• Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech

License plate

  • Thread starter Thread starter stangman16
  • Start date Start date Feb 23, 2008

stangman16

Active Member
Nov 16, 2004
640
4
29
San Antonio, TX
Feb 23, 2008
#1
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #1
I need to find a license plate holder for the California Special front bumper on my '05 GT. Here in TX it's required to have one, Im not sure how the previous owner got away without it, but I know San Antonio cops would pounce on the opportunity to pull me over for anything minute like that.

Where can I find a license plate holder? I see on the bumper it has 2 small recessed holes where you drill through but I'd like to get the holder for better looks. I'm assuming I need to put masking tape on the bumper before drilling to prevent the paint from chipping around the hole?

Thank you!
 

bronco78

Member
Jul 9, 2005
88
0
6
Feb 23, 2008
#2
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #2
Fasteners are referred to by the size, pitch and type (Metric or SAE ) of the thread, What wise wrench, hex, ect used is only mentioned if there is something specific needed for that application.

I had never ran a front plate until I got to TX and was pulled over three times in a week...

Mounted it to the front end, with a metal frame I had painted in matching Windville blue. Used double stick tape on the back of the plate where it meets the bumper, so it will not vibrate and damage the paint/plastic any more then needed...... I HATE IT.. It blocks air flow to the oil cooler, and it really brakes up the lines of the front end. I was planning on making a bracket to hold it low and off set,,, as the body shop ordered a new bumper cover while it was in the shop..., the guy doing the work did not get the word from the foreman in time, and they reinstalled my plate for me before I could stop them,,,

Anyways,, if it goes in front and center, use a sharp bit, fastest speed on your drill motor. I had no flaking, chipping of the paint when I drilled mine.... think there was a tear in my eye though as the bit hit the plastic for the first hole.


stangman16 said:
I need to find a license plate holder for the California Special front bumper on my '05 GT. Here in TX it's required to have one, Im not sure how the previous owner got away without it, but I know San Antonio cops would pounce on the opportunity to pull me over for anything minute like that.

Where can I find a license plate holder? I see on the bumper it has 2 small recessed holes where you drill through but I'd like to get the holder for better looks. I'm assuming I need to put masking tape on the bumper before drilling to prevent the paint from chipping around the hole?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
P

Pony Tail

New Member
Dec 30, 2006
0
0
0
Feb 23, 2008
#3
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #3
retractable license plate

Here on ebay there is a retractable license plate.
You don't need to drill holes in the front bumper.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alte...019QQitemZ290209007935QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.
10 Year Member
May 23, 2004
692
10
89
East Moline, IL
Feb 23, 2008
#4
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #4
This might work for ya.
http://www.mossmustang.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=59049&SortOrder=1

**edit** Ha! Good timing.
 
P

Pony Tail

New Member
Dec 30, 2006
0
0
0
Feb 23, 2008
#5
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #5
DarkFireGT said:
This might work for ya.
http://www.mossmustang.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=59049&SortOrder=1

**edit** Ha! Good timing.
Click to expand...

Great minds think alike.
 

bigcat

start with the upper hole, and if more traction is
May 1, 2005
3,015
1
79
7200 feet
Feb 23, 2008
#6
  • Feb 23, 2008
  • #6
and another place to buy that retractable plate: http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=739408
 

stangman16

Active Member
Nov 16, 2004
640
4
29
San Antonio, TX
Feb 24, 2008
#7
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #7
Do you think it would look good mounted straight in the middle? I'm not liking the looks of being offset to the side as such.

There's not a stock mounting plate I can get at the dealership or online? Honestly if I have a retractable plate like such, I probably would leave it down all the time. (might even try to invent some kind of motor to have it flip up in the case of being pulled over - lol)
 

stangman16

Active Member
Nov 16, 2004
640
4
29
San Antonio, TX
Feb 24, 2008
#8
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #8
Yeah, cops here in San Antonio I'm sure would not hesitate to get me for that. Shouldn't they go get 'bad guys' instead?

Just curious - but how much was the ticket for?

I'm not really looking to use double sided tape on the bumper... more of a stock style plate holder.

Tell me, why offset? IMO I think that would throw off the look more-so then dead centered.

bronco78 said:
Fasteners are referred to by the size, pitch and type (Metric or SAE ) of the thread, What wise wrench, hex, ect used is only mentioned if there is something specific needed for that application.

