Front Plate Idea - Flush Mount

rlc · 11-02-2006, 05:24 PM

I thought someone might find this solution for the front plate useful. I did this back when we were preparing for the Apple Pie Run meet. The parts are easy to find - ACE Hardware stores have the little drawers of fasteners of all sizes. The frame is a cheap one (lightweight) from Pep Boys. Total for all supplies was around $18 - the tape was $11 of that.

I drove around with the plate on for about a month and then removed it. There was no sign of weakness with the tape after a month - there shouldn't be since the tape is designed for securing molding. The plate was easy to remove - just a little finesse to prevent scratching the paint. What little residue from the tape that was leftover wiped right off with WD40.

aphall · 11-02-2006, 11:50 PM

Wow, awesome captain! Very spicy indeed. Thanks for sharing.

arcrox · 11-03-2006, 12:01 AM

Very nice...I would do this DIY if Arizona required front plates

txusa03 · 11-03-2006, 07:45 AM

nice idea. I think minipuck did this also. I like your idea of the screws (or shall I say faux screws) that gives other the impression that it is screwed on so it deter ppl from stealing license plate and putting on thier own car and commit a crime with your plate. I like minipuck's use of velcro. Have you consider velcro? would the tape from velcro be good enuf to last a long time?

tiga901 · 11-03-2006, 08:51 AM

Nice.....I might do this. Right now I am chancing on a $380 ticket!!!

rlc · 11-03-2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

nice idea. I think minipuck did this also. I like your idea of the screws (or shall I say faux screws) that gives other the impression that it is screwed on so it deter ppl from stealing license plate and putting on thier own car and commit a crime with your plate. I like minipuck's use of velcro. Have you consider velcro? would the tape from velcro be good enuf to last a long time?

The screws are also there to keep the frame attached to the plate - which dresses it up a little bit. I tried Frogman's method of just the plate with the tape and it kind of looked funny and the look lends itself to someone trying to figure out what's keeping it there. As you said, the "faux" screw look leads one to believe the plate is held on by the screws.

I'm sure the Velcro would last but I didn't use Velcro since I want the bumper clean if I remove the plate. With Velcro you wouldn't want to leave the side stuck to the bumper in place, so you are really at the same point as with the tape - having to remove it from the bumper. The tape is designed to be removable (with a little work) without damaging the paint, something I'm not sure of with the velcro self-adhesive.

markE90 · 11-03-2006, 07:04 PM

Nice captain, yeah that's what i did when we had the san diego meet to make it look it was screwed on the bumper. Thanks for making a DIY for everyone...

diesel007 · 11-03-2006, 07:17 PM

If I had those plates with your color car I would sport them proud too! Nice DIY Ric.

rlc · 11-03-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diesel007

If I had those plates with your color car I would sport them proud too! Nice DIY Ric.

Thanks Ryan. How you been lately? Maybe time for a SD Beach meet soon. Let's give Long a little time to play with that E92 and then figure something out.

Nice shot in your signature BTW!

Nikki · 11-03-2006, 08:12 PM

Very good solution for those states that require the front plate.

magmd · 11-03-2006, 08:25 PM

hahhaha....very nice capt!

Is it on there firmly??? Might be a good solution for those that need a ticket signed off???? When I had mine...the cop went out to my car and gave my plate a good nudge to make sure it was on there!

But...since I am planning on getting a new front, this will be must!!!

Thanks!

remmib · 11-04-2006, 08:22 AM

Good job, look very nice

tiga901 · 11-05-2006, 08:31 PM

Here is mine...just did it this morning!!!

rlc · 11-05-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

Here is mine...just did it this morning!!!

Looks great. Nice thing is it fits in that space with no hanging over the bottom. Let us know if there is problem with the tape not staying on. I had mine on for a month with no problems, but the weather here in SD is pretty nice - not much rain or change in temp.. Bay area weather should be a better test.

BTW, if you happen to see this white reflective tape in the store pick some up - it will cover up those red boxes on the plate and matches the white on CA plates nearly perfect.

tiga901 · 11-06-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlc

Looks great. Nice thing is it fits in that space with no hanging over the bottom. Let us know if there is problem with the tape not staying on. I had mine on for a month with no problems, but the weather here in SD is pretty nice - not much rain or change in temp.. Bay area weather should be a better test.

BTW, if you happen to see this white reflective tape in the store pick some up - it will cover up those red boxes on the plate and matches the white on CA plates nearly perfect.

By the way, I used big vecro strips(2 1/2 inches) in mine. I have a clear film underneath so I' will let you guys know after a month of driving on how it is holding up. I literally have the whole plate velcroed so it should be pretty strong.

txusa03 · 11-07-2006, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Very good solution for those states that require the front plate.

yeah, rub it in nikki

payback is a pain j/k

txusa03 · 11-07-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

By the way, I used big vecro strips(2 1/2 inches) in mine. I have a clear film underneath so I' will let you guys know after a month of driving on how it is holding up. I literally have the whole plate velcroed so it should be pretty strong.

nice work.

BayernMuenchen · 11-08-2006, 10:55 AM

Anyone in CA recently get a ticket for no front plate? Was hoping to avoid it all together.

