GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

How is front plate attached?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-28-07, 02:55 PM
  #1  
steverhode
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
 
steverhode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas area, Texas
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question How is front plate attached?

My son will be taking his driver's test in 2 weeks, which means I have to have a front license plate on the car. I took it off of my 1998 GS300 in 1999.

Now, while I still have the plate itself (but no other brackets, bolts, etc.), I can't figure how it was ever attached in the first place. (About 10% of the cars in CA don't have front plates on, although it is the law that they are supposed to, hence the requirement in order to take the driver's test.)

Can some enlighten me? Thanks. (Please don't suggest he take the exam in another car. He has trained only on my GS and will be getting it for college when I get a GS350.)
Old 07-28-07, 03:13 PM
  #2  
milky
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (9)
 
milky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

You can buy the OE front license plate bracket at the dealer if it didn't come with your car. If you dont want to spend so much, you can just go to any auto parts store and buy a generic front bracket and screw it into your front bumper.

Look for the two grooves on the front bumper; thats where the screws go.
Old 07-28-07, 07:54 PM
  #3  
steverhode
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
 
steverhode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas area, Texas
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by milky
You can buy the OE front license plate bracket at the dealer if it didn't come with your car. If you dont want to spend so much, you can just go to any auto parts store and buy a generic front bracket and screw it into your front bumper.

Look for the two grooves on the front bumper; thats where the screws go.
I looked just now, and there are 2 small indentations but no holes. I think my memory must have been faulty. I guess I never even put the plate on when I got it. It sure does look pristine. I guess I'll have to drill the holes in order to make the DMV happy for 30 minutes.

Hmm, on the other hand, if you mount the plate with a bracket, is there a secure way to attach the bracket to the grill without making any holes in the grill? Does anyone know?
Old 07-28-07, 08:01 PM
  #4  
Billh2
Pole Position
 
Billh2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by steverhode
I looked just now, and there are 2 small indentations but no holes. I think my memory must have been faulty. I guess I never even put the plate on when I got it. It sure does look pristine. I guess I'll have to drill the holes in order to make the DMV happy for 30 minutes.

Hmm, on the other hand, if you mount the plate with a bracket, is there a secure way to attach the bracket to the grill without making any holes in the grill? Does anyone know?
When I bought my car, it didn't have a front plate. I found the bracket in the trunk, still in the OEM package. Apparently, this car has never had a front plate. Interesting because Washington State has a front plate law. I lost the front plate on another car and was stopped almost immedately. I see the indents in the bumper cover for the bracket, but until I get stopped, my car isn't going to get one. The car has been registered in Washington for the past 5 years.
Old 07-28-07, 11:55 PM
  #5  
chrispy
Moderator
iTrader: (21)
 
chrispy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,764
Received 78 Likes on 37 Posts
Default

Don't drill it, you'll regret it. You can probably fabricate some bracket using the lower grill for a temporary front plate.
Old 07-29-07, 01:32 AM
  #6  
sirblinks
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
 
sirblinks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: 626socal
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i got my car with the front plates. also my buddy who has a gs as well has his front license plates on cuz he doesnt wanna get pulled over after a night of drinking.
Old 07-29-07, 05:21 AM
  #7  
Spyder78
Lexus Champion

iTrader: (7)
 
Spyder78's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NY
Posts: 3,388
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

just go to the hardware store and get "L" brackets and drill under those indent where the slits on the bumper are. After your son gets finished with the road test take them off and you wont see the holes.
Old 07-29-07, 05:25 AM
  #8  
rayy
Lead Lap
 
rayy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by sirblinks
i got my car with the front plates. also my buddy who has a gs as well has his front license plates on cuz he doesnt wanna get pulled over after a night of drinking.
dude, that's not good.

oh, & pertaining to the front license plate. i think you should go with spyder78's idea.
Old 07-29-07, 06:02 AM
  #9  
Bill_GS3
Lead Lap

 
Bill_GS3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Deffinetly go with spyder's idea. I'm in FL and we don't have front plates. My car is from NY, and someone drilled the front bumper so I now have a nasty plate bracket on there or two nastier holes.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SH212
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
5
05-23-08 09:39 AM
suraj
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
5
08-24-07 07:31 PM
upstateGS4
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
22
06-24-07 12:22 AM
leksusGS15
Canada
9
01-28-07 01:33 AM
Belmont
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
11
02-27-06 12:55 PM



Quick Reply: How is front plate attached?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:19 PM.