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Beefy license plate frame?

dyeager535

dyeager535

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LOL, yes I'm serious.

We have to run a front license plate in this state, and for some reason mine keeps getting bent upwards.

Using the stock bumper, I'd get out of the truck once in awhile, and notice that the front plate was bent at a 90* angle (forward) right below where it screws into the bumper. (only 2 screws on the front, no desire to drill into my nice bumper)

So I got smart, so I thought, took a dealer logo'd plastic frame I had lying around from another car I had, and screwed it down. This time I figured out what the problem is.

When I hit water with the front bumper, it forces its way underneath the plate, and pushes it up. Found out because my license plate frame was seen lying broken at the water crossing. I guess I can call that wheeling carnage? No pics yet. heh

Anyways, anyone know of any plate frames that are made, readily available, that are strong enough not to bend? I'm not really thinking of one of those:pimp1: pseudo-welded chain ones either. :) I figure there has to be something pre-made out there. I know I could fashion one out of small square tube or something, but I don't have as much time as I wish I had for projects.
 
What about just a putting a thick piece of sheet steel behind the license plate and bolting all four bolts into it with nuts to space it out from the bumper and rubber washers to protect the bumper and longer bolts at the top where the plate will actually attach to the bumper. Sounds complicated all written out but, seems like it would be easy to make up. But, drilling the bumper for the two bottom attachment bolts would be the simplest and most effective solution (I understand your not wanting to though).
 
Yeah, I doubt this state would go for it. We get to pay to replace our plates every so many years, regardless of what condition they are in. :(

Sheet steel would work I'm sure, if it were thick enough. I was hoping to keep it pretty flush, but I guess it wouldn't take much more than the thickness of the plate to hold up. It's not like I hit the water at 40MPH!
 
even easier then sheet steel would be two individual pieces of steel. the best example would be if you bolted two shackles behind it. just enough to brace the plate from bending.

I would just move the plate up. mount it to the bumper using the bottom two holes.

or how about one of those acrylic covers that are supposed to get you out of tickets. here are some things I found.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx/partfamilyid/512

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx/partfamilyid/1357

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx/partfamilyid/105

this one would probably work the best since its water causing the problem.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx/partfamilyid/82
 
Our state has got that covered too. Illegal to put anything over a plate. Clear, tinted, you name it. :)

I guess anything that was flexible that wouldn't snap would work, like a Lexan frame maybe.

I'm not looking at the truck, but I don't know that I can move it up, as I believe the bumper bulges out just above the bolt holes.

Those pre-made plate frames are pretty nice. Should get a group buy together for "made from recycled materials" license plate frames like people were talking about for bumper stickers. Looks to be a spendy proposition though.
 
dyeager535 said:
I'm not looking at the truck, but I don't know that I can move it up, as I believe the bumper bulges out just above the bolt holes.
Click to expand...

just bend the plate around it. it won't move after that. keeping it the way it is you will eventually fatigue the metal in the plate and snap it in half.

zip tie it to the grill. :D
 
i had (for sale now) one of thoose steps that the plat bolts to....the step folds up then the plate is bolted to it...
 
pauly383 said:
I wonder if you could legally make a replica of the plate in a vinyl sticker :dunno:

Would look clean though :thumb:
Click to expand...
Actually, the state of washington does have those. A friend of mine had one on the front of his car, cause it had no mounting holes in the front bumper.
 
Build a frame out of angle iron, mount tag and then mount the assembly to your stock holes.
 
Hmm, I may have to ask about that. My plates are probably coming up for replacement anyways!
 
GotLabs said:
Build a frame out of angle iron, mount tag and then mount the assembly to your stock holes.
Click to expand...

This is the best route to go, as far as staying legal.
 
Easier than trying to make it so that it can't bend would be to make it so that it can pivot, and then pivot back. I'd cut out some 10ga to back the plate & mount at all four (?) holes. Then mount the 10 gauge to the bumper via a section of piano hinge along the top of the backing plate.
 
dyeager535 said:
I'm not really thinking of one of those:pimp1: pseudo-welded chain ones either.
Click to expand...

Hey...chicks dig the Chrome Chain...

n502512468_75316_8984.jpg


Where your little screws go in just take them and those plastic things out, get some 1/4 inch bolts or a little bigger. Get a peice of 1/8th inch plate between the license plate and hte bumper and bolt it up. I would think taht would hold sufficencly.
 
Exactly what I was starting to think about. No need for a full plate.

Besides, allowing the water to get between the plate and the bumper would keep it from wanting to bend so much anyway.

I'm going to have the Unimog of license plate frames.
 
I already said that. State plates aren't all that strong though. Would really want something behind it.
 
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