I posted this thread a while back, so I figured I would place it in here as well...

This is for someone who likes the look of no front plate, but may need to install it temporarily for inspection or semi-permanent situations....
Either way, I believe this would stay on as long as you needed it to....

I can not take the full credit for this one. The DYI was originally posted by civic5zigen, a year or so back....since the pics are no longer visible, I decided to update the thread with some of my own pics.

DISCLAIMER: I post this as a quick fix. I did not leave the plate assembly on for any length of time. Do at your own risk.......

I needed to go to inspection this month, and did not want to spend the $70 for the Stillen plate mount.

I did a search, and found civic5zigen's thread. so here we go.....

Pic #1
remove the tow hook cover on your bumper. I had a tough time with mine, it wouldn't budge. You will need a long flat screwdriver with electrical tape on the tip to reduce any damage. Once popped out, squeeze the side tabs and remove.


Pic #2
Squeeze the two tabs on the sides, and pull the cover out and off....set it aside for re-installation.


Pic #3
Here is the exposed area of the bumper. You may be able to see the small dent I put in the bottom of the opening trying to remove the cover......


Pic #4
I used some 3M Painters' tape to cover the area which the license plate holder makes contact with the bumper. If you were to make this semi-permanent, you should put some soft felt or other material on the holder as not to damage your paint.


Pic #5
Here is the License plate mount that comes with our cars.....I reversed the J-Nut (silver item) so the threaded part was facing outward...this is to prevent any chance of the screw hitting the bumper. I used a small #10 screw to mount the license plate.


Pic #6
This is the clip I used to mount the plate assembly to the car. Its called a binder clip, and comes in many sizes. This one is a medium size and should be adequate. You can find them at Staples or any office supply store....A whole box is about $2.00


Pic #7
Place the bracket assembly in the tow hook opening, and place the clip as shown. Then flip the chrome part upward to allow it to sit flush with the mount. I used a second one on the side, but I don't think its necessary.


Pic #8
Here is the plate assembly mounted with front plate on the car. I tried to shift/loosen it, and it wouldn't budge. I really think this will stay in place unless somebody backs into you.......


Pic #9
A side view of the entire assembly.



I did this for a temporary time so I could pass NJ Motor Vehicle Inspection. I do feel however, the plate assembly will stay in place since I drove over ten (10) miles to the inspection station.

If I was to leave this on for an extended period of time, I would put three clips on. One on the top, and the others on each side as a precaution. I would also fix some felt to the back of the black plastic mount to avoid any possible scratches on the bumper.

It worked for me, and it would be great for a quick "fix it" ticket. No Holes, No $70 bucks out of pocket.
Hope this helps anyone out there that needs to temporarily mount their front plate.

 

very nice!

 

so do you have to unscrew the plate to take it off?

 

Yes, you would need to remove the two screws, then the plate assembly can be removed.

 

wow, very cool. i will definitely use then when i need to get my tix signed off.

 

Looks like a great temp idea!

 

imma use this to get my front plate ticket signed off.

 

or use double sided tape