I used the search to come up with the stillen plate and the DIY that involves a common office clip.

The stillen plate is way over priced, and the second option leaves doubt in my mind due to the possible sliding issue and scratching the bumper. Has anyone found another cheap, but effective solution? If not, I guess I will be drilling the front bumper.

 

just do the DIY one... you'd rather drill the bumper than spend like 20 cents on a clip? you can always put padding on the back of the holder so it doesn't scratch and its held on pretty tight...

 

Just drill it...I mean cmon...when are you going to take it off?? If your like me, you are avoiding tickets...I dont see why not, you wont be at any import shows anytime soon...besides, if your worried about pictures, the holes are tiny and dont even show from a normal distance...but I assume you have the stock adapter that will hold the plates after drilling???

 

yeah, all I have currently is the stock adapter that came with the car. I might as well try this DIY and see what happens with some padding.

Q: how much are dealers charging to install the front plate? likely something rediculous.

 

Nah...just go to any dealer, they should do it free of charge (if its the law in your state)....but I would go staright to the shop/service portion, and when you roll up find any dude working, and ask him kindly to do it for you because "they forgot to put it on"...try not to even deal with the actual desk guys...the shop dudes shouldnt have a problem...I mean cmon...its only drilling 2 holes...

 

I didn't have mine drilled. I just don't put it on. It looks crappy. Messes with the whole cleanness of the car. I got one ticket so far ($55) no biggie. Pay it and drive on. I'll deal with $55 then a whole and a plate in the front.

 

My license plate is crooked, they drilled the holes wrong.

 

Yea, did you know it increases each time? And on the third time I think it gets a bit more serious (like a speeding ticket)? Atleast in Cali..

 

Thats the ONLY thing you have to warn them about...

 

I saw another method of doing this a long time ago. I think it was over on FA, but I don't see it right now.

The basic idea was get a bolt the same size as the tow hook, attach a couple of L brackets to the bolt, and connect those to the stock adapter.

I know I'm leaving out some steps, but hopefully you get the idea.

 

Free from the dealer you purchased it from. Otherwise (at least with us) the charge $45. In cali it is ABSOLUTLY suposed to be installed by the selling dealer, so they are responsible for the install.

 

I use the paper clip method with some blk foam padding ($0.98) that I bought from Michael's and it works great! 3 months now and it is still holding and now scratches! It holds surprisingly well. I recommend you going that route first before dropping $$.

If you don't like it you can always buy a holder or drill the holes.

IMO the factory holder looks better than the holder from Stillen anyway.