[mikeyymonster]

I have been looking for a solution for a front plate for some time as I wanted to have the freedom of driving without a front plate but not have to deal with the hassles of getting ticketed when parking at the meters in specific areas known to give parking tickets. The solutions I've found were to either use the tow hook or a hideaway plate. I found that this solution works out to be the best as I can slide the plate in and out within 10 seconds. If needed, I can also drive with it secured in place. You do need to drill 4 small holes under the car which took me about 5 min and cannot be seen.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share an alternative solution for those who are looking for a way to mount the front plate. I have attached pictures and a link to the product below.

http://shop.bigmikesperformanceparts...?categoryId=12

Showing the sliders:

Plate installed:

Front of car with adapter installed below the car and plate removed:

[hyperzulu]

Is it automatic? I've seen some automatic ones before that would be cool for those times a CHP might stop me and when he looks at my front bumper and sees the plate, he jumps off a cliff assuming he's gone cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

[mikeyymonster]

No, this is not automatic. It requires you to slide the plate in and out.

[hyperzulu]

Still a nice solution. I am still debating on whether I will put a front plate at all. The police probably don't care, it's those stupid meter maids.

[mikeyymonster]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. The automatic ones are nice, but then you have to deal with wiring and the possibility of it failing in the future. This seems to be a nice simple solution.

[MG 228i]

Pretty cool! I'll probably get it when I eventually get caught without one.
Does it rattle?

[hyperzulu]

I took another look at this and realized what this is. It is not a hide-away plate. You pull a pin and remove the plate and bracket, leaving only the base plate.

Are you driving with this installed, or only when you stop to park?

[mikeyymonster]

Yes, that is right. The base is not visible when the plate is off. I drive with it on when I know I'm going to an area known to have issues (downtown LA, west LA, etc.) otherwise it stays off until I'm parked on the street in an area known to give tickets by meter maids (Glendale and Pasadena). Since I don't live in those areas and don't go there too often, my plate is off probably 99% of the time.

[hans007]

tow hook mount might not have worked for you anyway. i mount mine only to clear tickets. but when mounted, it sets the parking sensors off which is annoying.

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by hans007

tow hook mount might not have worked for you anyway. i mount mine only to clear tickets. but when mounted, it sets the parking sensors off which is annoying.

Are you guys in California going to a police station to clear the meter maid tickets? I always find it too inconvenient. If I have to take an hour of my time from work to do this, I'm losing money.

[mikeyymonster]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Are you guys in California going to a police station to clear the meter maid tickets? I always find it too inconvenient. If I have to take an hour of my time from work to do this, I'm losing money.

From what I recall, you only save like $20-$25 by actually going to the station to sign off vs just paying off the ticket, which is typically like $50 I think. I haven't gotten one yet, but based on the stories I've read this is just a backup plan I'm using to avoid giving the city free money.

[hyperzulu]

I've always just paid the meter tickets. $25 as of maybe a year ago, I guess. If a cop were to give you a ticket though, I've never been able to simply get it waived. Last and only time it's happened to me was a trip to the district court house to have a Sheriff inspect and then an administrative fee paid to their office inside the court house. It was a bitch...

[hans007]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Are you guys in California going to a police station to clear the meter maid tickets? I always find it too inconvenient. If I have to take an hour of my time from work to do this, I'm losing money.

no ive only had to do it once on my bmw, but it was because an actual cop pulled me over.


had it happen before when i had an audi too (but i just mounted the plate on that car).

i would just pay the ticket if it was a meter maid fine. i know the police station i cleared the ticket at last time i open weekends, they charge like a $10 admin fee to inspect it and i think the fine is $20 for the ticket. i believe CHP offices they inspect for free, but they aren't open all the time

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

Are you guys in California going to a police station to clear the meter maid tickets? I always find it too inconvenient. If I have to take an hour of my time from work to do this, I'm losing money.

No kidding. Everyone else has a front plate. Whats the big deal? Seems to be turning into a silly game.

[dan81phl]

I got pulled over by a CHP officer.. twice. I bought the tow hook mount but it trips my parking sensor. So I install it and drive to the CHP office in Oakland.. luckily just a 5 min drive for me and get them to sign it off.

[NEUE02]

This is a very intriguing option. Do you have any pics from ground level showing where you attached the bracket? I would also like to know if it's stable and quiet. Thanks.

[bluemeanie]

I use a front bracket from skenedesign.com. Takes a bit of fussing to install but avoids drilling visible holes in the front.

[golf_234]

On my 1er I just used foam mounting tape on the front bumper. Worked perfect and no drilling, but obviously not easily removable.

[hans007]

Originally Posted by golf_234

On my 1er I just used foam mounting tape on the front bumper. Worked perfect and no drilling, but obviously not easily removable.

i think this is basically how they stick your plate on for the euro delivery cars right>?

[Bimmer86]

I'm planning on using this, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...RYJIF43OSKUULA

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by hans007

i think this is basically how they stick your plate on for the euro delivery cars right>?

I believe so. I am surprised more people don't find this as a more obvious solution. I curved the plate ever so slightly to follow the contour of the bumper and did an upside down "U" shape foam pattern to mount, and the plate slightly overhung down into the intake area. $5 and done. No cop hassles. To remove, just like an emblem, heat with blow dryer. In fact, emblems are stuck on using the same kind of foam tape. It is as minimalist as it can be, no brackets, no drilling, or anything like that.

[3.0L]

My dad had a neat little sports car back in the '50's he also was bugged about the front license plate spoiling the appearance of his car. His "solution" was to trim off all of the metal around the numbers and letters so there was virtually no borders, thus making the plate as small as possible, yet still readable.