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License Plate Frame Recommendations?

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Old Aug 10, 2008 | 05:11 PM
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Default License Plate Frame Recommendations?

What do you guys use for a license plate holder? I hate screwing the plate right onto the sheet metal as it tends to scratch it up in the process and over time. There's a bazillion types of frames on the internet. Does anyone have experience with a classy one that will protect the paint?

Also, since I live in CA, I have to put a plate on the front and the back. I only see 2 "almost holes" in the front. They look more like dimples, but I assume underneath are the holes where the plate is supposed to go. Do I just start screwing into these?
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Old Aug 10, 2008 | 06:49 PM
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I have two chrome plate frames. The one in back says Lexus on it. I bought some of those license plate bolts that come with a silver caps to cover the bolt head. The bolts are longer and have a special allen wrench needed to screw them in. I guess they are supposed to aid in theft prevention. Anywho, the bolt length gives it a little more depth due to the added width of the frame. I put a short/thin piece of weatherstrip tape on the back of the frame at each corner to help keep it from rubbing on the paint. This also helps reduce vibration noise when the bass is turned up. To help the bolts come out in the future, I put a thin coat of anti-seize on the threads before they were socked in tight.

In MA, we need two plates too, am the two holes in front hold the frame and plate adequately.

steviej
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 03:36 AM
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I have two excellent quality chrome plain thin framed two hole frames with chrome screw caps.
I buy my plate frames and screw caps from this place.


http://www.autoattire.com/licplatframp.html
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 06:54 AM
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You might think I sound cheap, but Orchard Supply Hardware sells some silver Bell license plate frames, they are 10 bucks and they look great! I was thinking about buying one from Griots garage, but they want 30 bucks for a plate frame, it seemed a bit steep.
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Xwakeboard
You might think I sound cheap, but Orchard Supply Hardware sells some silver Bell license plate frames, they are 10 bucks and they look great! I was thinking about buying one from Griots garage, but they want 30 bucks for a plate frame, it seemed a bit steep.
The problem with the $10 frames is no matter how much wax or sealant you apply,they don't hold up in winter climates with the salt spray and such.
They'll pit and rust.
The more expensive frames look better too,IMO.
Plus you have the option to go with thin or thick frames with 4 hole or two hole Chrome,Black,Stainless Steel etc..

Last edited by Joeb427; Aug 11, 2008 at 07:26 AM.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 05:58 AM
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This web site sells some pretty high quality license plate frame:

http://www.jewelryforcars.com/Frames...duct_make.aspx
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by The G Man
This web site sells some pretty high quality license plate frame:

http://www.jewelryforcars.com/Frames...duct_make.aspx

Nice quality but their frames have a bigger bottom area.
I prefer a thin all around frame look.
I'm not a fan of a plate frame that has the word Lexus on it.
Overkill as the OEM Lexus badge is a couple of feet to the left.
Never understood the need for another Lexus name on the plate frame.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:18 AM
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Joe you can get the frame with thin bottom too and you can also have the word GS350 on it instead of Lexus or you can just leave it blank. My Lexus dealer sells these in their parts department.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by The G Man
Joe you can get the frame with thin bottom too and you can also have the word GS350 on it instead of Lexus or you can just leave it blank. My Lexus dealer sells these in their parts department.

As you know the thin would work for me.
The GS 350 is a couple of feet to the right!
Bottom line,it's a great quality frame.The only way to go.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:01 AM
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I have just ordered myself these frames (Black ones)

http://stores.ebay.com/NatasStore_Le...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Will post pics when I'll put them on
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:06 AM
  #11  
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I been looking at that black one, not too crazy about the raise lettering, post some pics plz.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 08:46 AM
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o no, fight the urge to put the front plates on, after all, isn't a 10 dollar fix-it ticket worth the clean look on the front?

Never had a single front plate on any of our cars and only been pulled over once by campus police who has nothing else better to do, they are simply more lenient on nicer cars
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