Front License Plate Hitting Radiator

L

lasjts

Junior Member
Anyone have ideas/solutions for preventing the front license plate from hitting the radiator while driving? Plates are so flimsy now they just bend in the wind. I damaged my last radiator and don't want it to happen again.
 
Is it necessary to run with a front plate in your State? No front plate on my car, I try not to block the radiator in any way. How about a stone guard or some sort of frame to stiffen the plate? I would check your laws, it may not be necessary. Good luck
 
Some states, like Virginia, do require 2 plates. I use a Model A rear license plate mount on a front bumper bolt to avoid placing the license in front of the radiator. Before that, I used tape on the headlight bar under the original style front license bolt clamps to add a bit of friction to keep the plate from turning into the radiator. Some of my fellow Model A'ers just carry the extra plate under the front seat if stopped by police.
 
Are you sure its the [late and not the clamps loosening up.

You could also put the plate in a plate frame. They sell them at all the car stores.
 
I used two round (doughnut shaped) rubber furniture feet. They are made to mount with a bolt allowing for the nut to be recessed.
Could also screw 3/8 dowel to plate and slip a piece of vac. Hose over it.
 
John said:
Some of my fellow Model A'ers just carry the extra plate under the front seat if stopped by police.
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This.


Although I see you live in New York. YMMV
I used to live in a state that required the front plate but I never put it on the car. I also never got inspection stickers! Police never stopped me.
 
lasjts said:
Anyone have ideas/solutions for preventing the front license plate from hitting the radiator while driving? Plates are so flimsy now they just bend in the wind. I damaged my last radiator and don't want it to happen again.
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Hmm, I didn't think the plates were that flimsy. If its the plate that is bending then back it up with some trim coil or sheet metal. As said, a plate frame should work too. A 'Model A' related plate frame.
 
Thanks. All good ideas. I think I'm going with the plate under the seat (haha) for the time being! If I get stopped, then I'll make a frame for it.

Much appreciated.
 
likely the bolts holding it to the light bar need tightening. Highly unlikely the plate is that flimsy.
 
Smith and Jones has these.
 

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Henry put the front license plate in a very poor location. Try this simple change. Credit for this change goes to my friend Bob Bader. The change uses a Model "A" tail light license plate bracket upside-down and attached to a bumper clamp. Also note that I stiffen my license plates with 0.25" thick Plexiglass.
 

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The Master Cylinder said:
What is "trim coil"? I can't say I have ever heard of trim coil before.
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Most houses today are trimmed in aluminum. This comes in a 'coil' of various sizes rolled up and stuffed in a cardboard box. This aluminum trim is cut to length and width and bent in an aluminum brake. It may have different names, but, we've always called it trim coil. I've bent up and installed a lot of it so I always have some laying around.
 
Bob Bidonde said:
Henry put the front license plate in a very poor location. Try this simple change. Credit for this change goes to my friend Bob Bader. The change uses a Model "A" tail light license plate bracket upside-down and attached to a bumper clamp. Also note that I stiffen my license plates with 0.25" thick Plexiglass.
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Plexiglass is a good idea
 
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