KL2DC · 11-08-2006, 10:59 AM

Nice...I'd like to give this a try as well. Front plate might look sleeker still with Bimmian's color coded plate frame...

just4kickz · 11-08-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

Here is mine...just did it this morning!!!

i have that license plate frame too. but im so used to seeing it in the rear and not the front.

Minipuck V 2.0 · 11-08-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

nice idea. I think minipuck did this also. I like your idea of the screws (or shall I say faux screws) that gives other the impression that it is screwed on so it deter ppl from stealing license plate and putting on thier own car and commit a crime with your plate. I like minipuck's use of velcro. Have you consider velcro? would the tape from velcro be good enuf to last a long time?

hahahah i never used velcro ... all double sided tape. i might do this as well captain!

great job.

Minipuck V 2.0 · 11-08-2006, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

By the way, I used big vecro strips(2 1/2 inches) in mine. I have a clear film underneath so I' will let you guys know after a month of driving on how it is holding up. I literally have the whole plate velcroed so it should be pretty strong.

I think velcro would be a good idea, if velcro was colored to match the car. my only concern with velcro is as you put it on and take it off, the velcro looses it adhesiveness and becomes loose. just my thoughts.

11-02-2006, 05:24 PM	#1
rlc Captain 34 Rep 713 Posts Drives: '06 E90 - '04 E85 - '16 F15d Join Date: May 2005 Location: Escondido, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 35d [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.5i Roadster [9.00]	Front Plate Idea - Flush Mount - No Drilling I thought someone might find this solution for the front plate useful. I did this back when we were preparing for the Apple Pie Run meet. The parts are easy to find - ACE Hardware stores have the little drawers of fasteners of all sizes. The frame is a cheap one (lightweight) from Pep Boys. Total for all supplies was around $18 - the tape was $11 of that. I drove around with the plate on for about a month and then removed it. There was no sign of weakness with the tape after a month - there shouldn't be since the tape is designed for securing molding. The plate was easy to remove - just a little finesse to prevent scratching the paint. What little residue from the tape that was leftover wiped right off with WD40. Attached Images __________________
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-02-2006, 11:50 PM	#2
aphall Captain 34 Rep 776 Posts Drives: 330i rec'd 2/17/06 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [0.00]	Wow, awesome captain! Very spicy indeed. Thanks for sharing. __________________ JB \| BBS CHs \| Blacklines \| HO40 \| ACS Rep Roof Spoiler \| H&R Sport \| Hartge Rep Lip \| OEM Strut Bar \| M-Tech Rear
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 12:01 AM	#3
arcrox E90post addict 17 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2024 G20 M340i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Very nice...I would do this DIY if Arizona required front plates
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 07:45 AM	#4
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	nice idea. I think minipuck did this also. I like your idea of the screws (or shall I say faux screws) that gives other the impression that it is screwed on so it deter ppl from stealing license plate and putting on thier own car and commit a crime with your plate. I like minipuck's use of velcro. Have you consider velcro? would the tape from velcro be good enuf to last a long time?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 08:51 AM	#5
tiga901 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 244 Posts Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Millbrae, CA iTrader: (0)	Nice.....I might do this. Right now I am chancing on a $380 ticket!!! __________________ CDV mod, OEM BMW Strut Bar, OEM Aluminum Pedals, OEM Short Shift Knob, OEM Alarm, Rear Fog Lights, Rear Power Outlets Next mod...Intake(Dinan or Gruppe M), Rogue SSK
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 07:04 PM	#7
markE90 Major 75 Rep 1,440 Posts Drives: AW X5 35d Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (23)	Nice captain, yeah that's what i did when we had the san diego meet to make it look it was screwed on the bumper. Thanks for making a DIY for everyone...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 07:17 PM	#8
diesel007 Not Stock 160 Rep 2,774 Posts Drives: 325I Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 325 [0.00]	If I had those plates with your color car I would sport them proud too! Nice DIY Ric. __________________ *Wallpaper of the month* 1/1/072/1/07
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 08:12 PM	#10
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Very good solution for those states that require the front plate. __________________ Nikki
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-03-2006, 08:25 PM	#11
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	hahhaha....very nice capt! Is it on there firmly??? Might be a good solution for those that need a ticket signed off???? When I had mine...the cop went out to my car and gave my plate a good nudge to make sure it was on there! But...since I am planning on getting a new front, this will be must!!! Thanks! __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-04-2006, 08:22 AM	#12
remmib General 1568 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Good job, look very nice __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2006, 08:31 PM	#13
tiga901 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 244 Posts Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Millbrae, CA iTrader: (0)	Here is mine...just did it this morning!!! Attached Images __________________ CDV mod, OEM BMW Strut Bar, OEM Aluminum Pedals, OEM Short Shift Knob, OEM Alarm, Rear Fog Lights, Rear Power Outlets Next mod...Intake(Dinan or Gruppe M), Rogue SSK
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2006, 10:55 AM	#18
BayernMuenchen Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 247 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Encinitas, CA iTrader: (0)	Anyone in CA recently get a ticket for no front plate? Was hoping to avoid it all together. __________________ 2007 335i Coupe
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2006, 10:59 AM	#19
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Nice...I'd like to give this a try as well. Front plate might look sleeker still with Bimmian's color coded plate frame... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
	Appreciate 0 Quote