Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

[FritsB]

I know there is another thread about the license plate bracket by CVCashmere in which I could have posted this, but cinse I have a number of images to show I decided to post a new thread.

Last week I found an adjustable mounting bracket on a US webshop and bought it. Thanks to Dot shipping to NL was $30 cheaper as when shop would have shipped.
It came in today and I decided to mount it right away since I have disliked the ugly plate holder since I bought my Bird. Took about 30 minutes to mount.

Here is a picture of the result before and after.
Next posts will show how simple this can be done.

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

First thing to do is take old bracket off. This takes only two screws to unscrew that you will find behind the license plate.

It will leave you with two holes as second picture shows.

I simply pushed plastic edges back in the hole and covered it with touch-up pen. This can be done better later, but I did not want to bother about that now. As you can see in third picture, it does not show that much after that is done. Besides that the license plate will be covering the holes after mounting is done anyway.

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

First image shows new bracket in package. It's from a company named Bell.

I bended the part that will be stuck to car body in shape of the front facade. It can simply be done by hand.

Next I did is place some double black foam tape on the part that will be against car body, to prevent scratching and keep it in place for mounting

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Now comes the part some will not like to do, but it is necessary..drill new holes in the front

It's easy, you can almost push drill through without truning it on
Make sure holes are horizontally aligned.

Next place bracket on the car with the provided nuts and bolds. It also comes with screws, but I prefer the bolts. To put the nuts on you have to stick hand underneath grill and tighten them. It's quite easy actually.

Third picture is of mounted bracket

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Last part is placing license plate on bracket with the provided bolds and adjust everything in preferred position. The bracket can be adjusted in several directions, so you can really place it where you like.

That's all there is to it. Wow...I like my car much better now

[Treken]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Nice look Frits, It looks great. I like the look of seeing the whole grill. I done that myself but not with that nice custom bracket.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...7&postcount=16

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

I have seen your solution Steve, looks good also. I agree, as long as you can see the hole grill, it's much better.

[Skip]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Frits:

I like it, but I am still seeking a solution that does not require changing my "holeless" front bumper.

Skip

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Frits:
I like it, but I am still seeking a solution that does not require changing my "holeless" front bumper.
Skip

You can just bend the plate a little and use self adhesive tape or gum to glue plate on. I think Jens in Germany had it done like that too.

[texasbird]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Frits,

It's an exceptional change, especially since your plate does not fit the dimensions of of the factory mounting bracket. Judging by the logo, that's the same company that makes helmets and optional bicycle & motorcycle hardware.

I would also bet you could find black plastic plugs that fill the original holes at a hardware or automotive supply store.

James

[mamabird]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

wow fritz that looks really nice. im a little about putting more holes in my bumper though LOL!!!

[snowbird]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Frits:

I like it, but I am still seeking a solution that does not require changing my "holeless" front bumper.

Skip

Skip: What if you have a bracket fabricated and bring it through and up the lower cowl opening.
MartinB.

[Treken]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Skip: What if you have a bracket fabricated and bring it through and up the lower cowl opening.
MartinB.

This is what BJHEN done without drilling holes, but it does not lower the plate.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=20847

[FritsB]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

The bracket I used can also be mounted in the upper part of the cowl opening.
That way plate would be real low and holes are not visible at all.

[islandtime]

Re: Quick cosmetic improvement to my Bird

Very classy change, Frits! I like it. I may consider doing that with Goldilocks. Moondoggie, however, will remain illegally tagless on the front.