License Plate Bracket - Custom Made by Me.
6/22/06, 07:06 AM
#1
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License Plate Bracket - Made by Me - Drill-less (No drilling Required)
As of Spring/Summer 2007 I'm still producing these, I plan to make a very large batch shortly and start listing them on Ebay and other Mustang Forums. I will also be working on a Bracket for V6 and CS mustangs stay tuned.
I have decided to produce these, pricing information can be found here:
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...376#post698376
Production version photos can be found here (The production version has a circular bend instead of hard bends):
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...811#post702811
If you have issues with the photos loading in the post above it's because I run my web server on a non-standard port. Please have a look at this post instead:
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...579#post757579
Let me just say I've been holding off posting this how-to, since I've been trying to decided if I should start making these and selling them. But the parts alone are about $15 (and the bracket's off ebay etc.. are around $15 so I figured they wouldn't sell well). Granted mine is made from Aluminum and Stainless steel bolts - And I feel might is much better attached/mounted then the others I've seen.
I picked up my car May 2005, I didn't want the plate holes drilled. So I've been driving around with the plate in the front window. I finally got tired of seeing the plate, and the noise it made hitting the window etc... (Plus it's a $110cdn ticket too in Ontario). So I decided it was time to brain storm an idea on how to mount the plate. I spent a good 3 hours making a cardboard/wood template, and went to Home Depot and bought about $35 worth of bolts/nuts and a 3/4" 4' long piece of aluminum ($9.10) - I had about 8" of aluminum left over. I probably only used about $4-$5 worth of the bolts/nuts.
The bracket is mounted with only 1 nylon lock nut (1 for each bracket), and has reached speeds of 156km/h (100 miles/h) on the front of the car with the plate mounted - with no movement of the bracket at all. (The plate is attached with 1/4" stainless steel bolts sticking out from the car with the heads counter sunk into the bracket, the plate is also attached with nylon lock nuts). I can install/remove the bracket in under 5 minutes. You just gotta lay on your back with the proper sized mini ratchet.
--- PLEASE NOTE THESE PICTURES BELOW ARE THE PRE-PRODUCTION PIECE ---
Here's the bracket test fitted, as you can see the plate holes are in the exact location of the stock mounting holes.
Here's a look underneath, the nut you see will later be replaced by a nylon lock nut, the back bolt is just used for a guide.
The bracket not attached to the car, the top piece goes inside the bumper, and the second piece hits the black plastic as a stop (It's cut on the same angle as the bumper is... So the plate brackets are facing forward not a slight angle as they would be in stock form - The stock plate would be slightly bent when attached), you can clearly see 3 nuts this will provide pressure to make the "clamp" work when the nylon lock nut is tightened down (front bolt)
Another view of the bracket, you can see the bolts were counter sunk into the metal (not really required as there's nothing for them to hit.
Here's a bottom view with the plate mounted, the 1/4" plate bolts were counter sunk into the bracket and a piece of weather stripping was put on both pieces.
A view from the front with the plate mounted, it actually doesn't look that bad with the plate - At least I can easily remove it!
I hope this is helpful, if anyone shows interest, I might think of making them. We'll see.
I have decided to produce these, pricing information can be found here:
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...376#post698376
Production version photos can be found here (The production version has a circular bend instead of hard bends):
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...811#post702811
If you have issues with the photos loading in the post above it's because I run my web server on a non-standard port. Please have a look at this post instead:
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...579#post757579
Let me just say I've been holding off posting this how-to, since I've been trying to decided if I should start making these and selling them. But the parts alone are about $15 (and the bracket's off ebay etc.. are around $15 so I figured they wouldn't sell well). Granted mine is made from Aluminum and Stainless steel bolts - And I feel might is much better attached/mounted then the others I've seen.
I picked up my car May 2005, I didn't want the plate holes drilled. So I've been driving around with the plate in the front window. I finally got tired of seeing the plate, and the noise it made hitting the window etc... (Plus it's a $110cdn ticket too in Ontario). So I decided it was time to brain storm an idea on how to mount the plate. I spent a good 3 hours making a cardboard/wood template, and went to Home Depot and bought about $35 worth of bolts/nuts and a 3/4" 4' long piece of aluminum ($9.10) - I had about 8" of aluminum left over. I probably only used about $4-$5 worth of the bolts/nuts.
