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Topic:windshield license plate mounts?
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T O P I C     R E V I E W
elambethMy prowler never had a front license plate holder, but now I live in a state where front plates are required. Rather than mount something to the body, I want to rig up something with suction cups to the windshield from the inside.

I was thinking that there should be some simple $3 suction-mount license plate holder I could buy somewhere, but I've been unable to find one. Anybody got a lead where I could acquire such an item?

GenoTexAny discount department store should have those in the 'houseware' section.....

My 2 cents........don't worry about it at all until you get pulled over, THEN do something about it. Worse case scenario, I would think, would be a 'fix-it' type ticket, and you will probably find that you won't be hasseled about it. I've never had one on mine and it's been over 4 years now, been 30,000+ miles through lots of different states, and no one's pulled me over yet. Where I live (Wisconsin) requires front plates too.

My Opinion ONLY

Good luck with your search, should you decide to continue it!

RED5Ditto what Gene said about never getting pulled over for it.

Dont they have brackets that install under the bumpers to existing bolt holes??

elambethI appreciate what you guys are saying, but with all due respect... I tend to drive fast and somewhat outside the legal limits. Anything I can do to decrease the chance of getting pulled over for some minor technicality, could save me a lot of money in other kinds of tickets.

If you've got the info on where to get the bolt-on license plate holder, I'd like to take a look at at that too... but I don't want to do any drilling.

wuzzzer
quote:
Originally posted by elambeth:
I appreciate what you guys are saying, but with all due respect... I tend to drive fast and somewhat outside the legal limits. Anything I can do to decrease the chance of getting pulled over for some minor technicality, could save me a lot of money in other kinds of tickets.

Umm, anything to decrease the chance of getting pulled over for speeding...let's see...how about NOT DRIVING THE MOST LOOKED AT, HONKED AT, WAVED AT, RUBBERNECKED AT CAR ON THE ROAD????

GenoTexif you must have a bracket........ go to this link:

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/001606.html


if interested, send Paul a "p.m." or email.... might take him a few days to get back to you, but he will....

PaulElambeth, thanks to GenoTex (my eyes and ears on the website), has directed you to a front plate mount that I designed for my own use in Wisconsin (front plate-required state). My Prowler is not driven much but my Prowler PlateMount hasn't budged in 2 years. It might work for you although it's quite a bit more than you were looking to pay. Let me know if you I can do anything for you....tectrum@wi.rr.com

This message has been edited by Paul on 03-31-2006 at 01:48 PM

GRROWL
quote:
Originally posted by elambeth:
My prowler never had a front license plate holder, but now I live in a state where front plates are required. Rather than mount something to the body, . . .

AHHhhhh, brings back memories of my first post ever on POA over at: http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/000283.html If you're the do-it-yourself type, it's a couple of bucks if you don't have what you need in your scrapbox:
quote:
Originally posted by GRROWL on 03-10-2002 10:27:
This is my first post, so be kind.

GRROWL is a 2000 Yellow Prowler. I have benefitted from the online discussion boards from day one (June 2000) and figured it's time to give something back.

It always bothered me that they drilled into the bumper to mount the front plate, so at least there was some benefit when (out in left field at Office Depot, away from all other cars) some kid zipping around in a BMW snagged the bumper from behind and folded it into the grill. Those front bumpers really collapse when hit from behind.

Soooo, while I was waiting for the new bumper to arrive, I did a post-mortem on the old one. Being off of the car and upside down on the workbench, it sure seems that Plymouth designed the bumper to take a front license plate mount the way I will describe below.

Came back to edit and add a picture:

But first, a plug - and a thank you. As I said, I have benefited from this board in the past and ordered a new replacement bumper at a SUBSTANTIAL savings - THANKS, ALLEY CAT - those guys at John Youngblood Motors are phenomenal - and to get Mopar parts at such a discount is unheard of. Anyone interested should do a search for "cheap parts" posted by Alley Cat (by way of coincidence, my wife's pet cat is named Alley Cat).

Back to the subject:

Under the bumper, there is a recess approximately 1/2" deep and 1" wide with a row of pop rivets. The rivets attach 2 layers of plastic (front and back of bumper shell) to an aluminum box-beam. The location of the plate looked best (at least to me and to my wife - she's not particularly fond of GRROWL, and I'm not particularly fond of Alley Cat - her pet, not the POA member) centered under the directional signal. Coincidentally, two rivets are equally spaced from the centerline of the signal with matching holes on the top of the box beam, which is EASILY accessible by removing the directional signal (2 screws as if you were replacing the bulb).

This is a CHEAP, GOOD and NO COMPROMISE solution. I believe that the end result is PERFECT (providing, of course, that the law requires you to have a front plate to start with).

I dug the following out of my scrap box:

1 pc - 1" x 2" aluminum angle, 9" long
2 pc - 1/4" x 1-1/2" hex bolt
2 pc - 1/4" acorn lock nuts

This is really starting to sound much more complicated than it is. This is a 15-minute job requiring only an electric drill with a 1/4" bit and a portable belt sander or grinder. Here's the procedure:

----------------------

1. Drill out the 2 pop rivets below the directional signal (all drilling is with a 1/4" bit).

2. Remove the directional signal as if you were replacing the bulb, just let it hang. Drop in 2 bolts (1/4" x 1-1/2") down through the holes you will find behind the signal and out through the pop-rivet holes.

3. Find a piece of 9" long 1" x 2" angle in your choice of materials. Contour the 1" edge to match the front curve of the groove under the bumper (the 2" face will then be hanging down at the rear.

4. Center the bracket below the light opening, drill 2 holes to match the new bolts (should be 5" apart, but check), and bolt on.

