DIY: Tow Hook License Plate Holder
08-21-10, 10:56 AM
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DIY: Tow Hook License Plate Holder
Hey guys, so since no one makes a tow hook license plate holder for our cars, I decided to do it myself. I live in VA and front license plate is a must, I already got 1 ticket for that so I have no other way then putting it on. I did this so I can use this for my daily driving and for car shows just take it off and it works perfectly for my use.
Parts from Lowes - $5
1. Tow Hook - Look in your lexus took kit
2. Rope Clamp - Lowes - $1.25
3. Flat punched zinc plate - Lowes - $3.25
4. Bolts for license plate - If needed
5. Dremel or something to cut the zinc plate
6. Drill
1. The Parts
2. Measure the zinc plate according to your license plate and cut it. It took about 14 holes for mine.
3. Remove the tow hook cover and screw the tow hook really tight so the angle is like the picture shown below. Then bolt the clamp through the zinc plate so the bolts are facing towards the bumper.
Sorry this pic is wrong, Just posted so you guys could see the tow hook angle. Face the clamp towards the bumper.
Like This:
3. I drilled a hole next to the standard hole on the license plate to make the plate attach flush to the zinc plate. You don't have to do this if you get a L - bracket. I ran outta time and patience at the lowes lol so I just got the zinc plate. If you want to cover up the tow hook area so the license plate sits little high, get a L-Bracket. I will do this later.
4. Final Product
I think it looks alright and I know its not everyone's cup of tea but it gets the job done. When I go to shows I just unscrew the tow hook and put the cover back.
Parts from Lowes - $5
1. Tow Hook - Look in your lexus took kit
2. Rope Clamp - Lowes - $1.25
3. Flat punched zinc plate - Lowes - $3.25
4. Bolts for license plate - If needed
5. Dremel or something to cut the zinc plate
6. Drill
1. The Parts
2. Measure the zinc plate according to your license plate and cut it. It took about 14 holes for mine.
3. Remove the tow hook cover and screw the tow hook really tight so the angle is like the picture shown below. Then bolt the clamp through the zinc plate so the bolts are facing towards the bumper.
Sorry this pic is wrong, Just posted so you guys could see the tow hook angle. Face the clamp towards the bumper.
Like This:
3. I drilled a hole next to the standard hole on the license plate to make the plate attach flush to the zinc plate. You don't have to do this if you get a L - bracket. I ran outta time and patience at the lowes lol so I just got the zinc plate. If you want to cover up the tow hook area so the license plate sits little high, get a L-Bracket. I will do this later.
4. Final Product
I think it looks alright and I know its not everyone's cup of tea but it gets the job done. When I go to shows I just unscrew the tow hook and put the cover back.
Last edited by djsai; 08-21-10 at 11:22 AM.
08-21-10, 10:59 AM
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How's it hold up in high wind? Looks like it would bend back and scratch bumper? Or is the zinc bar rigid enough to hold it?
Regardless. Nice way to have a detachable plate without holes
Regardless. Nice way to have a detachable plate without holes
08-21-10, 11:08 AM
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I bolted it really tight. The zinc plate is pretty sturdy. I just did a test run on my way back home doing 120mph, dint bend or move a bit. Its holding pretty strong.
08-21-10, 11:23 AM
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Thanks bro. This is just for on road use only lol. I hate puttin front license plate, it just kills the beautiful look of our cars. O well not tryna get a 90 dollar ticket anymore.
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08-21-10, 06:41 PM
#9
Sai, great to see another creative DIY for the F!
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
Last edited by caymandive; 08-21-10 at 06:48 PM. Reason: nn
08-22-10, 12:36 AM
#10
Sai, great to see another creative DIY for the F!
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
Credit to you for coming up with a inexpensive solution to your problem.
08-22-10, 05:13 AM
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This thing is just temporary and can be adjusted. I just took pics to just show u guys. I will need an L bracket to raise it up to cover the tow hook area.
08-22-10, 05:15 AM
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Sai, great to see another creative DIY for the F!
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
....but if it were me I would never drive the car around with a plate sticking out like that. I'd take my chance and just pay the occasional ticket. On second thought, is it possible to angle the plate more so it goes with the curve of the front bumper rather than going straight out? I think if you did that, it would look better, kinda similar to how the plate is position on the EVO's.
