First off, I should start out by saying I don’t condone breaking the law…….I just don’t like the look
of the front plate mounted on my Fiero or my Vette. with that said………..

I’ve been thinking for a while about building a front license holder that I could use to hide the front license plate on the car when I don’t want it to be seen.

I figure that if I’m driving and I see “Johnny Law” heading toward me, I can push the cable in……and “walla” I have a front plate. And Like magic………It disappears just as easy !

It took about 2 ˝ hours, not knowing what the heck I was doing.

Cost: about $25.00 for everything........

I‘d like to show you how I built this.

Parts:

1 Choke cable
1 License frame
1 Universal tag mount
2 small hinges
1 longer hinge
7 lock nuts and bolts with washers

Tools:
Flat head -Screw driver
Hand drill and bits
Tape measure
Center punch
Small hammer
Wrench for tightening bolts
Small Phillips screw driver

No License Plate:

With the drop down license mounted :

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88GT/Auto/Beechwood Leather/SunRoof/Wing/JVC-CD-Sub-Woofer/225/45/17 Michelin Pilots/All Opts Ex.T-Tops

<<< <<< <<< <<< < Pix of my GT /- -/ Pix of my Vettes> >>> >>> >>> >>>
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[This message has been edited by 2000RagTop (edited 06-21-2005).]

First mount the two small hinges to the top back of the license plate:
I used a license frame to give the plate more support

Then measure the underside of your fascia to find the center, measure the distant between the hinge holes from the center of the plate, then drill two small holes in the fascia and attach the hinges to the underside of the fasica.

I used a universal tag mount, for added support to the bottom of the license plate,
then I attach the longer hinge to the back of the universal mount .
The screw holes didn’t line up, I had to drill new holes to attach the long hinge to the universal mount

[This message has been edited by 2000RagTop (edited 06-21-2005).]

Now , get crackin' on those pop-up headlight/rocket-launchers!

Here's two more ideas, electric and vacuum for those that have the $$.

ELEC LICENSE FOLDING KIT
http://www.yearwood.com/store/products_details.php?cat=0&cp=0&s=&id=GTP3

Description:
This electric retractor wires to your ignition switch. The plate folds down when switch is on. When switch is off the plate folds out of sight. This unit is water proof and comes with wire, fuses and complete instructions.

Regularly priced at $199.95

Item #GTP3
Price $179.00

http://www.hotrodproducts.com/RetractAPlate.htm

Solve your License Plate location problems with D.F.M's Vacuum Operated, Front or Rear License Plate Holder that Automatically Lowers when the engine is started and Retracts when shut off. This Kit requires only 14 inches of Vacuum, plus Vacuum is the safest and most durable method for movement control. Kit comes complete with all installation pieces. A "Slick Kit" for any Street Rod, Car or Truck. Can also be used with Super or Turbo Chargers!

Complete Kit Only $145.00

No no no...... You don't drive with it down! You pop it down when you get pulled over. "What are you talking about!? I have a front plate! Go look again!"

I guess I had it backwards, I thought the tag was displayed while you were driving and then folded away while you were parked.

I did the next best thing and folded my tag permanently, that way it's not so much in the way.

Thats the vaccum one, so if you have a SC or turbo the plate will retract when you make boost so no one will know who's doing those big smokey burnouts !!

both of these units are cool.......
but I wanted something that did not automatically move up or down with the key being turned on.

I don't like the front plate on the car ........just wanted to show it when it needed to be shown.
peace

[This message has been edited by 2000RagTop (edited 06-21-2005).]

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"You don't frighten us, English pig-dogs! -- Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called Arthur-king, you and all your silly English knnnniggets. Thppppt!. . . I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!" (Monty Python,Holy Grail)

Keep in mind you might want to hide the hinges. In most states it is stated to be illegal to have a moveable plate. Might want to paint them black or put a rear cover over them. I hide the sider on mine high enough up and you can't move my plate so they have no idea unless they see it move.

FYI, since these photos I have made adjustments that let the plate fully be seen including the state.

Looks Really Ragtop! It worked out better on the GT than I thought it would.

You were also lucky to have more room to work under the bumper than I had. The coupe is lacking in space back there.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 06-21-2005).]

As a WI native I can feel your disgust of having to have a front mounted plate..I mean, hell, the darn cops will come up behind you if they need you any how........

Nice work too!