DIY: Tow hook license plate
01-30-2016, 01:55 PM
#1
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Tow hook license plate
Theres probably a bunch of DIY out there for this but this is my $6 No Drill License Plate.
Parts Needed all obtained at Home Depot or most hardware stores.
1/2" Rigid Conduit Locknut Store SKU # 621516 = $0.78
1/2" x 6" Rigid Galvanized Pipe Store SKU # 182532 = $2.50
1/4 in.-20 x 3/4 in. Phillips Flat-Head Machine Screws Store SKU # 550533 = $1.18
4 Washers = $0.07 each
Galvanized Steel Sheet pre-cut cant remember the exact size but just long enough for the license plate I still had to cut the excess metal. = $0.78
Aviation snips.
Trace the metal so its almost exact as the license plate and cut the sheet metal, dot were the screw holes are i used a drill to make the holes just big enough for the screw to go in. The metal will have to be bent in the middle so the pipe does not touch the license plate. Pictures will explain the rest. I was extremely happy with the results. Now need to take it to a police officer to sign off on the fix it ticket lol
Parts Needed all obtained at Home Depot or most hardware stores.
1/2" Rigid Conduit Locknut Store SKU # 621516 = $0.78
1/2" x 6" Rigid Galvanized Pipe Store SKU # 182532 = $2.50
1/4 in.-20 x 3/4 in. Phillips Flat-Head Machine Screws Store SKU # 550533 = $1.18
4 Washers = $0.07 each
Galvanized Steel Sheet pre-cut cant remember the exact size but just long enough for the license plate I still had to cut the excess metal. = $0.78
Aviation snips.
Trace the metal so its almost exact as the license plate and cut the sheet metal, dot were the screw holes are i used a drill to make the holes just big enough for the screw to go in. The metal will have to be bent in the middle so the pipe does not touch the license plate. Pictures will explain the rest. I was extremely happy with the results. Now need to take it to a police officer to sign off on the fix it ticket lol
The following 2 users liked this post by beto4632:
G.AWD.zilla (04-02-2017),
Kris9884 (02-16-2016)
02-19-2016, 06:21 PM
#5
I would recommend 2 things;
1. Cut down those bolts with a dremel to where they're flush with the nut
2. Cover remaining nut / bolt end with Sugru (a moldable "hacking putty" or whatever they call it.) it will prevent big holes in your bumper if someone was to even lightly run into the plate mount in a parking lot.
1. Cut down those bolts with a dremel to where they're flush with the nut
2. Cover remaining nut / bolt end with Sugru (a moldable "hacking putty" or whatever they call it.) it will prevent big holes in your bumper if someone was to even lightly run into the plate mount in a parking lot.
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beto4632 (02-19-2016)
02-22-2016, 05:19 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
My bumper did not come with a front licence plate bracket so i did not want to drill into the bumper stillen makes licence plate holders like the one i made for $70+ but i made my own there some laws that you have to have a front licence plate well at least for Californian.
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02-23-2016, 10:04 AM
#8
My bumper did not come with a front licence plate bracket so i did not want to drill into the bumper stillen makes licence plate holders like the one i made for $70+ but i made my own there some laws that you have to have a front licence plate well at least for Californian.
I've seen some folks with motorized FLPs that hideaway with a switch. Presumably to make the front more photogenic at shows and meets.
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beto4632 (02-26-2016)
01-09-2017, 09:41 AM
#10
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Great DIY man!
Just wondering if you did this for a coupe or a sedan because i have heard mixed things saying that the coupe and sedan have different threads and sizes for the tow hooks.
Thanks in advance!
Just wondering if you did this for a coupe or a sedan because i have heard mixed things saying that the coupe and sedan have different threads and sizes for the tow hooks.
Thanks in advance!
01-09-2017, 09:44 AM
#11
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The screw hole diameters are the same. my friend has a sedan and he has the same plate re-locator I ordered for my coupe.
01-09-2017, 09:56 AM
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10-03-2017, 05:14 PM
#14
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Did you use a spring O ring washer to hold the 1/2 pipe from getting loose after a while because of the vibration?
I bought a tow hook license plate mount from ebay. I was afraid it would get loose so I used 1/2" spring O ring washer to secure it.
I bought a tow hook license plate mount from ebay. I was afraid it would get loose so I used 1/2" spring O ring washer to secure it.
12-01-2018, 06:34 PM
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Nice DIY! It gave me a lot of insight.
However. I am not sure how the tow hook socket takes 1/2" thread.
I tried my luck and tried the part below and as expected, it didn't fit. Perhaps it is not the same product as the OP's.
Item # 24033 Model # 10410
Mueller Proline 1/2-in dia Galvanized Nipple Fittings.
I have a 2011 IPL and the thread is M24x3.0, according to the internet forum and my caliper. That being said, there is no way a 1/2" thread will fit.
By the way; Most budget tow hook license plate frames on amazon and walmart won't fit the IPL bumper. DIY or some mod seems be the only way if you do not want to pay 89.99 for the nice one.
However. I am not sure how the tow hook socket takes 1/2" thread.
I tried my luck and tried the part below and as expected, it didn't fit. Perhaps it is not the same product as the OP's.
Item # 24033 Model # 10410
Mueller Proline 1/2-in dia Galvanized Nipple Fittings.
I have a 2011 IPL and the thread is M24x3.0, according to the internet forum and my caliper. That being said, there is no way a 1/2" thread will fit.
By the way; Most budget tow hook license plate frames on amazon and walmart won't fit the IPL bumper. DIY or some mod seems be the only way if you do not want to pay 89.99 for the nice one.