The bracket is mounted with only 1 nylon lock nut (1 for each bracket), and has reached speeds of 156km/h (100 miles/h) on the front of the car with the plate mounted - with no movement of the bracket at all. (The plate is attached with 1/4" stainless steel bolts sticking out from the car with the heads counter sunk into the bracket, the plate is also attached with nylon lock nuts). I can install/remove the bracket in under 5 minutes. You just gotta lay on your back with the proper sized mini ratchet.
--- PLEASE NOTE THESE PICTURES BELOW ARE THE PRE-PRODUCTION PIECE ---
Here's the bracket test fitted, as you can see the plate holes are in the exact location of the stock mounting holes.
Here's a look underneath, the nut you see will later be replaced by a nylon lock nut, the back bolt is just used for a guide.
The bracket not attached to the car, the top piece goes inside the bumper, and the second piece hits the black plastic as a stop (It's cut on the same angle as the bumper is... So the plate brackets are facing forward not a slight angle as they would be in stock form - The stock plate would be slightly bent when attached), you can clearly see 3 nuts this will provide pressure to make the "clamp" work when the nylon lock nut is tightened down (front bolt)
Another view of the bracket, you can see the bolts were counter sunk into the metal (not really required as there's nothing for them to hit.
Here's a bottom view with the plate mounted, the 1/4" plate bolts were counter sunk into the bracket and a piece of weather stripping was put on both pieces.
A view from the front with the plate mounted, it actually doesn't look that bad with the plate - At least I can easily remove it!
I hope this is helpful, if anyone shows interest, I might think of making them. We'll see.
6/22/06, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by RedDragon777
If it will fit a cervini's front bumper sign me up if you will be makeing them
It all depends how the bumper is made. It works by clamping to the black plastic/underside of the bumper, with the 1/4" bend on the metal.
6/22/06, 08:22 AM
#4
That is a very interesting bracket. It made your license plate number all distorted. Maybe you can market these also as an anti-photo trap device 
That is a really good idea you have there. If I ever get pulled over for not having a front plate I just might have to borrow that design and alter it for my front fascia
That is a really good idea you have there. If I ever get pulled over for not having a front plate I just might have to borrow that design and alter it for my front fascia
6/22/06, 06:54 PM
#8
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Originally Posted by Fastrack
Unfortantly I don't think this bracket will fit anything except the stock 2005/06 bumper. And possibly the stock 07 bumper if they haven't changed it.
It all depends how the bumper is made. It works by clamping to the black plastic/underside of the bumper, with the 1/4" bend on the metal.
It all depends how the bumper is made. It works by clamping to the black plastic/underside of the bumper, with the 1/4" bend on the metal.
I also used the black plastic for attachment. I wrapped heavy velcro straps around it where you put the brackets and attached a plastic plate frame to it. I put some felt on the back where it might touch on the lower part.
I wanted the whole bumper to show and have something I could take off if I want. It is very stable. I have taken it well over 100MPH many times.
Attachment 2863Attachment 3205
6/26/06, 11:53 AM
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Since there seems to be quite a few interested people. I might produce a few of these and see how they sell.
But the problem I have is the price point, would something like $30US be asking too much? The fact it uses almost $15 worth of parts, I have to make worth my time. (I might try do some research of metal suppliers in my area to see if I can reduce the cost)
I know the one off ebay sells for $15US, it appears to made from rolled steel and zinc plated nuts/bolts. If I was to use steel and zinc plated nuts/bolts the cost of parts would probably be about half.
I just did a quick search on ebay, and it appears the "other steel bracket" is up to $38US with 14 bids! I think i might have to start production soon
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem
Let me know what your opinions are.
But the problem I have is the price point, would something like $30US be asking too much? The fact it uses almost $15 worth of parts, I have to make worth my time. (I might try do some research of metal suppliers in my area to see if I can reduce the cost)
I know the one off ebay sells for $15US, it appears to made from rolled steel and zinc plated nuts/bolts. If I was to use steel and zinc plated nuts/bolts the cost of parts would probably be about half.
