Topic: Please Help with Front License Plate Bracket
in Forum: C3 Body
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OK, I am not here to debate the issue of running a front tag or not. I
am in Missouri and we have to have front tags. Problem is I have a
newer nose on the car from previous owner who did not have run front plates. The places for the tag bolts/screws have never been
drilled or cut out or I have been told that a bracket is missing for that front plate.
My question is how should I do this, just drill a round hole and use the bolts/nuts that you can buy at autozone or is there a trick to making the square hole for the square receivers like is in the back of the car now, my Hondas and every other car I have owned.
Or in the alternative can you point me to the bracket that I may be missing, parts, etc. who can sell the same. No I do not want to use sticky tape....what was supposed to be on here in 81??????
No smarty pants answers either, Please!!!



3 vette man 2007-07-18 09:22:00
My question is how should I do this, just drill a round hole and use the bolts/nuts that you can buy at autozone or is there a trick to making the square hole for the square receivers like is in the back of the car now, my Hondas and every other car I have owned.
Or in the alternative can you point me to the bracket that I may be missing, parts, etc. who can sell the same. No I do not want to use sticky tape....what was supposed to be on here in 81??????
No smarty pants answers either, Please!!!




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Is the new bumper fiberglass? I'd just drill holes and then use a triangular file to square em up to snap those plate nuts in. Don't think the 80-82 rubber bumpers even had any type of backing or reinforcement. I've had several other cars with rubber bumpers that the plates simply screwed into the bumper.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The front bumpers did actually have a part there to hold the license, as well as fill out/support the urethane cover. It's a big ol honkin thing, too, made of rubber and aluminuminum. It has loooong studs that go thru the front crash bar.
I have one I can take a pic or two of when I get home this evening. It is off of an '81, if my feeble memory serves me right...
As Mike says, tho, if it is a 'glass cover, you can just drill two holes, and file them out to fit the square nuts into them. That's what I had to do on the rear cover on the '74.
I have one I can take a pic or two of when I get home this evening. It is off of an '81, if my feeble memory serves me right...
As Mike says, tho, if it is a 'glass cover, you can just drill two holes, and file them out to fit the square nuts into them. That's what I had to do on the rear cover on the '74.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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Thanks....it is fiberglass. I am not sure why it was replaced, but was done with the car was painted...nice bumpber. Anyway I think I will just drill a regular circular hole and use some washers so the hole doesn't pull through, crack or make it bigger. Should I use a special bit, slow speed....I get nervous around the fiberglass. One last question, was the fiberglass better than the softer plastic???? As I said, it sure looks better, although not original I guess

Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
I'm no authority, but, urethane distorts from the sun and fiberglass holds its shape but fiberglass can break up from stress and urethane is more resilient. I hope some of these newer compositions have more flexible qualities than fiberglass.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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Hay ALL,
During my drive to CC. I stopped in Oregon for no front plate.
Got a ticket. 

I have it on now. 

I just made a cardboard tempelet of the front area where the plate mounts. Then BENT the plate to fit. I glued a sheet of thin rubber on the back of the plate. (don't want and metal plate scratchin' my Vette)
Then with Black wire ties installed the plate.
Hope this helps with the mounting issues.


Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Gotta love those state troopers for keepin' the criminal element in line
. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be sarcastic, it just comes natural. Actually, I'm very PRO law inforcement,.....except when I get caught, right Steve ?
aceinthehole 2007-07-19 18:51:44


Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
Click to see larger views!
in Forum: C3 Body
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