Front License Plate Solution

[Akikiki]

I went through two in two months on my S in 2013. Kept tearing them off when I got to close to those big old ugly blocks in the parking lots. Finally gave up and took it off.

 

[Mtnrunner]

Probably the single most annoying thing about the X is the absence of an easy front license plate install. And thieves selling $100+ solutions for $1.20 in parts is also very annoying. Many of these “solutions” like Evannex and ThatGrin use the flimsy plastic grill veins as a mounting point. Once someone or something backs into the plate the grill will snap into pieces! Think I’ll risk the ticket

 

[chadcristi]

Probably the single most annoying thing about the X is the absence of an easy front license plate install. And thieves selling $100+ solutions for $1.20 in parts is also very annoying. Many of these “solutions” like Evannex and ThatGrin use the flimsy plastic grill veins as a mounting point. Once someone or something backs into the plate the grill will snap into pieces! Think I’ll risk the ticket

I respect your opinion concerning various "solutions" for displaying a front license plate on a Tesla. However, for others who read this post, the claims you make are not accurate. The bracket from ThatGrin does NOT mount directly to the plastic veins as you claim. The unit has two arms that rest firmly against protective pads on the lower (stronger) portion of the front air dam. Furthermore, there are safeguards built in (that you don't see in the photos) that are designed to prevent damage to the grille if someone leans against the bracket or backs into it. The Slipstream Bracket by ThatGrin was specifically designed to PROTECT the grille from damage, not destroy it. The method in which the product attaches is so unique, in fact, the product was awarded a United States utility patent (Pat. No. 10,518,721).

Kudos to those who have taken their valuable time to design and market products that help make our Tesla ownership experience better. No one is holding a gun to your head making you buy any of these products. But, to call any one of these creators/inventors a "thief" is just plain wrong. You clearly have no concept of what it costs to produce a specialized product in relatively low volume, including the hosting expenses, credit card processing fees, overhead, marketing, packaging, labor costs, etc. Most of these products are made right here in the United States and were created to help you keep from damaging the Tesla you paid $80,000.00 plus for. So, if the peace-of-mind isn't worth it to you and you have piles of $100 bills to keep throwing at tickets, then go right ahead.

 

[Mtnrunner]

I respect your opinion concerning various "solutions" for displaying a front license plate on a Tesla. However, for others who read this post, the claims you make are not accurate. The bracket from ThatGrin does NOT mount directly to the plastic veins as you claim...

...Most of these products are made right here in the United States and were created to help you keep from damaging the Tesla you paid $80,000.00 plus for. So, if the peace-of-mind isn't worth it to you and you have piles of $100 bills to keep throwing at tickets, then go right ahead.

I purchased an "Omotor Front License Plate Mount Holder Bracket for Tesla Model 3", which is exactly like the ThatGrin product, for my model 3 and it cost $46. No longer available on Amazon, maybe they infringed on a patent but a much more reasonable price than the $160 ThatGrin is charging.

I disagree that this mounting method presents no risk. It's using metal parts to mount to flimsy plastic veins and it results in a protruding license plate mount.

As an owner of Tesla's I am annoyed that businesses assume we're made of money and charge premiums for accessories comprised of a few metal parts.

I solved my legal problem today for about $4 using a simpler DIY no hole method.

I used double backed ring eye bolts with lock washers on the Tesla X provided bracket. I put felt on all contact surfaces of license plate mount to prevent scratches. Black bungees would be preferable but I purchased what was 'in stock.' One can also use a ziptie for security if/when bungees loosen. Easily removed for cleaning and no risk to grill veins if pressure is applied, like someone backing up into plate. Yes, it's about as ugly as the $46 solution I bought for the model 3 but can be made prettier with a few tweaks in materials. And much easier to install.

Maybe I should patent this solution and charge fellow Tesla owners $100, hmmm....

 

[Kbra]

Definitely a solution. Be aware the felt will still scratch your bumper when dirt gets in there. But for $46 that's what you get.

I purchased an "Omotor Front License Plate Mount Holder Bracket for Tesla Model 3", which is exactly like the ThatGrin product, for my model 3 and it cost $46. No longer available on Amazon, maybe they infringed on a patent but a much more reasonable price than the $160 ThatGrin is charging.

I disagree that this mounting method presents no risk. It's using metal parts to mount to flimsy plastic veins and it results in a protruding license plate mount.

As an owner of Tesla's I am annoyed that businesses assume we're made of money and charge premiums for accessories comprised of a few metal parts.

I solved my legal problem today for about $4 using a simpler DIY no hole method.

I used double backed ring eye bolts with lock washers on the Tesla X provided bracket. I put felt on all contact surfaces of license plate mount to prevent scratches. Black bungees would be preferable but I purchased what was 'in stock.' One can also use a ziptie for security if/when bungees loosen. Easily removed for cleaning and no risk to grill veins if pressure is applied, like someone backing up into plate. Yes, it's about as ugly as the $46 solution I bought for the model 3 but can be made prettier with a few tweaks in materials. And much easier to install.

Maybe I should patent this solution and charge fellow Tesla owners $100, hmmm....

View attachment 516920 View attachment 516921

 

[Akikiki]

Here's a $20 solution. Got the parts on Amazon. Made several for club members. I used this on my refreshed S, but I only use it when I need a tag on the front for safety inspection time. Then it comes off. I have a small tie wrap as a backup on its back going up to my front T. I've left it on for as long as a week without it losing suction and coming off. But not longer than a week, I don't know how it will hold.

 

[kpalaniswami]

Repeating the earlier post on this subject in case people missed it on inexpensive solutions,

No-Hole Tesla Model X Front License Plate Installation kit | Etsy

 

[tps5352]

In an effort to summarize options, I started this:

Front License Plate Options

There are a number of helpful discussions about front license plate (LP) alternatives. For example: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/front-license-plate-falling-off.214798/ https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/front-license-plate-adhesive.216109/...

teslamotorsclub.com