Licence plate relocation

3786 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by inspirone, Feb 8, 2011

inspirone

Discussion Starter · Feb 5, 2011

I want to relocate my front licence plate such that it fits on the lower grille. My aim is to have the black parts of front bumper completely clean.

Any ideas how to fit the licence plate on that grille? Is there some kind of bracket I could use?
I haven't checked under the bumper yet but does anybody know if this would cause any kind air intake obstruction or something similar in the licence plate is there?

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thiefness

· #2 · Feb 5, 2011

Search the forum for SX-R build thread, in that thread he shows how he does exactly what you're asking how to do and describes what he uses to do it.

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noodile

· #3 · Feb 5, 2011

You can always get one of those flip things that get installed under the bumper and flip up,

or buy this

Discount Body Parts - 2004 dodge ram 1500 license plate bracket - 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 License Plate Bracket

and modify it like KOUPSXR did

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inspirone

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 6, 2011

Thanks guys for you input. Actually I happen to have a spare front licence plate holder from the Kia dealership which I intended to place on the lower grille and fix the plate on it... However the dealer has glued + bolted my licence plate on the holder... which makes it almost impossible to detach now... until I find a work around for this I am putting this mod on hold...

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Koup SXR

· #5 · Feb 7, 2011

The front plate is screwed into the center black bumper insert. You'll need to remove the license plate screws and you'll see how it’s screwed to the bumper.

There are two ways that you can approach the 'fix' due to the dealer installed plate holder.

1. you can sometimes find a screw cap base and cover at your local home improvement store (Home Depot?). You can obtain some of those and screw in some new screws with the base on them and cap them with the black cover. The drawback would be that you'll have a series black caps raised on the front bumper trim. The caps/covers are typically a flat black finish with a slight texture.

2. In the same store, you will find some screw covers (gloss black) that are typically used in knock-down furniture. They get put on counter-sink screws. You can use some good quality epoxy in the holes on your bumper trim and add them to cover the holes. The benefits are they're low and typically come in a gloss black finish.

I haven't figured out a better solution other than purchasing a new center bumper trim piece.

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FEARtheFOX

· #6 · Feb 7, 2011

To Follow up Koup SXR: the Center bumper trim piece can be had off of ebay pretty cheap. Here is the linky:

OEM 09 11 Kia Forte Koup Front Lower Bumper Grill 1P - eBay (item 200571321053 end time Mar-01-11 21:26:12 PST)

Compared to dealership price this would be my route.

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inspirone

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 8, 2011

Koup SXR said:
The front plate is screwed into the center black bumper insert. You'll need to remove the license plate screws and you'll see how it’s screwed to the bumper.

Thx for your input Koup SXR, however as I said, the dealer has done this:
1. Screwed the license plate holder on the bumper
2. Put 3M tape on the licence plate holder
3. Glued the licence plate on the holder
4. Screwed the licence plate on the holder

Which means that the only way I can access the licence plate holder screws is to detach it from the 3M which could damage the bumper...

For the holes that will remain I think that they could be masked by applying carbon fibre film on the bumper... But I don't know how good it will cover them... It would be a pity to have to buy a new part of the bumper...

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Koup SXR

· #8 · Feb 8, 2011

^^^you sure have an interesting dealership! I'm curious to know what would make them go the extra distance to apply 3M tape AND glue to the lic. plate assembly to your car?

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FEARtheFOX

· #9 · Feb 8, 2011

^^^The dealership seen what you started and said "Piss on these guys...they want to relocate their plates. Well they will have to buy our parts to be able to do this...." LOL

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inspirone

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 8, 2011

FEARtheFOX said:
^^^The dealership seen what you started and said "Piss on these guys...they want to relocate their plates. Well they will have to buy our parts to be able to do this...." LOL

No wonder... LOL

My licence place is much larger than the holder I guess it was to prevent it from Wobbling!!!! LOL

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