the two 5" pieces to the 12" piece. I then formed the two 5" pieces to follow the contour on the front valance. If you investigate , you will find two screws on the botton of the front valance near the center. Remove the screws and drill two holes in the 12" plate the same size and location as the holes you removed the screws from. Drill two holes in the 5" pieces the size required to mount the license plate. Use stainless steel screws and nylon locking nuts to secure the plate to the bracket. I then used Mothers metal polish to buff out the aluminum to a mirror finish. Using the screws you removed, mount the bracket to the underside of the valance and tighten the screws. VOILA!! custom license plate bracket, and no ugly holes.

I'll post some pics if anyone is interested

5bird7 · Oct 11, 2007, 10:17 AM

pictures are worth a 1000 words.

My Raven · Oct 11, 2007, 10:46 AM

Yes, please post pics. I would like to see how you did this. I have a feeling this requirement is coming to NC though we dodged a bullet this last legislative session.

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 12:23 PM

I'll post some pics this evening. Bear in mind this a first of, so if anyone has some suggestions, please chime in.
Darrell

FUN X 3 · Oct 11, 2007, 01:36 PM

Yes, pics, please show us!!! I might just do this even though I despise having a front plate and haven't had one since the day I drove the car home. I'd probably run it real low below the bumper.

One ticket at $79 divided by 68,000 miles = $.0011617 per mile...just over one tenth of one penny per mile, worth it baby!

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 07:24 PM

Here ya go........

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 07:25 PM

More.......

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 07:26 PM

More yet.......

dbsupercrew · Oct 11, 2007, 07:28 PM

If anyone has ideas on this , let me know

I think a bracket around the plate would dress it up a bit

islandtime · Oct 11, 2007, 09:29 PM

Your idea is fine, but I'd just as soon chance it here in Virginia. Most everyone here knows why the front plate is on Goldilocks, but I intend NEVER to disgrace Moondoggie. The clean lines on a Bird's beak shouldn't be compromised!

I've already successfully used the excuse, "Yes, officer, but the front plate is in the glovebox, and there really isn't anywhere to attach it!"

Da**, I'm good!

ScottyNeutron · Oct 11, 2007, 11:49 PM

Thanks Darrell.

This is a good option for those of us who live in states that require the front plate, but don't want to drill the holes permanently.

Borla Babe · Oct 12, 2007, 12:23 AM

Are those paint chips below your grill Darrell or just bugs, can't tell from the picture?

Sweet T · Oct 12, 2007, 04:02 AM

Necessity....the Mother of Invention......Great job!!

I'm one of those who takes the chance......got a couple of warnings but no tickets yet.

I really only need a bracket one day a year......for my inspection sticker.

Wonder if I could velcro it underneath?

THHNDR · Oct 12, 2007, 06:20 AM

To prevent lateral shifting of the frame, a wider long piece. 2 inchs might work better so you could drill 2 holes to bolt in each mounting bracket would prevent this from happenning. If you wanted a narrower piece over all, you could grind the excess material between the brackets.

dbsupercrew · Oct 12, 2007, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Are those paint chips below your grill Darrell or just bugs, can't tell from the picture?

Bugs..........lots of bugs here in Texas

As far as the lateral shifting, I considered the same thing using two screws, then it dawned on me that once the plate is in place, it should prevent it.

MagicFen · Oct 12, 2007, 01:51 PM

What about an answer for those of us who already have those horrible holes in the front! What can I do to fill them? Is there a preferred medium?

dbsupercrew · Oct 12, 2007, 09:50 PM

Contact a reputable body shop they should have an answer

redbirdsal · Oct 12, 2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicFen

What about an answer for those of us who already have those horrible holes in the front! What can I do to fill them? Is there a preferred medium?

Here's a link to a thread from the past:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3373&highlight=bracket+plugs

Then Steve Legel posted an easy, quick fix:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...07&postcount=1

TFOR2 · Oct 14, 2007, 01:51 PM

Darrell - Looks good to me. For those of us who are not skilled metal craftsmen, you should market these brackets. Until then, I'll go with no plate on the front until an encounter with Johnny Law. Then I'll just show him the plate in my trunk and use the line someone else suggested - "There's no place to mount it, officer."

