Front Plate Options...?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 165
From: Raleigh, NC
Front Plate Options...?
Hello all,
I am a-typical **** automobile enthusiast in a state that requires a front tag. I had a Trans Am for five years, and have now had my corvette for 2.5. I just cant seem to get over how horrible these cars look with the front plate intact.
After being pulled over 5 times now for this I am going to have to find some way to get over this. In My T/A I ended up drilling 2 holes from the chin spoiler and mounting it there. It worked very well, was visible, and for the most part local enforcement stopped bothering me, but the vette is too low. I have been displaying my plate in the front windshield of the vette since I have owned it and was pulled over for the second time yesterday. This is getting too costly and wanted to ask what else was out there.
I have the black flush mount job that Chevrolet offers but am thinking of buying a clear plastic version of the stock cover, masking it in the area of the letters/numbers of the tag, and having it painted. I am not sure how this would look and would be pretty costly to scrap the idea later. I dont mind spending the money but dont want to throw it in the toilet.
Please post up what you have done and any other ideas.
Thanks,
-Nick
I am a-typical **** automobile enthusiast in a state that requires a front tag. I had a Trans Am for five years, and have now had my corvette for 2.5. I just cant seem to get over how horrible these cars look with the front plate intact.
After being pulled over 5 times now for this I am going to have to find some way to get over this. In My T/A I ended up drilling 2 holes from the chin spoiler and mounting it there. It worked very well, was visible, and for the most part local enforcement stopped bothering me, but the vette is too low. I have been displaying my plate in the front windshield of the vette since I have owned it and was pulled over for the second time yesterday. This is getting too costly and wanted to ask what else was out there.
I have the black flush mount job that Chevrolet offers but am thinking of buying a clear plastic version of the stock cover, masking it in the area of the letters/numbers of the tag, and having it painted. I am not sure how this would look and would be pretty costly to scrap the idea later. I dont mind spending the money but dont want to throw it in the toilet.
Please post up what you have done and any other ideas.
Thanks,
-Nick
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Just North of Buffalo NY
There is a yellow c5 on this forum that has done what you suggest. Sorry, I don't know his name. Maybe someone else can chime in here and show you his picture. Or just put it on and live with it. I don't care for the front plate either but have done this....
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
Check out the Smoothie License Surround:
Kewl, Inc.
(Click Exterior, then License Surrounds)
With the Smoothie in place, it actually looks quite nice on a C5 especially if you have a personalized plate
Obviously not as good as the Corvette filler plate but this is the way the go if you're going to run the front plate (the solution posted by OUR 97 looks awesome too!!)
Kewl, Inc.
(Click Exterior, then License Surrounds)
With the Smoothie in place, it actually looks quite nice on a C5 especially if you have a personalized plate
Obviously not as good as the Corvette filler plate but this is the way the go if you're going to run the front plate (the solution posted by OUR 97 looks awesome too!!)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by LarryW
Check out the Smoothie License Surround:
Kewl, Inc.
(Click Exterior, then License Surrounds)
With the Smoothie in place, it actually looks quite nice on a C5 especially if you have a personalized plate
Obviously not as good as the Corvette filler plate but this is the way the go if you're going to run the front plate (the solution posted by OUR 97 looks awesome too!!)
Kewl, Inc.
(Click Exterior, then License Surrounds)
With the Smoothie in place, it actually looks quite nice on a C5 especially if you have a personalized plate
Obviously not as good as the Corvette filler plate but this is the way the go if you're going to run the front plate (the solution posted by OUR 97 looks awesome too!!)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 165
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by C5VetteLS1
Thanks guys,
One of the members on the other forum pointed out that in some states covering the lettering on the state or the registration sticker can be constituted as a violation. In my case I would probably have to go with the KEWL style cover to avoid harassment. Though JETZ style is very very clean.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
Originally Posted by niphilli2
Thanks Guys, Keep it coming.
