Front License Plate Solutions

[dsm363]

I did I figured the plate will always be there and the opposing surface for the under mount approach is curved and I was not sure if it will be flimsy.

Do you not have plates yet? Or are driving with just rear plates?

My plate is in the same position but with zip ties. Any concerns about cooling in the summer?

 

[grisnjam]

As much as it pains me, I have mounted the front plate on my Model S. I really love the look without it but driving around with a reason to be pulled over at anytime just does not work for me deep in the heart of Texas

I went the zip tie route and came up with a way to mount the plate that:

1) I can remove the entire assembly in under a minute.
2) Mount the entire assembly in under ten minutes, without having to remove the nosecone or funk peices.
3) Leave no marks on the car.

Instructions:

I started by curling an 11'' zip tie, by making bends every inch or so:

I then fished it though the upper grill, around the bumper section and though the lower grill. It just fit. I then attached another zip tie to the end of the first where it exited the lower grill.

I then feed that zip tie though the the mounting screw hole in Tesla provided plate holder (right side up) and then up over the top of the plate, connecting it to the other end of the original zip tie. I did this on both sides:

After cinching them down, I trimmed the extra ends:

Here is the back side where you can see the zip tie joint:

I then mounted the plate, using the two provided screws on the bottom (they are star screws, FYI). I used zip ties on the upper holes since the screws would have contacted the bumper there. Here is a shot with the plate mounted:

And finally a shot from the side of the whole front:

I live in Austin which has very hot summers so I am concerned with the impact on air flow. As such I am going to keep a close eye on it this summer.

I hope this helps someone else out there...

 

[andrewket]

I'd be concerned that the wire ties don't stand up to the elements. They will fail eventually.

 

[DavidWexler]

California is one state that requires a front license plate.
In this state it's a fix-it ticket, so I keep a pair of these
Skene Design brackets around if I have to
install a front plate without holes to get the infraction signed off.

 

[grisnjam]

I'd be concerned that the wire ties don't stand up to the elements. They will fail eventually.

These are actually heavy duty zip ties with UV protection for indoor and outdoor use. I would think they should hold up for a few years at least, and they are easy to change.

View attachment 16703

 

[tomas]

Skene mounted on bottom of black nose cone, stainless frame from Pep Boys, IL EL plate, voila

 

[ddruz]

Skene mounted on bottom of black nose cone, stainless frame from Pep Boys, IL EL plate, voila

View attachment 17195

tomas, that looks great! Could you possible post some more photos showing side view and close up of mounting under nose cone? Thanks.

 

[Babylonfive]

I mounted my front plate without holes, almost exactly like others did. I used industrial heavy tie wraps.

I also trimmed the frame holder to basically tip the plate up a small amount, then added a chrome surround frame.

I like the location lower...

 

[tomas]

tomas, that looks great! Could you possible post some more photos showing side view and close up of mounting under nose cone? Thanks.

As requested:

 

[efusco]

Skene mounted on bottom of black nose cone, stainless frame from Pep Boys, IL EL plate, voila

I really like that solution, tomas, exactly which skene was that?

 

[tomas]

I really like that solution, tomas, exactly which skene was that?

Front License Plate Bracket
Item# FLPB , Depth: Medium , Height: US plate screw spacing

 

[Elshout]

Most Mercedes also come with no front license plate holders which are dealer installed. Here's an idea. Front plates ruin the aesthetics of the car, forget installing one. If you are stopped, in California this is a fix it ticket I believe with no fine. You might be able to trade a speeding ticket for a no front plate ticket. Worked for me.

 

[Robert.Boston]

@Elshout: other states have stricter rules. For example, MA requires every car to be inspected upon purchase and then annually. You need the front plate attached to pass inspection. Just how durably that plate is attached, well, that's another question. ;-)

 

[CarlE_P439]

Grisnjam: I like it! I'll probably do that (registration finally arrived about 8 weeks after getting my car)! Looks like the plate should not interfer too much with air flow.

 

[ken830]

If you are stopped, in California this is a fix it ticket I believe with no fine.

I don't know what it is now, but there is definitely a fine. I pay it once every few years... The last time, it was $10 after I put the plate back on and get a cop to sign-off on it...

 

[gsxrex]

I don't know what it is now, but there is definitely a fine. I pay it once every few years... The last time, it was $10 after I put the plate back on and get a cop to sign-off on it...

We need money in California, so the fix-it ticket fine has risen to $25. Last time I got hit was in 2010.

 

[palmer_md]

We need money in California, so the fix-it ticket fine has risen to $25. Last time I got hit was in 2010.

Can't we just pay $25 per year and just not install it. Seems like a win-win. I don't have to install the plate and the state has some extra income. haha.

 

[PeterK]

@Elshout: other states have stricter rules. For example, MA requires every car to be inspected upon purchase and then annually. You need the front plate attached to pass inspection. Just how durably that plate is attached, well, that's another question. ;-)

Mine passed inspection this morning with the zip-tied front bracket they put on at the Service Center. I was considering removing it afterwards, but kind of like my EV plates - they make a statement. So it stays for now.

 

[Juan Burgundy]

The front nosecone is really easy to remove on the production models so I actually bought a spare nosecone that will have a plate installed on it if I ever need it.

 

[ddruz]

The front nosecone is really easy to remove on the production models so I actually bought a spare nosecone that will have a plate installed on it if I ever need it.

How much did it cost? How did you order it? Thanks.