Front Plate
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 5
From: Nebraska
Front Plate
I have what I think is a newbie Vette owner question.
I need to plate my C-5 for the first time. The great state in which I live deems it more important to have a front state license plate instead of the cool looking front bumper filler that it sports now. I'm assuming the cover comes off easily enough, but is there some after market filler a person can purchase that goes between the plate and the bumper to soften the transition some.
Thank you in advance
I need to plate my C-5 for the first time. The great state in which I live deems it more important to have a front state license plate instead of the cool looking front bumper filler that it sports now. I'm assuming the cover comes off easily enough, but is there some after market filler a person can purchase that goes between the plate and the bumper to soften the transition some.
Thank you in advance
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Agawam Mass
Not sure if your asking is there something to put between plate and bumper then no I've never seen anything you could just go to the local arts and crafts store and get some thin rubber or styrofoam and cut to size of plate then mount plate if that helps at all
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: El Paso TX
I used a small piece of velcro so it wouldn't touch the paint... until I realized that the car brings a frame for the front plate so that the metal never touches the paint.
When I bought it the previous owner was rocking a really ugly frame:
So I removed it immediately (using the velcro):
And then I found the plate holder in the spare parts he had given me:
Can't really see it in this picture but this is what it looks like:
When I bought it the previous owner was rocking a really ugly frame:
So I removed it immediately (using the velcro):
And then I found the plate holder in the spare parts he had given me:
Can't really see it in this picture but this is what it looks like:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 5
From: Nebraska
The shape of the plate cut out area in the molded bumper (for lack of a better term) with the plate doesn't look ugly, though it doesn't look the great, could just look better. I was thinking more of a chrome or painted to match License trim or filler piece specific to the C-5 bumper. Take some of the harshness out of it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 20
From: Lufkin TX
Just get a powered show n go. When you're sitting around at the car show or buddies house its tucked out of the way and the car still looks cool. Push a button and scroll it out before you go so you're legit on the road. And even out the plate is so low it doesn't look nearly as ridiculous as when its in the filler area.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Agawam Mass
Just get a powered show n go. When you're sitting around at the car show or buddies house its tucked out of the way and the car still looks cool. Push a button and scroll it out before you go so you're legit on the road. And even out the plate is so low it doesn't look nearly as ridiculous as when its in the filler area.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 792
Likes: 16
From: Austin Tx
Just get a powered show n go. When you're sitting around at the car show or buddies house its tucked out of the way and the car still looks cool. Push a button and scroll it out before you go so you're legit on the road. And even out the plate is so low it doesn't look nearly as ridiculous as when its in the filler area.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
Likes: 2
From: Dayton, Oregon
Oldtimer
I got this from a forum vendor, can't remember who. It's a factory part, painted with factory paint, which is a tri-coat with anniversary red on mine. About $100 in any Corvette color.
The show 'n go is also a good choice, I might go that route later, I have the filler plate too.
Oregon is another of those states, the local cops don't pay much attention, but state troopers love ticketing on any plate infraction, even clear covers
The show 'n go is also a good choice, I might go that route later, I have the filler plate too.
Oregon is another of those states, the local cops don't pay much attention, but state troopers love ticketing on any plate infraction, even clear covers
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Buy yourself a factory front license plate surround from either a place like gmpartshouse.com or one of our fine vendors like Mid-America, Ecklers, etc. Then have it painted (or you can buy them that way) and bolt it on. Not as nice looking as the factory piece that says Corvette but if you have to run a front plate, it keeps the LEOs from stopping you for no front plate.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This comes up regularly.
The filler plate is attached with 2 cross head screws through a tab at the bottom.
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
The filler plate is attached with 2 cross head screws through a tab at the bottom.
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; Feb 24, 2013 at 01:57 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 99
From: Apache Junction, Arizona
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have the flip up plate bracket works great. I don't know what state you are in so check your state laws if you plan on using the clear plate cover. They are not legal in IL. I was pulled over and the cop made me take mine off or get a ticket.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 5
From: Nebraska
Thanks everyone.
I think I'm going to look into the surround piece. I didn't know it existed, glad I asked. The pop up is pretty cool, but until I figure out all the moving parts the car already has, I'm not that enthused about adding more. It is still all very new to me
I think I'm going to look into the surround piece. I didn't know it existed, glad I asked. The pop up is pretty cool, but until I figure out all the moving parts the car already has, I'm not that enthused about adding more. It is still all very new to me
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 846
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Agreed George, but you could say that about most all things in King QuomoLand...
I'm going to have to put the front plate on mine this spring. Still looking for a decent looking one that looks fairly good and not priced like it's made from gold bullion. May end up building something myself.
I'm going to have to put the front plate on mine this spring. Still looking for a decent looking one that looks fairly good and not priced like it's made from gold bullion. May end up building something myself.
