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Old May 20, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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Default front license plate???

Hey guys. I have this C5 that has the "corvette" logo in the front license plate panel. I need to remove that panel and replace with the piece(s) required to fit in a license/vaity plate instead.

What is required to do this? Anyone have any part numbers for me in order to do this conversion?

Thanks in advance!
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Old May 20, 2008 | 10:44 AM
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Torx (t-15?) to remove the cover, then license plate screws to attach the plate -- if they aren't already inside.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 11:38 AM
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lay down in front of the Vette and look up towards the fill in plate... you will see the torx screws...

You can pick any style plate frame that fits...
There are several forum vendors that carry variations...
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Old May 20, 2008 | 11:40 AM
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If you have to run a front plate, I recommend running one of these also.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050C
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Old May 20, 2008 | 11:45 AM
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for my 99, I have two small phillips screws holding in the plate. They are at the bottom edge of the filler plate. By the way, place your filler plate for sale here... I paid $75 for mine!

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Old May 20, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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The factory filler which holds the plate is part#10288541.You can get it from your Chevy dealer and it is flat black plastic part which you can paint to match your car color. About $34 bucks unpainted.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 06:07 PM
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Much appreciated guys! I'm on it!
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Old May 21, 2008 | 11:14 AM
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I haven't ran a front plate on my vette or trans am for years. The law says I have to but so far I haven't had any trouble. One day I'm sure the state trooper will get me.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 11:36 AM
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Fortunately for me, SC does not have a front plate!

Originally Posted by mvvette97
I haven't ran a front plate on my vette or trans am for years. The law says I have to but so far I haven't had any trouble. One day I'm sure the state trooper will get me.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 12:28 PM
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Many of us including myself have installed the front plate with a more attractive solution compared to the GM plate frame filler that looks pretty bad.

I bought a clear molded plate cover such as this one:



http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1392

Mask off a rectangular section to allow the plate to be visibile and paint it from the inside with matching spray paint that you can get from your chevy dealer. The end result is a molded cover that matches the car with a clear view of the plate.

You should be able to find a few pics in this forum.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 01:46 PM
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Yep I got the same thing. It blends it in and makes it look stock.

Originally Posted by waupachino
If you have to run a front plate, I recommend running one of these also.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050C
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:31 PM
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Read in the forum the idea of putting the plate on, placing velcro on the cover and the insides where the plate is and then you can remove it when needed...like when lying to the LOE that you just came from a car show. I just did mine this last weekend. Easy off and easy back on once LOE is gone.

Padrino
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
Many of us including myself have installed the front plate with a more attractive solution compared to the GM plate frame filler that looks pretty bad.

Mask off a rectangular section to allow the plate to be visibile and paint it from the inside with matching spray paint that you can get from your chevy dealer. The end result is a molded cover that matches the car with a clear view of the plate.

You should be able to find a few pics in this forum.
Kinda like this:

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Old May 22, 2008 | 01:02 AM
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That does look pretty slick!
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Old May 22, 2008 | 01:10 AM
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I didn't bother with the front frame at all, it covers up part of the tag (scenic tag) which IMO looks worse then just showing the whole tag.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 03:14 AM
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nah dont do it for about $25 you can get a pull down plate holder on most aftermarket sites, same problem in OZ, hate that front plate but the fine is $390, and I have been done in my C5 but never in the C4 ?
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Old May 22, 2008 | 03:44 AM
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Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
Many of us including myself have installed the front plate with a more attractive solution compared to the GM plate frame filler that looks pretty bad.

I bought a clear molded plate cover such as this one:



http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1392

Mask off a rectangular section to allow the plate to be visibile and paint it from the inside with matching spray paint that you can get from your chevy dealer. The end result is a molded cover that matches the car with a clear view of the plate.
but that is illegal in most states anyway, you might as well not use one
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Old May 22, 2008 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by thetaxman
but that is illegal in most states anyway, you might as well not use one
Really? It depends on your state since only some have passed laws but LEO will likely not bother people with covers since many people on the road use them on front and rear.

The question is what are your options?

- No plate with stock Corvette panel - against the law for not showing front plate which LEO will likey pull you over and cite. Even with velcro and excuse you'll still get pulled over if LEOs in the mood.

- Plate with GM surround - Not appealing since the nose looks like it has a big chunk missing (IMHO) and more so if not painted to match the car.

- Plate with No GM surround - Looks even worse that with GM surround above - it looks like something fell off the car.

- Plate with clear molded cover and painted - maintains the lines of the nose and displays the plate. LEO will likely not bother you. I've used mine for 7 years with no issue.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by thetaxman
but that is illegal in most states anyway, you might as well not use one
Ohio:
4503.21 Display of license plates and validation stickers or temporary license placard or windshield sticker.

All license plates shall be securely fastened so as not to swing, and shall not be covered by any material that obstructs their visibility.
It's the officers' call as to whether or not the plate is "obstructed."
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:50 PM
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In Ca. you can't have anything over them, many states are the same
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