I took delivery of my 'Stang yesterday & was surprised to learn there is no accomodation for a front licence plate. Since front plates are required in Ohio, I was wondering if anyone had any info/recommendations on available mounting bracketry.
If you bought your car in Ohio, I would think the dealer would be required to provide you with a front bracket. I read post earlier where people were upset in states that required front plates as they didn't want them to drill holes in the front bumper.
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Ordered 4/26/05. Picked up June 11, 2005. 05 Mustang GT Premium Coupe, 5spd, Performance White, with red accent leather (ICAP), Shaker 500, IUP, active alarm, side airbag, spoiler delete. MODS: Baltimore Street Mods 10' red stripes and red rocker stripe. window tint. K & N aircharger. Pony Package fender emblems. Added 18" Polished Alum. Bullitts Hurst comp shifter
Texas has the same law. City police tend to let you get away with it, but state troopers do not (I was nailed twice before putting plate on).
There are two small pilot indentations front and center on your bumper. My plate is mounted directly into those two holes with hex screws (no plate mounting bracket used as they set the plate too far out from the bumber). I framed both plates with plain 1/4" chrome frames (Pep Boys) to prevent cutting my fingers off when I wash it. It's not floppy or unsturdy. See photo.
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Wild Willie
Now: '05 satin silver GT auto premium, IUP,500, bags, spoiler delete, alarm, polished Bullitts, dark charcoal.
Then: '67 white Fastback 289 auto, Halibrands.
There are two small pilot indentations front and center on your bumper. My plate is mounted directly into those two holes with hex screws (no plate mounting bracket used as they set the plate too far out from the bumber). I framed both plates with plain 1/4" chrome frames (Pep Boys) to prevent cutting my fingers off when I wash it. It's not floppy or unsturdy. See photo.
There is a bracket you can buy from Ford parts dept. (It's black and ugly)
That plate looks pretty good, you sure have a lot of stickers in the windshield.
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05 Windveil Blue GT Conv, LT Grey Int, 5 speed, IUP, Shaker 500, JBA Axle Backs, Sequential Taillights, SS Inserts Stainless Bezels, Shelby GT500 18x9.5 Chrome Rims with P-Zero Nero M+S 255/45-18 (front) and P-Zero Nero M+S 285/40-18 (rear).
Why does the V6 have a spot for it? Think the bumper is 'higher'...??
I've driven in Ohio for a few years without a front plate, knock knock! I got one friendly reminder I should have one by a cop driving by my house asking about my Duce as I was washing it...
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KJ, poorer but happier
Thanks to: Modular Depot Fox Lake Racing Tunable Induction Power House 411 Sun Coast Creations
Although front plates are required in Ohio...it is Ohio Revised Code which prohibits the dealer from drilling holes in your car without first receiving written permission. If they drilled your front bumper to put their stupid advertisement on the front...you could make them repair it.
I used to be a Powell police officer and most weren't too picky about the fronts...especially on a nice car. Not sure how they are now...that was back in '95! It just gives an officer probable cause to stop you any time they want. A lot of people just take the chance since it takes a little away from the looks....I do!
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2005 Mustang GT, Kooks, Magnapacks, Zex 75 shot, 4.10's,
13.3 ET @ 103.86 (N/A)
12.8 ET @ 105.63 (Nitrous)
...that was back in '95! It just gives an officer probable cause to stop you any time they want. A lot of people just take the chance since it takes a little away from the looks....I do!
'95 huh? That's about the time I got my last ticket.
I think I might risk it & go commando. The thought of drilling holes in my new car is enough to make me sick. I just don't think I could go through with it.
Thanks for the info, everyone! If anyone knows of a non-invasive procedure for installing a front plate, please let me know...
You used to be able to get away with laying the plate on the front dashboard in Cali, but now it must be mounted to the front bumper.
Effective 1 January 2005: Front License Plate Bracket
11713.17. (a) Following the retail sale or lease of a motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, a dealer may not deliver the motor vehicle unless either of the following occurs:
(1) The motor vehicle is equipped with a bracket or other means of securing a front license plate.
(2) The dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgment from the person taking delivery of the motor vehicle acknowledging both of the following:
(A) The person expressly refused installation of a bracket or other means of securing the front license plate.
(B) The person understands that California law requires a license plate to be displayed from and securely fastened to the front of the motor vehicle and that the hardware necessary to securely fasten the front plate is available from the dealer.
(b) A manufacturer or distributor may not sell or distribute in this state a new motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, unless that motor vehicle is equipped or provided with a bracket or other means of securing the license plates.
Added Sec. 1, Ch. 365, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.
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05 Windveil Blue GT Conv, LT Grey Int, 5 speed, IUP, Shaker 500, JBA Axle Backs, Sequential Taillights, SS Inserts Stainless Bezels, Shelby GT500 18x9.5 Chrome Rims with P-Zero Nero M+S 255/45-18 (front) and P-Zero Nero M+S 285/40-18 (rear).
Should've gotten a V6, then you'd have a place to put it ....
just kidding...
but if you had a windveil blue GT and the bumpers were able to be switched, I'd be more than happy to do that for ya! hehe...
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*Danielle*
My brand new pride and joy! (3/11/05)
05 Windveil Blue V6 Premium, manual, Tan Leather, Interior Upgrade, Shaker 500, Spoiler, Fogs, 20/35% tint, 17" Bullits
No f-ing way will I be drilling any holes in my front bumper cover to either mount a plate, or worse yet a butt-ugly dealer bracket, on the front of my baby!
(Of course, since mine will not be a daily driver, I'll probably be able to get away with this easier than someone who relies on the car for everyday transportation.)
might be a good idea to stick the plate on if its required by your state...
i realize you might be pissed about putting holes into ur babe but let me tell you from experience that you'll prob be more pissed when you get a ticket for neglecting to do so. its been a bit over a month since ive got pony and just recently discovered 2 tickets hanging on the side of my window... one for parking in a street cleaning zone (sonava #$@%! wrote it up at the last second of street cleaning period) and the other for the front plate
sure if you get pulled over you might talk yourself out of it but if you're away from it then its basically vulnurable..
http://www.sonicblur.net/ they have a license plate bracket that requires no drilling to the front bumper. Just click on the banner on the top of the web-page. I don't know if this is just for the 03/04 Cobra's. If it is, it might give you some ideas though.
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Current Vehicle: 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra: Born 03/03/2004 #2882 of 3768
Previous Vehicles: 2002 Mustang GT & 1998 Mustang GT
I put the front plate on as required by NY the very day I got the car from the dealer. I was sad that I had to drill into the bumper, since it affects the cool look of the front end. The bracket that 4511.21(what's with the numbers?) suggested would stick out too far for me.
I'm trying not to give the police here any reasons to pull me over!
I already had a cop follow me into my work parking lot, just to check out my Torch Red GT! I guess that's my fault for getting that color.
Front Licence Plate Suggestions? 
