DIY: Front license plate bracket Install

turbodog

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but .... thanks! The J-nut thickness thing was driving me crazy. I kept thinking I HAD to be doing something wrong! NO WAY Nissan would screw the pooch this bad on a simple bracket...Yup,they did.

I will NOT have the bracket separated from the nose (and think what those 2 points of contact are going to do to your paint!), so I finally took 2 6mm nuts, and masking-taped them to the backside of the bracket. The tape only needs to hold until the bolts are snug. There is enough clearance for a standard 6mm nut (barely!). So now (with very careful bolt length selection) my bracket sits flush to the nose of the car (as the bracket design was clearly intended to do!) and no rub points. I expect that level of engineering from a '69 MG Midget, not a 2010 Nissan!

Bodytechz

I just placed an order for a '11 Z, does it come with a front plate mounting bracket?? IF so, I will mount this myself, don't trust the dealer to install...

JARblue

Well I guess I'll keep this old thread going... apologies.
I should be picking up the new plates in a week or so. If the mount is provided, I will not be allowing the dealer to install it. I really like TheDreamer look of the Stillen - thanks for posting! (from a fellow Texan trying not to attract attention) I will most likely go that route because, frankly, I just refuse to drill holes however small into my < month old car. However, that motorized one ENT-Z did here is freakin' awesome. I might just wait until first ticket and try that (and yes I'd be willing to cut up the chin spoiler more than drilling holes in the fender because (a) it's much less visible and (b) the ridiculous factor is off the charts).

Anyone else found creative methods of mounting their front plate to comply with dumb state legislature?

**EDIT**
Anyone know if the Zee Bracket for the 350Z is compatible with the front grill of the 370Z? See here. Thanks!

Astrosfan

I'd like to see some more pics of the stillen plate installed too! possible one from a distance? Ive done a search but came up with nothing.
thx

Rsdntevl

I just installed a stillen front plate. From the side you can see about a 0.5 inch gap to the center of the bumper, which is completely fine.

The only con with the plate is the high price.

seahorse12

well I said, screw with the instructions on manual....got me a couple of M6 screws from HomeDepot (I think 12mm long) and no probs in installing my licence plate...I refuse to read a bunch of instructions for something as simple

Nismodean

Cops have been salivating left and right to ticket my car here in Wa. St. (they got me only once so far for speeding) but they have never mentioned anything about me not having a front license plate, I guess my black Z just looks like it should and it never dawns on them that it's not there. So I'll just take the ticket if it ever comes. I couldn't do that to my baby.

Somberlaine

hey guys, where would i buy the front license plate bracket? dealer? thnx

seahorse12

Don't bother going to the dealer...a lot of guys here would cut you a much better deal..I have had very good experience buying stuff from this group..

Keep it up guys !

Baconboy

In order to gain more clearance, I heated up a nut and let it melt its way through the plastic. I coated the front and back sides with a generous layer of epoxy.
It doesn't take much heat at all, 2-3 seconds on a torch.

I was considering filling the holes, tapping them, and using a plastic screw, but opted for this method instead.

Jon J

I saw this plate mount at my local dealer while test driving a car. This is the way I will go also. However, I will buy all stainless steel hardware to attach the plate. The regular steel on zinc plated hardware always rusts or discolors after a some time in the weather. Home Depot has some but the best quality of hardware is at a boating goods store. Yes it will be more expensive but it iw worth the clean look over the years.

Wabby 370z

I used to have the bracket, but it looks horrible. I just zip tied my license plate after getting pulled over 6 times for no license plate in Central Jersey.

RotanimoD

broke my stupid toggle anchor trying to take it out (that white thing holding the screw in place with the bracket)...any help w this pls, much appreciated, thanks!

StevefromTX

For the above member, Is it stuck in the fascia?? or do you just want another one?? I just overcame my mounting issues with a little bit of compromise...I put the brackets on the front side and fabricated some L brackets and drilled the bottom of the plate bracket to hold them and that way the bottom is secure and tight and the top has a small space where the j brackets stand out...not enough to even notice...it is on there good and tight and nothing is poking out the back on my paint...It took a little thought to get all the pieces cut and drilled but about an hour and no questions as to how it was put on at the dealership. I used some nylock nuts on the bottom bolts going thru plate, and some threadlock on the ones going thru where I drilled the plastic to mount the fabricated brackets...I will put up Pics if anyone is really interested...

TexasChuck

Just drill two new holes in the bracket, higher, (up with the holes, down with the bracket), about 3/4" from the top. Flatten the mounting screws with sander or grinder, leaving enough of the Phillips slots to fasten it. Fasten it to the original places in the black facia. Mount plate. Now the entire assembly is below the painted area of the bumper.
DO NOT let the dealer mount your plates! The instructions say drill two large holes in the painted bumper. 10mm I think.