Hey guys, after thoroughly searching (thoroughly meaning one search consisting of the key words: "front license plate tow hook") I couldn't find anyone who made a bracket that utilized the stock tow hook hole.

So...after getting a no front plate ticket two days ago, and me being the impatient person that I am, I went off to Lowe's yesterday in hopes to creating my own.

The goal here was create a simple, light, strong, yet budget bracket that is easy to remove and install.

I'll upload pictures and stuff later (4:30AM here now)

Tools you need:
-Hacksaw
-18V Drill (I used 12V and a handfile) and Drill bits
-(2) 19mm sockets or wrenches (you need two of either/or, doesn't matter, adjustable wrenches are fine too)
-Flathead screwdriver
-10mm socket (depends on what size bolts you use for the license plate holes)
-Something to sand the edges of the aluminum piece (optional)

Parts:
-Stock tow hook extension
-License plate
-9 inches of aluminum (1/8" x 1" x 9") I got 3 feet of it from Lowe's for $5.27
-12x1.75x35mm Hex bolt - $1.63
-12x1.75 Nylon Insert Lock Nut - $1.04
-Set of 4 neoprene washers - $0.66
-12mm flat washer - $negligible, used for marking only
-2 small bolts, 2 small washers, and two small nuts (for license plate holes)

Steps:
1. Measure 9 inches of aluminum and hacksaw off the piece, this is your main bracket

2. Mark the center of the bracket with a marker or something, then use your 12mm washer to mark where you have to drill out (you can use the washer to determine what drill bit size you need as well)

3. Use your license plate to mark the two holes on the bracket.

4. Drill the two small holes for the plate and the center larger hole for your connecting 12mm bolt.

5. Thread the 12mm hex bolt through the center hole of the bracket and tighten the 12mm lock nut, as tight as you want to sandwich the bracket in the middle.

6. Take off the front tow hook cover piece using a flathead carefully.

7. Screw on your factory tow hook extension piece.

8. CAREFULLY screw in your bracket (the sides aren't bent yet, so you have to watch out for clearance), do NOT spin your "propeller" freely without worry, you will have a nice scratch if you do.

9. After the bracket is on there snug, gently bend each side to parallel the bumper (if you are looking at the hood, the right side will be bent slightly more than the left)

10. Remove the bracket and mount your license plate, using two neoprene washers between the bracket and the plate on each side.

11. Screw in the whole assembly and enjoy! (Note: when selecting your bolts for the plate, keep in mind you want them as short as possible to maximize clearance)

That's it! This is only for stock bumpers, so I have no clue how it'll work out in aftermarket bumpers. Hope this helped out the guys who were looking for a similar fix.

EDIT!
Here are some pictures:
















You can always alter the bracket a bit, if you want the plate a little higher up. I have seem a few designs already, but mine seems to be the most basic.

 

post some pics when you can. sounds easy and interesting

 

Added some pics!

 

hey noob, nice fabrication. I didn't think it would turn out good but it's looking great

 

i don't understand, why wouldn't you use the stock licence plate holes?

 

Very nicely done! Looks much better than the typical front plate placement.

 

any funny sounds at speed? I am curious if it vibrates in the wind?

 

Tae, I know you want one.

I mainly made this mount, so I wouldn't have to remove the bumper plug holes, plus it's a lot quicker to remove and install. Guys with unmolested bumpers can use this bracket to keep their S safe from the drill.

I do like how it looks too, over the stock placement.

No funny sounds at higher speeds. I'll upload a video, but it doesn't flex very much thanks to the thickness I used. To bend the bracket during installation, you do have to use quite a bit of force. Wind should be no problem.

 

good job!

saved $50 for sure!

 

good job , but