I had never ran a front plate until I got to TX and was pulled over three times in a week...

Mounted it to the front end, with a metal frame I had painted in matching Windville blue. Used double stick tape on the back of the plate where it meets the bumper, so it will not vibrate and damage the paint/plastic any more then needed...... I HATE IT.. It blocks air flow to the oil cooler, and it really brakes up the lines of the front end. I was planning on making a bracket to hold it low and off set,,, as the body shop ordered a new bumper cover while it was in the shop..., the guy doing the work did not get the word from the foreman in time, and they reinstalled my plate for me before I could stop them,,,

Anyways,, if it goes in front and center, use a sharp bit, fastest speed on your drill motor. I had no flaking, chipping of the paint when I drilled mine.... think there was a tear in my eye though as the bit hit the plastic for the first hole.
Click to expand...
 

jcsuli74

New Member
Nov 2, 2007
35
0
0
Springfield Illinois
Feb 24, 2008
#9
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #9
i just put one of these on my car. no holes drilled in the bumper, easy on like 10-15 minutes. they have one to fit the CS
http://www.ccmustangbrackets.com/brackets.html
 

bigcat

start with the upper hole, and if more traction is
May 1, 2005
3,015
1
79
7200 feet
Feb 24, 2008
#10
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #10
i have a honda civic (2002ish) license plate bracket on my car. it just covers the very outside edge of the plate. no markings on it or anything. the car is designed to accept the plate without a mounting bracket. i use the honda bracket because i kept cutting my hand on the edge of the plate when washing.
 
M

MUSTANGLOVER73

New Member
Feb 3, 2008
3
0
0
Feb 24, 2008
#11
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #11
i have a stock one that came on the c/s mustangs. i bought it at the ford dealer thinking that it would work on my regular gt front (just looked like it should have one instead of the license plate just bolted to the front). it didnt work, i payed $20 for it. id sell it to you if you want it for 10 plus shipping (never been used)
 

stangman16

Active Member
Nov 16, 2004
640
4
29
San Antonio, TX
Feb 24, 2008
#12
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #12
jcsuli74 said:
i just put one of these on my car. no holes drilled in the bumper, easy on like 10-15 minutes. they have one to fit the CS
http://www.ccmustangbrackets.com/brackets.html
Click to expand...

That'll do just fine, just purchased one. thanks!
 

stangman16

Active Member
Nov 16, 2004
640
4
29
San Antonio, TX
Feb 24, 2008
#13
  • Feb 24, 2008
  • #13
MUSTANGLOVER73 said:
i have a stock one that came on the c/s mustangs. i bought it at the ford dealer thinking that it would work on my regular gt front (just looked like it should have one instead of the license plate just bolted to the front). it didnt work, i payed $20 for it. id sell it to you if you want it for 10 plus shipping (never been used)
Click to expand...

guess I shoulda checked back before ordering... sorry!
 

jcsuli74

New Member
Nov 2, 2007
35
0
0
Springfield Illinois
Feb 25, 2008
#14
  • Feb 25, 2008
  • #14
stangman16 said:
That'll do just fine, just purchased one. thanks!
Click to expand...

no problem, kind os a slick deal. absolutely no holes to drill in the bumper
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
License plate location to avoid sensors
  • metrangia
  • Jun 7, 2025
  • 2024+ (S650) Mustang -General/Talk
Replies
7
Views
1K
2024+ (S650) Mustang -General/Talk Jun 9, 2025
91AOD5.0LX
Progress Thread Giving an abandoned 88 GT project a new chance at life
  • jaketractor
  • Jan 9, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
27
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 20, 2025
Noobz347
For Sale 94 Cobra 408w AOD Project For Sale
  • Labora
  • Oct 11, 2024
  • SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04)
Replies
1
Views
1K
SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04) Apr 7, 2025
Labora
Fuel Replacing the Plastic Factory Fuel Line Push on Connectors
  • AeroCoupe
  • Mar 16, 2023
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
28
Views
25K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 23, 2023
rednotch
C
Progress Thread 2004 Comp Orange GT
  • ctandc
  • Jun 26, 2023
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
56
Views
4K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 1, 2026
ctandc
C
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?