Front License Plate, unsightly relocation hole... Large pics, sorry...
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Front License Plate, unsightly relocation hole... Large pics, sorry...
I don't know if this should be a DIY, since I didn't really do anything special... but if the mods want to move it, that's fine...
I decided when I bought our f-sport that I would not drill into the front bumper.
I opted to purchase a Grimmspeed License Plate Relocation kit.
I had seen on my other future cars site, that someone had re-used their tow hook cover and drilled out a hole in order to still have the cover functional and not be a unsightly hole where you could see the inner bumper and foam.
It is on the ft86club forum: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ighlight=plate
Our tow hook cover is not so straight forward and for some, dependent on the color, may look less than perfect.
So I took a 3/4 inch drill bit, and drilled out a starter hole in my tow hook cover. I then used a dremel mini drum sander and widened the hole little by little, going back to the car and fitting to the relocation bolt. Once I had the proper "oval" shape, I ensured proper torque of the relocation bolt. Installed the mounting brackets per manufacture instructions and being particular, ensured the plate was level. I have attached pictures and hope they speak for themselves, but will of course answer any questions anyone might have.
This was a weekend of change for me, with the F-sport color change key cases:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...or-change.html
Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
K&N drop in Air Filter │Grimmspeed License Plate Relocator
Coming Soon... Plasti-Dip Emblems │TRD Body kit
2014 Monogram Whiteout Scion FR-S (Ordered 1/12/14))
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 157k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70) 101k miles
I decided when I bought our f-sport that I would not drill into the front bumper.
I opted to purchase a Grimmspeed License Plate Relocation kit.
I had seen on my other future cars site, that someone had re-used their tow hook cover and drilled out a hole in order to still have the cover functional and not be a unsightly hole where you could see the inner bumper and foam.
It is on the ft86club forum: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ighlight=plate
Our tow hook cover is not so straight forward and for some, dependent on the color, may look less than perfect.
So I took a 3/4 inch drill bit, and drilled out a starter hole in my tow hook cover. I then used a dremel mini drum sander and widened the hole little by little, going back to the car and fitting to the relocation bolt. Once I had the proper "oval" shape, I ensured proper torque of the relocation bolt. Installed the mounting brackets per manufacture instructions and being particular, ensured the plate was level. I have attached pictures and hope they speak for themselves, but will of course answer any questions anyone might have.
This was a weekend of change for me, with the F-sport color change key cases:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...or-change.html
Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
K&N drop in Air Filter │Grimmspeed License Plate Relocator
Coming Soon... Plasti-Dip Emblems │TRD Body kit
2014 Monogram Whiteout Scion FR-S (Ordered 1/12/14))
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 157k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70) 101k miles
#4
The pursuit of F
Not really a fan of the offset look, but looks like it turned out nice and it will showcase the spindle grill in its full glory. Can you take a pic further away to get a better perspective?
#5
I can appreciate your effort and all - I WILL NOT DO THAT to the front of my car.
I'll just pay the $42 fine in NJ if pulled over and write it off as a 'donation' to the town. Chances are going to be there will be 'other' reasons if I get pulled over and this would be an 'add on'.
I have three cars (2010 Camaro SS, 2012 MazdaSpeed 3, and the 2014 IS350 RWD F-sport) all without from plates. So far so good and I don't drive like an a-hole to attract attention...(not implying you do)
I'll just pay the $42 fine in NJ if pulled over and write it off as a 'donation' to the town. Chances are going to be there will be 'other' reasons if I get pulled over and this would be an 'add on'.
I have three cars (2010 Camaro SS, 2012 MazdaSpeed 3, and the 2014 IS350 RWD F-sport) all without from plates. So far so good and I don't drive like an a-hole to attract attention...(not implying you do)
Last edited by afdavey; 01-19-14 at 04:00 PM.
#6
Rookie
Thread Starter
I can appreciate your effort and all - I WILL NOT DO THAT to the front of my car.
I'll just pay the $42 fine in NJ if pulled over and write it off as a 'donation' to the town. Chances are going to be there will be 'other' reasons if I get pulled over and this would be an 'add on'.
