Protect the front bumper from license plate/frame/etc

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captainbeach

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Just got a new car, and soon I'll have to put plates on this thing. The rear has plastic grommets that are screwed into for mounting the plate, so I think some rubber washers or similar might help there. Main concern is the front bumper, where the plate is screwed directly to the bumper. How can I protect the front bumper?
 
:welcome:... to AGO!!

Since most State license plates are ~6"x12"...(Frames' sizes vary per individual's preferences)...
Then for protecting the front bumper from potential damage from license plate/frame:

-Go to XPel's web site;
-Under "Shop" click on "Film by the Foot"
-Scroll down to: XPEL Headlight Protection Film (by the sq.inch)

You should see something along this line:

SKU......................Description..........Width×Length.......Cost/sq.in.


Without a picture/exact measurement of the vehicle's front bumper area where the plate/frame attaches...
I can't say exactly how many square inches of headlight-PPF that's needed, or total cost.

But I'll guess-timate the most you'll need is a piece ~72 sq.in. = ~ $10...
for a life-time of worry-free protection!!

BTW: This PPF is 30 mils (0.030") thick...
Like I said: 'Should protect for a looooong time'!

Notes:
1.)
They also have it in Dark Smoke.

2.)
AGO also sells XPel Headlight Protection Film...
You may want to protect those on your new vehicle.


:)

Bob
 
I had this same concern when I moved to Maryland from Delaware. Delaware only requires rear plates but Maryland requires front and rear and I didn't really want to have a front plate because 1.) my car didn't come with a front mount when I bought it and 2.) front plates are ugly in my opinion.

Before I registered my car, I talked with a family friend who is a police officer in Maryland about the penalty for not having a front plate and he told be it was only a secondary offense (they have to pull me over for something else first) and a $60 fine (granted this was two years ago and things could have changed). He also said, depending on the cop, most don't even notice or care that much, and if you do get called out on it, you might even just get a warning. I just said screw it and figured it was worth the risk so I don't run with the front plate and just keep it in my trunk. Two years later, no issues.

I'd suggest looking into the laws in your area to see if you would want to risk it as well.
 
Loser said:
I'd suggest looking into the laws in your area to see if you would want to risk it as well.
Click to expand...

State requires front plates, and I'd rather not prompt any issues with police for not having one, nor would my wife really be on board for that either.
 
Your front bumper cover should be made of plastic. There should be no issue drilling 2 or 4 small holes
 
Flash Gordon said:
Your front bumper cover should be made of plastic. There should be no issue drilling 2 or 4 small holes
Click to expand...

It's not the holes I'm worried about, it's the paint under the plate/frame. Over time, the small movements are going to wear at the paint, causing scratches, chips, etc. Wondering how some of you guys help protect against that!
 
captainbeach said:
It's not the holes I'm worried about, it's the paint under the plate/frame. Over time, the small movements are going to wear at the paint, causing scratches, chips, etc. Wondering how some of you guys help protect against that!
Click to expand...

I gotcha

I wouldn't worry to much about that. The license frame will actually preserve that section of paint compared to the areas that are exposed. i.e. rock chips/etched in bird guts

I guess you could apply duck tape (or some kind of cushion) between the frame and the bumper if you wanted
 
If your car has a tow hook, you can get a tow hook mount.
178245-front-license-plate-lexus_is-01.jpg
 
captainbeach said:
It's not the holes I'm worried about, it's the paint under the plate/frame. Over time, the small movements are going to wear at the paint, causing scratches, chips, etc. Wondering how some of you guys help protect against that!
Click to expand...
If you will re-visit Post #2...
You'll see exactly how I do protect mine.

Of course that way of doing so is only a suggestion.

:)

Bob
 
FUNX725 said:
If you will re-visit Post #2...
You'll see exactly how I do protect mine.

Of course that way of doing so is only a suggestion.

:)

Bob
Click to expand...

I appreciate the suggestion! Just seeing how others out there might be doing it, that's all.
 
I used 1\4 inch foam tape on the back of plate frame on the back of the 57.Any vibration and the sticky foam tape absorbs it.
 
Or visit your local hardware store and get some neoprene faucet washers. You can run your plate screws thru the washers, effectively spacing the plate and bracket away from the paint slightly. If you're only using two screws, glue a couple more washers to the plate or plate support bracket in positions where they'll maintain a gap.

Bill
 
BillyJack said:
Or visit your local hardware store and get some neoprene faucet washers. You can run your plate screws thru the washers, effectively spacing the plate and bracket away from the paint slightly. If you're only using two screws, glue a couple more washers to the plate or plate support bracket in positions where they'll maintain a gap.

Bill
Click to expand...

:iagree: Same 'trick' I use.

Also with that little gap, you can keep 'the behind' fairly clean.

Bill
 
Check the parts department at your dealer. There should be a front license plate bracket available for your car.
 
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