DIY: Show-N-Go install (Grill, center mount)

Splinter

first of all i want to thank Boost_lee and ENT-Z for their original DIYs, i have always looked for a way to be able to go from having a license plate mounted to not having one in as little time and hassle possible, i've messed with cabinet hardware, magnets, etc and have never come up with a satisfying solution.

so this is taking boost_lee's diy a step further and modifying the center bracket to allow the show-n-go to be mounted as flush as possible with the front bumper, couple of cuts had to be made but nothing major. this bracket is also very cheap to replace if you mess up, can be bought from courtesyparts for about $20 and its only purpose is to hold the outside temp sensor and on a non-nismo Z is for the hood stay to hook onto... the thing that holds the hood closed after you pull the lever inside the car.

btw tools i used was a dremel with a cutting wheel, however it was hard to make the cuts straight due to not having enough room to maneuver around the bracket, i had to use a dremel flex shaft, a 90 degree attachment for the dremel would have made it alot easier.

references:
Original Diy by ENT-Z
Diy by Boost_lee

now onto the pics.

preliminary test fit to see where i had to cut:


front view:

i also liked that there was a threaded hole in the bracket, so i used that to mount and secure the back of the plate holder.

this is the bracket afterwards. i made 2 cuts and bent the remaining tab back as flat against the bracket as i could, test fitted to make sure the plate holder fit in the slot.


then i had to trim a bit of the metal on the top to make room for the motor on the plate holder. i actually ended up trimming the rest of it off so its flat. forgot to take a pic


then i painted all the exposed metal with some black touch up paint. this paint is actually kinda old, could have used some thinner.


this is the show-n-go installed, as you can see i used a 10mm bolts i had laying around to mount the plate holder to the bracket using the hardware that came with the show-n-go. i did have to angle the bracket a bit so that it lined up correctly, it was that or drill new holes on the plate holder but that probably would have made it hang crooked.

this is it mounted and up, nice and straight.


now with the bumper back on i secured the front of the plate holder with zip ties just like boost_lee did.


and this is how much it sticks out beyond the grill on the bumper


and the final product


the kit comes with some foam pads that you can stick to the back of the plate holder so when it comes up it doesnt hit and scratch your bumpers, i actually stacked the 2 that you get right on the top-middle of the plate holder, without these the protruding backs for the screws hit the bumper. i didnt get a pic of this

the wiring was all explained in the show-n-go instructions, connect the harness (2 wires) to the motor, find a location for the receiver, and then connect to power and ground.

so hopefully people that were looking into doing something like this can get an idea of what is required.

here is a video too!

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2011 Gun Metallic 370Z Base w/ Sports Package 6MT
Mods: HKS Hi-Power, Test Pipes, Black Z1 Stillen G3s, Swift Springs, 20mm spacers F&R, AuCar 13.6' Android Screen, Backup Camera, G35 Homelink, Rear fog

Boost_lee

Good work bro! I may revisit this method when I do an oil cooler install.

Splinter

thank you! wouldnt have been possible without your diy! and yeah i was going to put this off until i can get some stillen g3s or an oil cooler to do it all at once since you have to take off the bumper but just decided to go for it.

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2011 Gun Metallic 370Z Base w/ Sports Package 6MT
Mods: HKS Hi-Power, Test Pipes, Black Z1 Stillen G3s, Swift Springs, 20mm spacers F&R, AuCar 13.6' Android Screen, Backup Camera, G35 Homelink, Rear fog

ZForce

Looks like mounts in same place as the Z1 oil cooler. Curious if the plate will obstruct the oil cooler. Zip ties....hum.....not sure I like that setup especially when showing the car at meets. Nice job.

Splinter

the oil coolers mount on the driver side similar to how the power steering cooler is on the passenger side. there should still be enough room for an oil cooler there even with the plate frame but can't confirm as I don't have one yet.
the zip ties are barely visible, imo easiest way to mount it and easy to remove.

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2011 Gun Metallic 370Z Base w/ Sports Package 6MT
Mods: HKS Hi-Power, Test Pipes, Black Z1 Stillen G3s, Swift Springs, 20mm spacers F&R, AuCar 13.6' Android Screen, Backup Camera, G35 Homelink, Rear fog

ZForce

Thanks,hopefully a member with an oil cooler will verify clearence. With the plate up it will make for good oil cooler block off plate.

Unique_Z

Here's my setup with both Gen 3 and 34 row oil cooler. and the oil cooler is a bit far (assuming bumper are installed) from the show n go mounting. plus, i wouldn't worry bout that since we can make a custom bracket anyway IF the mounting of the plate's too close. i don't have the show n go mod at the moment but i'm planning to install it for a stealth look



closer look

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My Z Build
UniqueZ

ZForce

Thanks for the pix, I could not remember if the oil cooler bracket installed on the vertical rail or not and was too lazy to go garage and look. Should fit with no problems. Functions as a hide away license plate and as ablock off plate. Two for the price of one.

Em370z

Hello splinter i been wondering since you posted the thread of the show n go where u mounted it in the center , have you had any problem with your show and go over the years??? Cause i have heard stories about the wire getting twisted and not well protected!!