5. Drill 2 holes, 1/4", 7" apart, and bolt on the license plate.

6. Re-install the signal.

Done!

---------------------

Additional (overly complicated) points:

A. No metal-working-specific tools were used in the production of this bracket. The portable belt sander worked well with an emory belt to contour the aluminum angle (which was 1/8" thick, by the way), round all of the corners, and ease the edges. I also used it to sand the faces to produce a "brushed" finish.

B. You could just as well use stainless steel angle (if you can find it); plastic angle; or bend sheet-metal of your choice. You could also attach with pop-rivets (skip steps 2 and 6) or screw into the pop-rivet holes with 5/16" self-tapping screws. Again, this is over-complicating the issue for such an easy (and good) fix.

C. You probably want to stiffen up the plate - I used a clear cover that did the job nicely. You could also use a backer, either the original mount, sheet-metal, plastic or whatever.

I thought of taking pictures, but:

1. I'm new at this, this is my first posting, and this could come later if requested.
2. My wife has my digital camera in FL for the week (watch out, Alley Cat - I'm the Alpha Cat this week).
3. I'm not sure you would see anything since everything is recessed so well.

Interested in hearing any reactions.

Thanks, Prowler Online.


LeoOf course, if you really want a front plate, you can also get a nose protector and plate mount kit from RealRod. He still has them listed at his web site but I know he had trouble manufacturing them last year. I have tried to contact him this year to see if one is available, but so far, I haven't reached him.
Kevin A
quote:
Originally posted by elambeth:
II tend to drive fast and somewhat outside the legal limits.


If this is the case, I would say not having a front plate is the least of your concerns.
The windshield is small enough without blocking a lot of the view with a plate.

TooHipCat
quote:
Originally posted by GenoTex:
if you must have a bracket........ go to this link:

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/001606.html


if interested, send Paul a "p.m." or email.... might take him a few days to get back to you, but he will....


Here is a link relating to the license plate bracket that Geno mentioned.
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011967.html

Good luck!

TooHipCat If you decide to go with Paul's bracket...please note that his address has changed from my older post. Here is his NEW one:

If you're required to have it on the front, it might as well look good! So show off that personalized plate!

Send $69.00 total (includes UPS insured shipping) via personal check or money order along with your name and complete mailing address (no PO Boxes)to:

Tectrum Sales
N110 W5450 W. Highland Dr.
Cedarburg, WI 53012

Good luck on whatever you decide. A lot of good info on this thread.

Brian

ed monahanI have to agree that a plate in the windshield would block almost everything to the right, making for a very dangerous situation.
YellowFever
quote:
Originally posted by elambeth:
I appreciate what you guys are saying, but with all due respect... I tend to drive fast and somewhat outside the legal limits. Anything I can do to decrease the chance of getting pulled over for some minor technicality, could save me a lot of money in other kinds of tickets.

If you've got the info on where to get the bolt-on license plate holder, I'd like to take a look at at that too... but I don't want to do any drilling.


You think they aren't going to pull you over because you are speeding but, you have a tag on the front. LOL! Not the case and Welcome to Texas.

Just carry the plate with a bent bracket in the trunk. No one ever asks for them (even when pulled over) but, if they do, you can just say it broke off today and you have to go buy a new bracket. Problem solved.

ViperGTS99LOL - land of freedom - huh?

In Germany/Europe a license plate is mandatory - of course.

I do NOT use one for many years now and got pulled over ONCE.
No ticket. Only: can we (policemen) see the engine and a lot of small talk...and when I started, they (policemen) asked me to push the car ... LOL

I even drove up to policemen and asked for the way in cities and NEVER ever have been stopped for having NO front license plate.

IT IS A SHAME to put a front license plate on our cars!

texasprowleri don't run with a plate and i do run fast
if they catch me...
i think i'll be going to jail
REBELBOBPaul,
Do you have available now...we just moved to Buffalo, NY and have to run front plates, also.
I will need two of them if available.
Just let me know what it will be...I like your solution.
I am willing to pay for overnight shipping.
Going down to VA. this weekend to bring them to the north country.
thanks,
Bob and Carol (rebelbob and ptykty)
BlackAMXI duct taped my front license plate to the inside of the windshield. That way it won't blow off when I'm doing 90 down the street. I used to have it duct taped to my grille
but the engine started running hot. At one time I had the plate duct taped to the spokes on the left front wheel but the taped came lose and carved its way through half the fender. I did try duct taping it to the outside of the windshield but when I used the windshield washers to clean the windshield and license plate the washer fluid losened the tape and the plate flew off and took a sunvisor with it and gouged out a spot on the trunk.
TooHipCat
quote:
Originally posted by texasprowler:
i don't run with a plate and i do run fast
if they catch me...

The young cop pulled me over as I was pulling away from a Red light. He actually threw his lights and siren on just to pull me over.

He told me to get the front plate mounted A.S.A.P. otherwise he would have to slap his new set of plastic cuffs on me.

Brian

REBELBOB,
Here is a pretty good thread
showing the bracket that Paul
has to offer.
GGROWL has a good alternative
in there as well.
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/001606.html

This message has been edited by TooHipCat on 04-20-2006 at 08:45 PM

BlackAMXThe way I really mounted my front plate; I used the Prowler license plate holder and drilled two holes in the top spaced apart equal to the two bottom rivets under the left front bumper. I took two sheet metal screws and screwed up through the holder and into the pop rivets. The holes are already in the pop rivets may as well use them. No removing parking lights or drilling out rivets. It's an easy installation and it's sturdy. I take it off after I pass the state inspection.

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