LP Bracket - Different Answer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 453
Likes: 4
From: Northridge CA
LP Bracket - Different Answer
LP Bracket - Different Answer
Most license plate holders cover a 1/2" margin on the top and sides of the plate
and up to 3/4" on the bottom. So, top + bottom = 1.25" of the plate is covered
by the holder.
I don't know the dimensions of the Smoothie that people use on their C5's,
but it looks to be approx. 3/4" all the way around. That would make
only 4.5" height of the plate's 6" visible.
If the Smoothie is legal (the plate is considered readable)
at only 4.5" uncovered height...
... then, if one wanted to, one could cut a slot in the lower lip of the mouth
at the front of the grill, and inset the plate. A pointed acrylic cover could
deflect air around the plate.
Might not be "the" answer (blocking airflow),
but I think it's a legitimate answer, and more
appealing than GM's design. Note: This plate
is to scale.
Click on pic for larger version.
[Modified by gx624, 3:55 AM 4/28/2004]
Most license plate holders cover a 1/2" margin on the top and sides of the plate
and up to 3/4" on the bottom. So, top + bottom = 1.25" of the plate is covered
by the holder.
I don't know the dimensions of the Smoothie that people use on their C5's,
but it looks to be approx. 3/4" all the way around. That would make
only 4.5" height of the plate's 6" visible.
If the Smoothie is legal (the plate is considered readable)
at only 4.5" uncovered height...
... then, if one wanted to, one could cut a slot in the lower lip of the mouth
at the front of the grill, and inset the plate. A pointed acrylic cover could
deflect air around the plate.
Might not be "the" answer (blocking airflow),
but I think it's a legitimate answer, and more
appealing than GM's design. Note: This plate
is to scale.
Click on pic for larger version.
[Modified by gx624, 3:55 AM 4/28/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,182
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (gx624)
sure thats good. won't block much airflow.that slot is huge.
i would mount it under the spoiler with a cable to keep it retracted except when and if i get pulled over, then i pull cable(under the dash) and flip the plate down.
i would mount it under the spoiler with a cable to keep it retracted except when and if i get pulled over, then i pull cable(under the dash) and flip the plate down.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (gx624)
"Might not be "the" answer (blocking airflow),
but I think it's a legitimate answer, and more
appealing than GM's design. Note: This plate
is to scale."
PERFECTO
but I think it's a legitimate answer, and more
appealing than GM's design. Note: This plate
is to scale."
PERFECTO
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From: Cleveland OH
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (Beaz)
Thats great idea but im thinking that to keep the C6's looks intact the best way to go will be a hide-away license plate 
Good Work though
Good Work though
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 453
Likes: 4
From: Northridge CA
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (50MileSmile)
Unfortunately, there are two reasons this won't work in some states: 1) Part of the plate is hidden and 2) It's lower that the minimum ground-to-plate measurement.
1) Same as the Smoothie.
2) Roughly 1" lower than the C5 plate.
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Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (gx624)
That's definitely a step in the right direction.
As to it being a bit too low for some states - I wouldn't worry that much about it. You're not likely to be pulled over for a plate that is one inch too low. Not as likely as for not having a front plate at all anyway.
As to it being a bit too low for some states - I wouldn't worry that much about it. You're not likely to be pulled over for a plate that is one inch too low. Not as likely as for not having a front plate at all anyway.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Klamath River CA
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (AP)
AP's idea would work in California. There is no minimum front plate height requirement like there is for the rear, only a 60 inch maximum height requirement. See CVC Section 5201. Putting it behind the windshield could violate other provisions (CVC 5201(f)), and the overall provision that the plate must be clearly visible and legible (cop says he or she can't see through the windsield reflection). Assuming it won't scrape the ground, AP's solution is the one I am aiming for to avoid blocking airflow. Hopefully, the aftermarket will step in so I don't have to fabricate my own bracket.
[Modified by SisqSam, 5:56 AM 4/30/2004]
[Modified by SisqSam, 5:56 AM 4/30/2004]
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (gx624)
How about setting it up so that it's folded down unless you push a button or pull a release that lets it pop up somehow? If you start to get pulled over you just pop it up. "What do you mean officer? I have a front plate." 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 453
Likes: 4
From: Northridge CA
Re: LP Bracket - Different Answer (scorp508)
Well, with a little more investigating and approximating, the inside-the-air-scoop placement is out of the question -- it would block 50%+ of the airflow. Placement on the lower lip would kill aerodynamics and block significant bottom breathing. Placement on the lower right (passenger's side) would kill airflow to the brakes and screw up downforce.
Here's a look at it from a different perspective. (Measurements are based on pixels and are approximate.)
Of course, and clearly, engine cooling and aerodynamics were/are much more important to the designers/engineers than a front license plate bracket, and so, unfortunately, for those who live in front plate states, there are really only two choices:
1. Rivet the brick on the C6's front fascia (and demand that they come up with something a little more pleasing to the eye).
2. Pay the fine(s) for no front plate.
Right now, it's all or nothing.
Come on, Chevy! Fix that Fugly Thing!
Here's a look at it from a different perspective. (Measurements are based on pixels and are approximate.)
Of course, and clearly, engine cooling and aerodynamics were/are much more important to the designers/engineers than a front license plate bracket, and so, unfortunately, for those who live in front plate states, there are really only two choices:
1. Rivet the brick on the C6's front fascia (and demand that they come up with something a little more pleasing to the eye).
2. Pay the fine(s) for no front plate.
Right now, it's all or nothing.
Come on, Chevy! Fix that Fugly Thing!