Front Plates
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This one comes up quite often here
I've tried all the options on the front plate as I have to run a plate in England. I would have a ticket within hours otherwise.
The color coded surround looks OK although its still a front plate. The retractable looks better when its stowed but worse than a fixed plate when its out IMHO. At least for a show you can tuck it away. Its impossible to get the plate to retract enough to be invisible. You can still see it even when its tucked away. Take a look at the pics
I got the manual plate without realizing there was an electrical option. I think I'd have gone for a switch if I'd known.
I've also tried the clear cover but again it doesnt look quite finished to me.
Stowed
Out
Out no plate
Out with plate
Retracted
Filler
Clear Cover
I've tried all the options on the front plate as I have to run a plate in England. I would have a ticket within hours otherwise.
The color coded surround looks OK although its still a front plate. The retractable looks better when its stowed but worse than a fixed plate when its out IMHO. At least for a show you can tuck it away. Its impossible to get the plate to retract enough to be invisible. You can still see it even when its tucked away. Take a look at the pics
I got the manual plate without realizing there was an electrical option. I think I'd have gone for a switch if I'd known.
I've also tried the clear cover but again it doesnt look quite finished to me.
Stowed
Out
Out no plate
Out with plate
Retracted
Filler
Clear Cover
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 28, 2012 at 03:30 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
If your car is TORCH RED, I am selling this license plate surround in torch red.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...-surround.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...-surround.html
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: Hoffman Estates IL
Front plate issue in Illinois
I'm a new owner of a 2004, and have the same concerns. Friend recently was nabbed by Cook County cop here in Illinois. I see Mid America Motorworks sells both the manual flip up and the $169 electric option. From the pics of the manual version, it is visible, but sure beats a ticket. So far, just taking my chances, hope to dodge that bullet before I store it on Nov 1st.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: Liverpool NY
Until this year I ran without the front plate for years. Every time I saw a patrol officer heading towards me I was in constant fear they would turn around and pull me over for no front plate. On more than one occasion I went through road blocks but they never said anything. With the recent economy woes I know sensed they would be looking for any infraction so I bought the color matching surround from Mid America. I hate the front plate but the surround helps close up the big cavern of the space where the plate goes. I've gotten used to it over the last several months and it doesn't look as bad as it did when I put it on and I driver without fear of being pulled over for no plate.
Now I just have to avoid New York State forcing me to the new yellow and blue plates, I know on my Arctic White they will look hideous.
Now I just have to avoid New York State forcing me to the new yellow and blue plates, I know on my Arctic White they will look hideous.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Naperville Illinois
I use the color matched surround from Mid America. They paint them in batches so it "could" take a while to get one (when I ordered mine in the spring it took 4 weeks to get it because they were out of navy blue at the time). I'm in Illinois and here they will pull you over for no plate...not worth getting pulled over and fined for something as simple as having a plate. At least as C5 owners we're lucky...the front end was designed with the plate in mind....I feel bad for C6 owners who really don't have any visually appealing options!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,291
Likes: 24,572
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I use a stock license plate surround that has been painted body color. Makes it look good when you have to run a front plate.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 2
From: San Diego California
This one comes up quite often here
I've tried all the options on the front plate as I have to run a plate in England. I would have a ticket within hours otherwise.
The color coded surround looks OK although its still a front plate. The retractable looks better when its stowed but worse than a fixed plate when its out IMHO. At least for a show you can tuck it away. Its impossible to get the plate to retract enough to be invisible. You can still see it even when its tucked away. Take a look at the pics
I got the manual plate without realizing there was an electrical option. I think I'd have gone for a switch if I'd known.
I've also tried the clear cover but again it doesnt look quite finished to me.
Stowed
Out
Out no plate
Out with plate
Retracted
Clear Cover
I've tried all the options on the front plate as I have to run a plate in England. I would have a ticket within hours otherwise.
The color coded surround looks OK although its still a front plate. The retractable looks better when its stowed but worse than a fixed plate when its out IMHO. At least for a show you can tuck it away. Its impossible to get the plate to retract enough to be invisible. You can still see it even when its tucked away. Take a look at the pics
I got the manual plate without realizing there was an electrical option. I think I'd have gone for a switch if I'd known.
I've also tried the clear cover but again it doesnt look quite finished to me.
Stowed
Out
Out no plate
Out with plate
Retracted
Clear Cover
I'm with Dee on this. Had the surround, did the clear and went with the hideaway.
still hate having to put the front plate on - But I'm not paranoid driving anymore...
