DIY - Magnetic license plate
 

Before I begin....thank you to jsimonk for turning me onto this mod and being the first (that I'm aware of) to get it done

I recently finished making a front license plate holder that is held onto my bumper using magnets. I had previously been using a Stillen license plate bracket I had fashioned to work with my bumper but once I saw this I knew I had to have it =)

Your experience may vary depending on what bumper you have and whether it is OEM or aftermarket. Mine is OEM but has been customized.


Attachment 193548

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Below is the link to the magnets I used/glued onto a universal license plate mounting bracket
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DX04

These are the ones used/glued behind the bumper
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DX48

This is the DIY that jsimonk pointed me to. This showed me the basic ideas on how it is done
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=969227

Universal license plate mounting bracket that was used (picked up at Autozone for $5)
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Universal-Mou...Tb!~~60_35.JPG

I used rubber weather stripping behind the mounting plate bracket (picked up at Home Depot for $8)
http://images.orgill.com/200x200/5396619.jpg

Magnets were glued in using RTV but you can use any strong adhesive really.

Here is where I glued the smaller magnets onto the mounting bracket. You can also see the screws the bracket came with here. I cut them short so they wouldn't stick out the backside of the bracket.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...pse717f3f0.jpg

License plate mounts on this side
Attachment 193549

Larger magnets glued behind the bumper (Below pic). I originally wanted the license plate dead center but because I have an OEM bumper that has the license plate area molded in, it had too much of an air gap and the magnets couldn't get close enough for a really strong hold so I moved them up. If you have an aftermarket bumper, you shouldn't have this problem. OEM sedan Nismos, I would just glue the magnets onto your license plate cover

Some details:
The magnets are self centering so what I did here was made up my plate bracket first, then taped the large magnets behind the bumper approximately the same distance apart as the smaller ones on the plate bracket. I then placed the plate bracket with already glued on magnets onto the front, magnets centered themselves, removed tape and glued the large magnets into place. Let it cure overnight.

I forgot to mention that magnets are directional. Common knowledge for some but it has been years since I played around with magnets (use to play with them frequently working with my dad as he rebuilt transmissions, good memories! :) )....it will be obvious when you try and put the pieces together. Again, be cautious as the larger magnets have a very strong hold!

Attachment 193550

And finally, a vid. Enjoy and happy holidays :) :hello:

Love it. Thanks for the ideal!!!!!!!!!

sweet!

No problem. My pleasure

nice! I have the stillen retractable one>
Its hidden in the bottom vents

Very nice! i'm getting a poly Nismo V3 and was debating to rig up a retractable one in the vents/ducts, but i dont want a hole in my mesh. This may be the better option i dunno? Thanks and goodwork!

Ha! Texas now uses Aluminum to make it's plates....

That my friend is awesome!!

Thanks for the write up.

Haha, that is sweet..

That doesnt matter since u screw the plate to the bracket and use the magnets to secure the bracket to the bumper..

id be too scared of it accidently being knocked off somehow and not know it lol

cool idea. Just make sure when you glue the magnets on that you get the n/s poles oriented right.

Wonder if just putting a large metal plate behind the bumper would work or do you think the double magnets is best?

tether?

Looks good. I did this to mine earlier in the year. I used some rare earth magnets and glued them with epoxy to the back of my bumper. The other magnets were glued stright onto my plate. I bent the plate very slightly so I can follow the curve of the bumper. Workd great and already used to get a ticket signed off. No questions asked. Pop on and pop off.

Outstanding

Nice Troy. Magnets are hella cool =)