Tom

islandtime · Oct 14, 2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFOR2

Until then, I'll go with no plate on the front until an encounter with Johnny Law. Then I'll just show him the plate in my trunk and use the line someone else suggested - "There's no place to mount it, officer."
Tom

It helps if you're blonde, female and batting your eyes!

MATBird · Oct 15, 2007, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFOR2

Darrell - Looks good to me. For those of us who are not skilled metal craftsmen, you should market these brackets. Until then, I'll go with no plate on the front until an encounter with Johnny Law. Then I'll just show him the plate in my trunk and use the line someone else suggested - "There's no place to mount it, officer."
Tom

Tom: Instead of keeping it in your trunk, place it under your floor mat. Then if you get pulled over, slip it onto the dash (maybe he didn't see it

)

maxkemp · May 24, 2008, 02:43 PM

dbsupercrew, your license plate bracket is genius!!! It's clean, simple, and practical. I'm going to use THHNDR's idea of extending, add it to yours and apply my own twist.

Thanks for the time and effort you put into this and for sharing!

Swalker · May 24, 2008, 03:20 PM

Being beautiful helps too!

MintTbird · May 25, 2008, 05:54 AM

also having the greatest color, VMG, helps when you can distract the cop with its awesome-tacular-ness and talk about its rarity. they leave me alone nice now...

MintTbird · May 25, 2008, 05:57 AM

P.S. if you sell these im in to purchase one... how does it look ofest to one side or the other instead of in the middle right over that nose point

Oct 11, 2007, 10:03 AM	#1
dbsupercrew Member Darrell Brown Location: Lexington, TX Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 197 Darrell's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with Inspiration Yellow hardtop Accent: Full accent	No holes license plate bracket I did not like the idea of drilling holes on the front bumper/valance of my 02 "bird, so here is what I came up with. I purchased some 1" x 1/8" flate aluminum plate from Home Depot.I cut one section 12" long and two sections 5 1/2" long. I then drilled two holes through the 12" piece 3 1/2" from the center of the plate and countersunk them. I then drilled a hole 1/2" in from one end of each of the two 5" pieces. I used stainless steel screws and nylon locking nuts to secure the two 5" pieces to the 12" piece. I then formed the two 5" pieces to follow the contour on the front valance. If you investigate , you will find two screws on the botton of the front valance near the center. Remove the screws and drill two holes in the 12" plate the same size and location as the holes you removed the screws from. Drill two holes in the 5" pieces the size required to mount the license plate. Use stainless steel screws and nylon locking nuts to secure the plate to the bracket. I then used Mothers metal polish to buff out the aluminum to a mirror finish. Using the screws you removed, mount the bracket to the underside of the valance and tighten the screws. VOILA!! custom license plate bracket, and no ugly holes. I'll post some pics if anyone is interested Last edited by dbsupercrew; Jan 5, 2008 at 08:27 AM.

Oct 11, 2007, 10:17 AM	#2
5bird7 Still Cruisin' :), Donating Member Dot , Location: Rhome, TX Joined TBN: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,613 Dot's T-Bird 57 Willow Grn; 02 blue; 05 Inca; with Performance White hardtop Accent: all white; full accent blue; partial white TOTM Win: Dec 02, Dec 06, Feb 09	Re: No holes license plate bracket pictures are worth a 1000 words. __________________ www.PortholeAuthority.com Texas Thunder May11-15, 2011

Oct 11, 2007, 10:46 AM	#3
My Raven Soaring With My Raven ... Joseph Location: Raleigh, NC Joined TBN: Oct 2004 Posts: 4,695 Joseph's T-Bird 2004 Premium Evening Black with Platinum Silver hardtop Accent: Torch Red Full Accent TOTM Win: March 2006	Re: No holes license plate bracket Yes, please post pics. I would like to see how you did this. I have a feeling this requirement is coming to NC though we dodged a bullet this last legislative session. __________________ as . CBT Is Over But the Memories Are Forever Under Carolina Blue Skies ... . A Happy Cat & Proud Paw of The Carolina Panther Nation & 2009 National Champs: The UNC Tar Heels !!!.