I found this from forum member JETZ:
Incredible car and I like the plate cover. Does anyone sell this or is it a custom job?
I found this from forum member JETZ:
Incredible car and I like the plate cover. Does anyone sell this or is it a custom job?
):Corvette Front Plate Cover, Clear
Sold by various places (Eckler's, WCC, etc.)
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Le Mans Master
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by niphilli2
In My T/A I ended up drilling 2 holes from the chin spoiler and mounting it there. It worked very well, was visible, and for the most part local enforcement stopped bothering me, but the vette is too low.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,061
Likes: 266
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Originally Posted by niphilli2
After being pulled over 5 times now for this I am going to have to find some way to get over this.
Thanks,
-Nick
Thanks,
-Nick
Also, it is true (as someone stated) that you cannot legally cover parts of the plate such as state name, etc.
I have one solution: MOVE TO FLORIDA
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by niphilli2
Thanks Guys, Keep it coming.
I found this from forum member JETZ:
Incredible car and I like the plate cover. Does anyone sell this or is it a custom job?
I found this from forum member JETZ:
Incredible car and I like the plate cover. Does anyone sell this or is it a custom job?
That definitely wouldn't pass in Texas (and other states I'm sure). We aren't even allowed to have a licence plate bracket here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by Mr. Wonderful
Just wondering how they pulled you over 5 times ? Did a cop pass you going the opposite direction, turn around and pull you over, or were you parked when the nailed you ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
What I've done is to mount my plate on the car and then velcro the cover over it. When pulled over I just say that I had forgotten to take it off from the car show I was at last weekend. It pops off in seconds and the LEOs are usually pretty understanding at that point.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 1
From: Tottenham Ontario
Is this what you are looking for?
Pretty easy to do, get a clear cover, mask the area you want to leave exposed, spray paint from the inside. You should be able to get a can of spray paint either mixed at a local auto paint shop or possibly from a dealer. Most of the vendors, Zip, Ecklers, Mid America, sell the clear cover for 25 - 30 bucks.
I just copied the idea from JETZ's blue Z06. Thanks again JETZ!
Pretty easy to do, get a clear cover, mask the area you want to leave exposed, spray paint from the inside. You should be able to get a can of spray paint either mixed at a local auto paint shop or possibly from a dealer. Most of the vendors, Zip, Ecklers, Mid America, sell the clear cover for 25 - 30 bucks.
I just copied the idea from JETZ's blue Z06. Thanks again JETZ!
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I too have the Kewl painted surround on mine. I personally think it looks good when running the front plate.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
I know it's not exactly the solution you're looking for, but what about getting a vanity plate? That way the plate makes an annoucement instead of just being an eyesore. I mean, if you had a C5 with a plate like "MOV IT" coming at you, you proably wouldn't spenad much time thinking about the appearance of the mounting....
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
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You didn't tell us what state you live in, but in some states (like Oregon) it is illegal to cover the front plate with a clear cover . I tried to explain if I have to run a front plate I at least want to keep it clean. I ordered a color matched smoothie surround from Kewl and just installed that. In my opinion it is the best choice if you must run a front plate.
Options? We have two options:
1. Mount your front plate.
2. Pay the $95 ticket.
Options? We have two options:
1. Mount your front plate.
2. Pay the $95 ticket.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 796
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by duckvett
You didn't tell us what state you live in, but in some states (like Oregon) it is illegal to cover the front plate with a clear cover . I tried to explain if I have to run a front plate I at least want to keep it clean. I ordered a color matched smoothie surround from Kewl and just installed that. In my opinion it is the best choice if you must run a front plate.
Options? We have two options:
1. Mount your front plate.
2. Pay the $95 ticket.
Options? We have two options:
1. Mount your front plate.
2. Pay the $95 ticket.
Originally Posted by KATU News
Oregon statutes outlaw "any material or covering, other than a frame or plate holder... that alters the appearance of the plate"
Shan
Last edited by Shangreer; Mar 12, 2006 at 08:21 PM.