I just did a quick search on ebay, and it appears the "other steel bracket" is up to $38US with 14 bids! I think i might have to start production soon
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem
Let me know what your opinions are.
6/26/06, 12:06 PM
#11
Legacy TMS Member
Ben,
I think you could ask more than that. The ones that are selling on eBay go for more. Your time is what is the big part in the value equation. I also would be interested.
Let us know!
I think you could ask more than that. The ones that are selling on eBay go for more. Your time is what is the big part in the value equation. I also would be interested.
Let us know!
6/26/06, 08:59 PM
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Hi all,
I went to Home Depot tonight and bought enough parts to make 3 brackets, however the stainless steel bolts/nuts/nylon lock nuts were a lot more than I had estimated (remember I bought a bunch of parts to make mine, some which I didn't use... and buying the bulk bolts at Home depot it's almost impossible to figure out the cost!).
I'm going to try and source out cheaper Aluminium (ie from a metal supply store not Home Depot for future brackets) as that's over half the cost of the bracket. I would like to stick with stainless bolts as zinc plated ones will eventually rust, especially on the front of a car with salt on the roads...
I would like to set the price point of this "first batch" at $45US + shipping. Hopefully this isn't over the top, I would like to reduce the cost, but the raw materials aren't cheap.
I should have a 1 or 2 made this week otherwise I won't get a chance to do this until the week of July 9th.
The bracket will include everything required to mount the plate.
Hopefully this isn't breaking any site rules, but please PM if your interested.
I've never accepted any money on Paypal but I believe a default account allows one to receive cash from someone else. I've bought a ton of stuff off ebay, but I've never sold before. But these brackets might be the first item
Thanks,
I went to Home Depot tonight and bought enough parts to make 3 brackets, however the stainless steel bolts/nuts/nylon lock nuts were a lot more than I had estimated (remember I bought a bunch of parts to make mine, some which I didn't use... and buying the bulk bolts at Home depot it's almost impossible to figure out the cost!).
I'm going to try and source out cheaper Aluminium (ie from a metal supply store not Home Depot for future brackets) as that's over half the cost of the bracket. I would like to stick with stainless bolts as zinc plated ones will eventually rust, especially on the front of a car with salt on the roads...
I would like to set the price point of this "first batch" at $45US + shipping. Hopefully this isn't over the top, I would like to reduce the cost, but the raw materials aren't cheap.
I should have a 1 or 2 made this week otherwise I won't get a chance to do this until the week of July 9th.
The bracket will include everything required to mount the plate.
Hopefully this isn't breaking any site rules, but please PM if your interested.
I've never accepted any money on Paypal but I believe a default account allows one to receive cash from someone else. I've bought a ton of stuff off ebay, but I've never sold before. But these brackets might be the first item
Thanks,
6/27/06, 11:35 AM
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Looks nice...
I would make them out of steel and then a good coating of enamel paint.
Aluminum work hardens and cracks too easily from vibration and you have a fair amount of force at work there both aerodynamic and the weight of the plate.
Good job!
I would make them out of steel and then a good coating of enamel paint.
Aluminum work hardens and cracks too easily from vibration and you have a fair amount of force at work there both aerodynamic and the weight of the plate.
Good job!
6/27/06, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Big-Foot
Looks nice...
I would make them out of steel and then a good coating of enamel paint.
Aluminum work hardens and cracks too easily from vibration and you have a fair amount of force at work there both aerodynamic and the weight of the plate.
Good job!
I would make them out of steel and then a good coating of enamel paint.
Aluminum work hardens and cracks too easily from vibration and you have a fair amount of force at work there both aerodynamic and the weight of the plate.
Good job!
I would never have thought Aluminum would crack. Based on this, and the price of steel I'll probably lower my estimated price above.Do you think it'll crack because I've bent it? Or are you saying just the weight of the bracket will eventually cause stress cracks, and it could snap off? If so I should redesign the one on my car, I don't want to loose my super expensive personalized plate!
If the price is too steap I'll return the parts I bought, and dream up something else to make. Let me know. PM me if your interested, the price isn't fixed in stone as of this new turn of events.