Oct 11, 2007, 12:23 PM	#4
dbsupercrew Member Darrell Brown Location: Lexington, TX Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 197 Darrell's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with Inspiration Yellow hardtop Accent: Full accent	Re: No holes license plate bracket I'll post some pics this evening. Bear in mind this a first of, so if anyone has some suggestions, please chime in. Darrell

Oct 11, 2007, 01:36 PM	#5
FUN X 3 Member Phil "PK" Location: northern va, VA Joined TBN: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,637 Phil "PK"'s T-Bird 2002 Blue Accent: Full TOTM Win: Aug 2004	Re: No holes license plate bracket Yes, pics, please show us!!! I might just do this even though I despise having a front plate and haven't had one since the day I drove the car home. I'd probably run it real low below the bumper. One ticket at $79 divided by 68,000 miles = $.0011617 per mile...just over one tenth of one penny per mile, worth it baby! __________________ PK- 2002 Premium Blue/Full Accent/Whisper White Top VIN#16336 Built April 22, 2002 Purchased July 24, 2002

Oct 11, 2007, 07:28 PM	#9
dbsupercrew Member Darrell Brown Location: Lexington, TX Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 197 Darrell's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with Inspiration Yellow hardtop Accent: Full accent	Re: No holes license plate bracket If anyone has ideas on this , let me know I think a bracket around the plate would dress it up a bit

Oct 11, 2007, 09:29 PM	#10
islandtime Livin' in Margaritaville! Donating Member Elle & Charley White Location: Norfolk,Va/Islamorada,Fl, VA Joined TBN: May 2005 Posts: 3,427 Elle & Charley's T-Bird Two 2005's & a 1989 '05 Bronze & '05 Cashmere-#467/1500, & '89 Titanium Metallic with Bronze & Cashmere & N/A hardtop Accent: Full Sand & Full Stone (and southernese, of course ;^)!)	Re: No holes license plate bracket Your idea is fine, but I'd just as soon chance it here in Virginia. Most everyone here knows why the front plate is on Goldilocks, but I intend NEVER to disgrace Moondoggie. The clean lines on a Bird's beak shouldn't be compromised! I've already successfully used the excuse, "Yes, officer, but the front plate is in the glovebox, and there really isn't anywhere to attach it!" Da, I'm good! __________________ Goldilocks~Red Venom~Moondoggie Drive like you mean it!! ~Elle~**

Oct 11, 2007, 11:49 PM	#11
ScottyNeutron Space Boy Scott Newton Location: Northridge, CA Joined TBN: Jul 2005 Posts: 298	Re: No holes license plate bracket Thanks Darrell. This is a good option for those of us who live in states that require the front plate, but don't want to drill the holes permanently. __________________ ScottyNeutron Previous 'Birds: 2005 Inca Gold 1994 Super Coupe (Black) , 1957 D Model(Flame Red) , 1989 Super Coupe in Twilight Blue , 1965 Hardtop

Oct 12, 2007, 12:23 AM	#12
Borla Babe LADYBIRD Julie Location: Atlanta, GA Joined TBN: Feb 2007 Posts: 3,094 Julie's T-Bird 2002 ThunderBird Blue with Thunderbird Blue hardtop Accent: Partial	Re: No holes license plate bracket Are those paint chips below your grill Darrell or just bugs, can't tell from the picture?

Oct 12, 2007, 04:02 AM	#13
Sweet T Member Barbara C Location: North Shore, MA Joined TBN: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,839 Barbara's T-Bird 2002 Torch Red Accent: Partial Accent	Re: No holes license plate bracket Necessity....the Mother of Invention......Great job!! I'm one of those who takes the chance......got a couple of warnings but no tickets yet. I really only need a bracket one day a year......for my inspection sticker. Wonder if I could velcro it underneath?

