Aerodynamic front bumper license plate frame?

[usbseawolf2000]

Has anyone seen it? I am not satisfy with the current OEM set up. It just seems flat and not aerodynamic.

A week ago, I saw a Prius with it's license plate mounted on the lower grill at the driver's side. When I saw that, I was wondering why the owner did that. I now understand it was probably for the aerodynamic reasons.

Has anyone done it? If so, it the result measurable?

I am looking for a license plate frame that curves like the front bumper instead of perfectly flat.

[hill]

I think I posted a pic about 6 months ago ... of my front plate conform/molded to the curved shape of the front bumper. Pickyounie? yep. but it works for me.

[usbseawolf2000]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 27 2007, 08:01 AM) [snapback]544642[/snapback]</div>

I think I posted a pic about 6 months ago ... of my front plate conform/molded to the curved shape of the front bumper. Pickyounie? yep. but it works for me.
[/b]

Thanks. I found your post with this picture. I am going to do something like that too. Any disadvantage for removing the frame? Maybe for minor fender/bumper accident?

[aaf709]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Nov 27 2007, 09:27 AM) [snapback]544705[/snapback]</div>

Any disadvantage for removing the frame? Maybe for minor fender/bumper accident?
[/b]

Well, some have attached a $12 cell phone antenna to the frame. The tip (especially with an antenna ball) is just visible to the driver and can be used to determine where the front is.

[jhall]

I got a license plate frame that has a "bubble shield" plastic cover over it. I got it at Kragen. I couldn't find it on the Kragen web site, but it is something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-74200-Bubble...806&sr=1-14

I also like it because the "smoke" matches well with my window tint, and it's easier to clean bugs off of than the bare license plate. I have also seen clear ones.

[hill]

No disadvantage for me ... except I'd maybe use a lower profile set of 4 stainless philips screws. I bumped into a car yesterday (somehow managing to be trying for the brake but hitting the accelerator pedal) and it left 2 tiny dimples in the guys rear bumper ... not scratching the car and not enough for him to bother exchanging info. Maybe if they were lower profile ... it would have left a print of my license plate in stead :P

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 27 2007, 12:54 PM) [snapback]544767[/snapback]</div>

No disadvantage for me ... except I'd maybe use a lower profile set of 4 stainless philips screws. I bumped into a car yesterday (somehow managing to be trying for the brake but hitting the accelerator pedal) and it left 2 tiny dimples in the guys rear bumper ... not scratching the car and not enough for him to bother exchanging info. Maybe if they were lower profile ... it would have left a print of my license plate in stead :P
[/b]

Dennis and Hill,

Whether you use a license plate frame or not, one thing you can do to prevent damage to your front bumper and the rear bumper of the car in front of you, is to install small, round, spool-like, rubber bumpers with the license plate screws.

GirlsLoveWheels.com has the best price for pre-made license plate screw bumpers (2 for around $13 delivered), or you can make your own out of chair leg rubber tips from the hardware store. See picture below --- the top bumpers are the pre-made ones from GirlsLoveWheels.com, and the bottom bumpers are the ones I made out of chair leg rubber tips:

[NB: I tried 10 times to post the picture, but PriusChat isn't cooperating. I'll try again later.]

[David Beale]

Because the car bumper is a "bluff body" and the license plate is very small compared to the front of the car and is centred, bending it will make no difference in drag.

Be aware, some jurisdictions will fine you for bending the plate. Check with your local constabulary.

You can also get bumpers from electronics parts supply places. Rubber feet. You can get stick-on and screw-on types in several sizes and colours.

[usbseawolf2000]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Nov 27 2007, 03:42 PM) [snapback]544841[/snapback]</div>

Be aware, some jurisdictions will fine you for bending the plate. Check with your local constabulary.
[/b]

Ok, thanks for the tip. I will definately check out before I bend my plate.

I wonder if wind tunnel test cars with or without license plate.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Nov 27 2007, 03:42 PM) [snapback]544841[/snapback]</div>

Because the car bumper is a "bluff body" and the license plate is very small compared to the front of the car and is centred, bending it will make no difference in drag.[/b]

License plate is the first thing the air hit the lower exterior body though. A small improvement there might have a big impact.

[Sufferin' Prius Envy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Nov 27 2007, 08:27 AM) [snapback]544705[/snapback]</div>

[/b]

A redneck license plate holder on a Prius????

WORLDS ARE COLLIDING!!!!!