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Yay or Nay? Retractable License Plate on our C5's?

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Old 08-09-2008, 02:04 AM
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homewrecker
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Default Yay or Nay? Retractable License Plate on our C5's?

I know there has been a ton of discussion on this topic, but I had to get your opinions. Front license plates are required where I live and I don't want to be ignorant about the law, but I just can't live with the front license plate on the bumper...I tried to get used to it but i just can't! I just ordered the retractable license plate frame which requires holes to be drilled. My gripe is a piece of the frame will protrude a 1/4 inch (not real discreet) from the bumper to make it fully functional - is it worth it? Would you do it?

Corvette Family give it to me straight. Aloha!

If I do install it, I'll try not to poke my eye out

Here it is (the top tab will be the part sticking out):



Here's the concept:



Here's my car with the unmolested bumper:

Old 08-09-2008, 04:34 AM
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DeeGee
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I've seriously considered fitting one because I'd never get away without running a front plate. I'd say the small tab is better than the look of a plate any day

I'd say yea
Old 08-09-2008, 05:40 AM
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kww
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If Pa. required the front plate-I would go that route.
Old 08-09-2008, 06:14 AM
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Interesting concept...
Old 08-09-2008, 06:40 AM
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TioSterling
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front plate is required here in texas but they have not said anything to me in 2 1/2 years about not running one and ive been pulled over plenty... they just ruin the front of the car. those hidden ones look fugly as hell when they are displaying the tag too. Id take my chances with the leo's.
Old 08-09-2008, 08:16 AM
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RSchleder
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Default How about this approach?

Old 08-09-2008, 09:15 AM
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steve8
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Originally Posted by RSchleder




This is a much better alternative. I ended up painting the U shaped filler from the factory to match which helps also.
I give the one you are asking about a no vote.
The other thing you can do is mount the plate behind the solid cover, attach the cover with velcro, and try the "i just came from a show" and forgot to take off the filler piece off if you get questioned about it.
Old 08-09-2008, 10:12 AM
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Quick Silver Z
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I think it's a good idea/product. I currently run a front plate with the clear contoured bubble, problem is the bubble is now illegal here in Illinois.
Old 08-09-2008, 11:39 AM
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MIKE-C5
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Well Peter Pan bought one, had it installed and if Im not mistaken it didnt last more than 30 days! !
Old 08-09-2008, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by steve8
This is a much better alternative. I ended up painting the U shaped filler from the factory to match which helps also.
I give the one you are asking about a no vote.
The other thing you can do is mount the plate behind the solid cover, attach the cover with velcro, and try the "i just came from a show" and forgot to take off the filler piece off if you get questioned about it.


Thanks for the tip! according to my state traffic laws - the plate cannot have any obstructions of any type. I made the frame thingy you speak of ( BTW I liked how yours turned out!) The LEO's here are rstrict on stuff like that...like a hobo on a ham sandwich - they're on it!

I like the velcro idea too...hmmmmmm

Old 08-09-2008, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by MIKE-C5
Well Peter Pan bought one, had it installed and if Im not mistaken it didnt last more than 30 days! !
LOL 30 days? What happened?
Old 08-09-2008, 11:52 AM
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Guys so far it's 2 for yay, 4 that didn't really give an answer... wtf?..and one I presume hell no from tio.
Old 08-09-2008, 12:05 PM
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I'm also considering the retractable plate as California also requires the front plate. Up to now, in just over 2 years, I have never been stopped... but I don't know how much longer I want to push my luck.

But to the main question at hand, I give it a yea in absence of other alternatives. (I'm assuming you are using a Tigershark style bumper)

One question I have for the OP and others who already have this setup is: Do you drive with the plate retracted down and then wait until you get stopped and then kindly get out of your car and pop it up and show the officer, "see, I have a front plate". ?? Or do you just drive with it up all the time? If so, when do you retract it?
Old 08-09-2008, 12:08 PM
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cletus
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Originally Posted by steve8
...attach the cover with velcro, and try the "i just came from a show" and forgot to take off the filler piece off if you get questioned about it.
I like that. I'm gonna try it...
Thanks!

Not crazy about the hide-away tray. Looks flimsy.

Love your black-out look though. Really cool.

Last edited by cletus; 08-09-2008 at 12:15 PM.
Old 08-09-2008, 12:19 PM
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THE TECH
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It is required here and I still won't put one on.
Old 08-09-2008, 12:31 PM
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Just to clarify.
I copied Rons pic when I first replied, that's his red car not mine.
I took the U shaped filler piece and painted it blue to match mine (sorry no pic, I'll have to get one). It is an improvement, but still not great.
I don't like any of the alternatives, but again to be clear, the retractable one gets a definite no vote from me. I'd do either mine, the velcro idea, or Rons over that.
Old 08-09-2008, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by homewrecker
Guys so far it's 2 for yay, 4 that didn't really give an answer... wtf?..and one I presume hell no from tio.
i think you would be right

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To Yay or Nay? Retractable License Plate on our C5's?

Old 08-09-2008, 05:12 PM
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peterpan has one

looks cool
Old 08-09-2008, 05:22 PM
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not a bad idea
Old 08-09-2008, 05:31 PM
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Anything that hangs that low wouldnt last a day in my city...The dips are killers....Id shred that flimsy thing off pulling into my driveway...I have to go real slow through the dips in my SSR to keep from ripping the front plate off of it...

I run personalized plates on all my stuff...so I dont mind running a front plate....It's the law here...and believe me, I couldnt get away with not running one...




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