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Front plate phobia

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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 10:31 AM
  #1  
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Default Front plate phobia

Just acquired an '01 C5. Previous owner is from Michigan and they don't require front plates, but Ohio (my state) does. I like it just the way it is!


How have others dealt with this problem?
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 10:35 AM
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Depends on your state. I know both New York and Maryland vigorously enforce front plates while others tend not to bother people about not having them. I have seen an option that allows the front plate to flip under the splitter out of sight until Mr. Fixit needs to see it. Saw that at a car gathering here in VB.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:02 AM
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I went with remote Show N Go plate holder. Plate up when driving down when at cruise nights / shows. Been using for about five years with no problems. Easy to install ! Look on passenger side of lower bumper and you will see it in down position.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by BartinMaumee
Just acquired an '01 C5. Previous owner is from Michigan and they don't require front plates, but Ohio (my state) does. I like it just the way it is!


How have others dealt with this problem?
The remote flip up is your best answer. Every time another scumbag, money-hungry politician tries to pass a bill for front plates here in MI, we car people band together with hundreds of thousands of signatures to shut them up. I've bought several cars from OH and had to get useless vanity plates to cover the ugly holes or plate brackets on the front bumper. I picked up my 1LE in OH as well. Told the dealer if I got down there and there was a plate bracket up front, they could keep the car.
I know plenty of places that sell the remote flip-up brackets for the gen5 Camaro, but no idea who does for the C5 vette. I bet there are plenty out there though
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Borntorun04
I went with remote Show N Go plate holder. Plate up when driving down when at cruise nights / shows. Been using for about five years with no problems. Easy to install ! Look on passenger side of lower bumper and you will see it in down position.
There you go, there's your answer OP
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:19 AM
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I got mine like I said 5 years ago from Corvette Mods. Checked there web site they still sell product and it's on sale for around $ 110.00 cheaper than what I paid years ago. Hope this helped enjoy that corvette. Dave
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Borntorun04
I went with remote Show N Go plate holder. Plate up when driving down when at cruise nights / shows. Been using for about five years with no problems. Easy to install ! Look on passenger side of lower bumper and you will see it in down position.
Won't work with a factory splitter.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:29 AM
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Front license plate on a Vette?
Only a totalitarian, communistic, dictatorship of a govt. would enforce such a thing on the American people.
You're gonna have to shoot me first...
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:35 AM
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I live in MD where front plate laws are very strictly enforced, and there is no such thing as a "fix-it" citation. It's real money every time you're stopped, which is often if you try running without.

I think the best-looking, sturdiest, most reliable, and cost-effective option is the Sto-N-Sho. I have one on my C7 (pictured below) and used it on my Jaguar F-Type. It's sold by a forum vendor and inexpensive. It's made in the USA and very high quality.

It's a 5 minute initial install, and the plate is on and off in less than a minute. Moreover, when it's off the small mounting block is not visible, and there's nothing to malfunction such as on the sometimes finicky retractable mechanism.

The do sell a version that fits both splitter and non-splitter (e.g. Z06) models.








Last edited by Foosh; Dec 3, 2016 at 11:46 AM.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by corvette-22
Won't work with a factory splitter.
OP is talking about 01 C5 my picture shows plate holder on my C5 installed with no problems with front spoiler.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 12:00 PM
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If he only wants C5 input, this needs to be moved to the C5 section.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Foosh
I live in MD where front plate laws are very strictly enforced, and there is no such thing as a "fix-it" citation. It's real money every time you're stopped, which is often if you try running without.
Time to relocate...or get a bumper sticker that says "NRA Board Member."

I think the best-looking, sturdiest, most reliable, and cost-effective option is the Sto-N-Sho. I have one on my C7 (pictured below) and used it on my Jaguar F-Type. It's sold by a forum vendor and inexpensive. It's made in the USA and very high quality.

It's a 5 minute initial install, and the plate is on and off in less than a minute. Moreover, when it's off the small mounting block is not visible, and there's nothing to malfunction such as on the sometimes finicky retractable mechanism.

When do you pop it on and off?

Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
If he only wants C5 input, this needs to be moved to the C5 section.
Good point.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:16 PM
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Front plate made it just that much easier to leave the state!
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:17 PM
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On my C5, I got the OEM holder and painted it to match. Very clean install.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by sunsalem
When do you pop it on and off?
Whenever, I feel like it. It as time-consuming as opening and closing the door. When I'm out of state I take it off. It's a small state.

The mounting block installs using two center OEM fasteners that secure the underside of the nose.

There's spring-loaded plunger on the mounting block that releases the bracket or locks it in place. To remove, pull on the plunger and pull out. To install, insert 2 rods into block, pull plunger, push rods all the way in, release plunger, and pull back plate bracket it to lock it.

Nothing to fail, and nothing to wire-up. Actually I actually don't mind it with the plate on as it doesn't cover up the nose like the OEM mount, and nothing is touching the car.

Last edited by Foosh; Dec 3, 2016 at 01:51 PM.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:54 PM
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The front aero plate can be on and off in 30 seconds. Many of us have cut the holder down to the size of the plate for better airflow!
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 02:07 PM
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Hate the look of the front plate....have to have it back home.

As soon as I get to Florida off comes the front plate and ugly front end cover bra for the winter months down here.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by dovervold
The front aero plate can be on and off in 30 seconds. Many of us have cut the holder down to the size of the plate for better airflow!

Yes, I know. I just don't like it's mounting point in the center of the grille opening.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Foosh
When I'm out of state I take it off. It's a small state.
Oh, OK, I get ya.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 04:22 PM
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Been driving the last 8+ years with no front plate. No tickets and if I do get one no big deal just pay the fine.
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