I have three cars (2010 Camaro SS, 2012 MazdaSpeed 3, and the 2014 IS350 RWD F-sport) all without from plates. So far so good and I don't drive like an a-hole to attract attention...(not implying you do)
I'll just pay the $42 fine in NJ if pulled over and write it off as a 'donation' to the town. Chances are going to be there will be 'other' reasons if I get pulled over and this would be an 'add on'.
I have three cars (2010 Camaro SS, 2012 MazdaSpeed 3, and the 2014 IS350 RWD F-sport) all without from plates. So far so good and I don't drive like an a-hole to attract attention...(not implying you do)
Ironically, my next car, 2014 Monogram FR-S, the TRD Body kit already accounts for the front plate...
Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
K&N drop in Air Filter │Grimmspeed License Plate Relocator
Coming Soon... Plasti-Dip Emblems │TRD Body kit
2014 Monogram Whiteout Scion FR-S (Ordered 1/12/14))
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 157k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70) 101k miles
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#8
This is the best solution. I saw this on a M3 and once I get a ticket in CT for not having a front license plate. I will buy and install the mechanical version with a switch.
http://www.hidetheplate.com
http://www.hidetheplate.com
#9
to OP. I like it, it does look cleaner with the cover. Props to you!
WTF, that **** is sick!
This is the best solution. I saw this on a M3 and once I get a ticket in CT for not having a front license plate. I will buy and install the mechanical version with a switch.
http://www.hidetheplate.com
http://www.hidetheplate.com
#10
Glad to see you finally did this Johnny. Good effort.., ill have to think of something so that it's a bit more clean. Probably another 2-3 weeks before my plates will come so I'll give it a try then.
#11
Rookie
Thread Starter
This is the best solution. I saw this on a M3 and once I get a ticket in CT for not having a front license plate. I will buy and install the mechanical version with a switch.
http://www.hidetheplate.com
http://www.hidetheplate.com
Imitation is the greatest form of compliment...
SIDE NOTE: I am glad to see that there are many people unopposed to thinking outside the box... This idea came out of the fact that I didn't want to lose the tow cover... at the same time, hide the inner bumper...
Thanks everyone...
#13
Rookie
Thread Starter
UPDATED!!! only 3 days later... muah-hahahaha
So... after much dilemma...
I just couldn't stand that the circle I cut wasn't "straight".
I went to Home Depot and I found a rubber grommet... fitted it to the hole and voila, a very clean looking install that would make a factory proud...
Now the only question would be, do I plasti-dip it white to match or leave it black?
Thanks for all the comments, hope this will help others...Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport RWD Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM / VGRS
K&N drop in Air Filter │Grimmspeed License Plate Relocator
2014 Monogram Whiteout Scion FR-S (Ordered 1/12/14))
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 158k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70, MKIII) 101k miles
I just couldn't stand that the circle I cut wasn't "straight".
I went to Home Depot and I found a rubber grommet... fitted it to the hole and voila, a very clean looking install that would make a factory proud...
Now the only question would be, do I plasti-dip it white to match or leave it black?
Thanks for all the comments, hope this will help others...Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport RWD Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM / VGRS
K&N drop in Air Filter │Grimmspeed License Plate Relocator
2014 Monogram Whiteout Scion FR-S (Ordered 1/12/14))
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 158k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70, MKIII) 101k miles
#14
So... after much dilemma...
I just couldn't stand that the circle I cut wasn't "straight".
I went to Home Depot and I found a rubber grommet... fitted it to the hole and voila, a very clean looking install that would make a factory proud...
Now the only question would be, do I plasti-dip it white to match or leave it black?
Thanks for all the comments, hope this will help others...Johnny
I just couldn't stand that the circle I cut wasn't "straight".
I went to Home Depot and I found a rubber grommet... fitted it to the hole and voila, a very clean looking install that would make a factory proud...
Now the only question would be, do I plasti-dip it white to match or leave it black?
Thanks for all the comments, hope this will help others...Johnny
and to answer your question, i don't think anyone will walk up to it to see the back of your plate, so i would leave it as is.. but if you're OCD about it, then by all means go ahead and color match