Thanks,
6/27/06, 02:29 PM
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My $.02
If something is worth doing, it worth doing right.
Steel even painted will rust thru. Aluiminum is lighter, the materials thickness your useing is not going to crack. Aluminum or Stainless Steel hardware will holdup a lot better than zinc coated. Whats a few dollars more cost to have a fine product? Worth it, this isn't made in China.
Glad I don't need one!
Good Luck!
If something is worth doing, it worth doing right.
Steel even painted will rust thru. Aluiminum is lighter, the materials thickness your useing is not going to crack. Aluminum or Stainless Steel hardware will holdup a lot better than zinc coated. Whats a few dollars more cost to have a fine product? Worth it, this isn't made in China.
Glad I don't need one!
Good Luck!
6/27/06, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Badsnke98
My $.02
If something is worth doing, it worth doing right.
Steel even painted will rust thru. Aluiminum is lighter, the materials thickness your useing is not going to crack. Aluminum or Stainless Steel hardware will holdup a lot better than zinc coated. Whats a few dollars more cost to have a fine product? Worth it, this isn't made in China.
Glad I don't need one!
Good Luck!
If something is worth doing, it worth doing right.
Steel even painted will rust thru. Aluiminum is lighter, the materials thickness your useing is not going to crack. Aluminum or Stainless Steel hardware will holdup a lot better than zinc coated. Whats a few dollars more cost to have a fine product? Worth it, this isn't made in China.
Glad I don't need one!
Good Luck!
Aluminum can be very strong but it is a fickle material when subjected to vibration. A good quality enamel will protect steel for many years. Aluminum - if left uncoated / painted - will corrode and turn white.
I'd go with steel. Cheaper, stronger, easier to work into shape without fear of stress fractures at your bends..
6/27/06, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Big-Foot
If your definition of a fine product means a license plate laying on the highway bolted to an aluminum bracket - well, that's up to you and your opinion.
Aluminum can be very strong but it is a fickle material when subjected to vibration. A good quality enamel will protect steel for many years. Aluminum - if left uncoated / painted - will corrode and turn white.
I'd go with steel. Cheaper, stronger, easier to work into shape without fear of stress fractures at your bends..
Aluminum can be very strong but it is a fickle material when subjected to vibration. A good quality enamel will protect steel for many years. Aluminum - if left uncoated / painted - will corrode and turn white.
I'd go with steel. Cheaper, stronger, easier to work into shape without fear of stress fractures at your bends..
The main reason I went with Aluminum was it was lighter.
6/27/06, 08:54 PM
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I'm going to stay with Aluminum as I don't think it's going to be an issue, if it was a 90 degree bend maybe, but the aluminum itself is not showing any stress on the surface. Can crack?? Who knows I doubt it? - I'm going to a metal supply place tomorrow so I'll let you all know as the guys working there should have an opinion on this.
Solution to corroding, just throw a quick clear coat on it. Maybe even annodize it (I don't know how to do this....). Or a metal polish?? I know most people will remove the bracket/plate when they detail they're car, so you can quickly throw a coat of wax on the bracket.
I will let you all know what the price is after visiting the metal supply place.
The first one took me 4 hours to make (the exact angles were hard to get). So I have no idea how long it'll take me to make the next one or subsequent ones.
I'm going to put three of them together and decide on a price after I make them. I think the $45 posted above is a little steap, so I want to get a better idea of how long it'll take. I'm aiming for a price point of $35US.
I will have 3 of them ready to be sold by the week of July 9, so far in line:
sis27
Solution to corroding, just throw a quick clear coat on it. Maybe even annodize it (I don't know how to do this....). Or a metal polish?? I know most people will remove the bracket/plate when they detail they're car, so you can quickly throw a coat of wax on the bracket.
I will let you all know what the price is after visiting the metal supply place.
The first one took me 4 hours to make (the exact angles were hard to get). So I have no idea how long it'll take me to make the next one or subsequent ones.
I'm going to put three of them together and decide on a price after I make them. I think the $45 posted above is a little steap, so I want to get a better idea of how long it'll take. I'm aiming for a price point of $35US.
I will have 3 of them ready to be sold by the week of July 9, so far in line:
sis27