Oct 12, 2007, 06:20 AM	#14
THHNDR Thhndr Gary Trevor Location: Santa Barbara, CA Joined TBN: Dec 2005 Posts: 194 Gary's T-Bird 2005 Bronze with Bronze hardtop Accent: Light Sand	Re: No holes license plate bracket To prevent lateral shifting of the frame, a wider long piece. 2 inchs might work better so you could drill 2 holes to bolt in each mounting bracket would prevent this from happenning. If you wanted a narrower piece over all, you could grind the excess material between the brackets.

Oct 12, 2007, 01:51 PM	#16
MagicFen I'm magically delicious! Fenner Brownell Location: Happy Valley, OR Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 225 Fenner's T-Bird 2005 Red with Red hardtop Accent: Full	Re: No holes license plate bracket What about an answer for those of us who already have those horrible holes in the front! What can I do to fill them? Is there a preferred medium?

Oct 12, 2007, 09:50 PM	#17
dbsupercrew Member Darrell Brown Location: Lexington, TX Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 197 Darrell's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with Inspiration Yellow hardtop Accent: Full accent	Re: No holes license plate bracket Contact a reputable body shop they should have an answer

Oct 14, 2007, 01:51 PM	#19
TFOR2 Member Tom Lockard Location: Gambier, OH Joined TBN: Oct 2003 Posts: 151 Tom's T-Bird 2003 Mountain Shadow Grey Accent: Partial Saddle Interior	Re: No holes license plate bracket Darrell - Looks good to me. For those of us who are not skilled metal craftsmen, you should market these brackets. Until then, I'll go with no plate on the front until an encounter with Johnny Law. Then I'll just show him the plate in my trunk and use the line someone else suggested - "There's no place to mount it, officer." Tom

May 24, 2008, 02:43 PM	#22
maxkemp Keeping it Real! Shelley Kemp Location: Katy, TX Joined TBN: May 2008 Posts: 120 Shelley's T-Bird 2003 Torch Red with Torch Red hardtop Accent: Full Accent	Re: No holes license plate bracket dbsupercrew, your license plate bracket is genius!!! It's clean, simple, and practical. I'm going to use THHNDR's idea of extending, add it to yours and apply my own twist. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this and for sharing!

May 24, 2008, 03:20 PM	#23
Swalker Member Stan Walker Location: Cordova, TN Joined TBN: Aug 2006 Posts: 825 Stan's T-Bird 2003 Whisper White Accent: Partial red	Re: No holes license plate bracket Being beautiful helps too! __________________ My other ride is a 2000 300M. Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently. Henry Ford

May 25, 2008, 05:54 AM	#24
MintTbird Co-Chair niagara ITC meet Drew Schmidt Location: Lockport (near Niagara Falls), NY Joined TBN: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,786 Drew's T-Bird 2004 Vintage Mint Green with VMG, MSG hardtop Accent: Partial White	Re: No holes license plate bracket also having the greatest color, VMG, helps when you can distract the cop with its awesome-tacular-ness and talk about its rarity. they leave me alone nice now... __________________ -Drew -'04 VMG T-bird (O(####)O) -'09 RED VW JETTA (o\_vw_/o) -'08 BLACK HHR 2 LT (o/==\o)

May 25, 2008, 05:57 AM	#25
MintTbird Co-Chair niagara ITC meet Drew Schmidt Location: Lockport (near Niagara Falls), NY Joined TBN: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,786 Drew's T-Bird 2004 Vintage Mint Green with VMG, MSG hardtop Accent: Partial White	Re: No holes license plate bracket P.S. if you sell these im in to purchase one... how does it look ofest to one side or the other instead of in the middle right over that nose point __________________ -Drew -'04 VMG T-bird (O(####)O) -'09 RED VW JETTA (o\_vw_/o) -'08 BLACK HHR 2 LT (o/==\o)