License Plate Frame
05-20-2017, 01:20 AM
#16
Registered Member
I think branded and custom-text plate frames are really tacky, and only one step removed from the embarrassment of dealer-installed plastic frames. They're busy, and often conflict with the design on the license plate itself.
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
06-07-2017, 09:07 AM
#20
I think branded and custom-text plate frames are really tacky, and only one step removed from the embarrassment of dealer-installed plastic frames. They're busy, and often conflict with the design on the license plate itself.
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...e%2Bframe&th=1
Here's a consideration people should look into before getting a frame: if you're thinking of getting a *covered* frame, with Plexiglas or whatever, not every state allows it. New York doesn't.
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...e%2Bframe&th=1
Here's a consideration people should look into before getting a frame: if you're thinking of getting a *covered* frame, with Plexiglas or whatever, not every state allows it. New York doesn't.
06-07-2017, 09:36 AM
#21
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
Yeah, I really like these. They provide the necessary rigidity to the plates, and a very clean, unobtrusive trim line. Been using them for years on all my cars.
However, the finish is cheap. Whether chrome or black, you can only get a few years out of them before chrome corrosion or black-paint wear necessitate replacement. Fortunately, they're also really inexpensive.
However, the finish is cheap. Whether chrome or black, you can only get a few years out of them before chrome corrosion or black-paint wear necessitate replacement. Fortunately, they're also really inexpensive.
06-07-2017, 10:02 AM
#22
I think branded and custom-text plate frames are really tacky, and only one step removed from the embarrassment of dealer-installed plastic frames. They're busy, and often conflict with the design on the license plate itself.
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...e%2Bframe&th=1
However, I also think the plate needs framing... but it needs to be subtle. So for the last 10 years, I've been using Custom Cruiser plate frames on all my cars. You can find it at any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, etc. Very inexpensive, $7 tops.
It has four bolt holes, with the flanges *behind* the plate, so there's a continuous, consistent framing effect. Match it with some black or gun-metal fender washers, and you have a really clean look.
https://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-Acces...e%2Bframe&th=1
06-07-2017, 11:25 AM
#23
Registered Member
While on this topic, if you have these clips
clips, get ride of it. They're such a PITA to unbolt the plates once the bolts come loose in the plastic housing.
06-07-2017, 11:39 AM
#24
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
While on this topic, if you have these clipshttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/450430400209984304/ clips, get ride of it. They're such a PITA to unbolt the plates once the bolts come loose in the plastic housing.
One of my rear bolts became frozen in that clip, and the bolt just spun and spun. It was very frustrating. I had to cut the bolt with a loose hacksaw blade held in my fingers. And then replace the busted clip with a more standard type of clip that I picked up at the Nissan dealership. This time around, I put some no-seize on the bolt threads.
It really makes you wonder how dealerships deal with this crap when swapping plate for new or used cars.
True to form, that's really bad advice for license plates that hang down without the support of a solid trunk or bumper backing.
Last edited by Rochester; 06-07-2017 at 12:01 PM.
06-07-2017, 09:49 PM
#26
Registered Member
John -
I went through the same frustration and that's when I learned this lesson.
I didn't think about no-seize on the bolt threads but not a bad idea next time i'll apply some when clean my bumpers.
I went through the same frustration and that's when I learned this lesson.
I didn't think about no-seize on the bolt threads but not a bad idea next time i'll apply some when clean my bumpers.
