Front license plate holder for 328

Some discussion here: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88615&highlight=front+plate+328

The short answer seems to be that there isn't a U.S. plate bracket for the 328 - at least I haven't seen one. The thinner Euro plates fit nicely on a bracket over the black chin spoiler on the 328's (see the cover photo on the Original Ferrari V-8 book).

I would not want to block the radiator air flow (behind the horse emblem). The front grille on the 308/328 is functional -- not an ornament as it is on the 348/355/TR.

You'll have to check NH law, but my hunch is that if they require it for inspection then you'd need it for driving.

CA requires them. I got a $15 "fixer" ticket (no points on license) in my SLK a few years back for not having one.

 

Here's what I did, I had Wide World of Cars perform this for me. They used a Ferrari 360 bracket. Hope this helps.
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I'd just get some "L" brackets and use double sided tape to mount to the underside of the bumper. That way you can just pull it off after the inspection. You might want to put it on when your about a block away from the inspection (don't know if I'd trust the tape while driving).

 

I took my 328 to my body shop, where they found a "generic" bracket that could be mounted to the black front spoiler, such that the bottom of the plate is even with the bottom of the spoiler, and the plate extends up behind the painted front bumper. Yes, the top edge of the plate cannot be seen, but the numbers on the plate are visible from the front. Should pass inspection. You don't want the bottom of the plate extending below the front spoiler because the ground clearance is already minimal, and you don't want to rip the bracket off the car if you do front-scrape something.

If you mount the plate this way, you'll still retain the view of your front painted bumper & Cavallino, of course. If your state has optional "theme" plates, you can also pick one that is most harmonious (or the least disharmonious!).

 

Any pics? Sounds like a neat approach.

 

In all seriousness, this is what I use to get by the annual inspection. It goes away shortly thereafter. A magnetic rubber pad on the back protects the paint.
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I mounted using a universal license plate bracket that is mounted by putting backing plates on the other side of the bottom grill -- no drilling an it is very solid. Also it is easy to adjust so that the bottom of the plate is just slighly higher than the air dam and it doesn't really block air to the radiator. This is on a mondial, but I think will also work on 328.
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Apologetically no, as I'm not yet computer/camera/interface-literate yet. However it is fairly simple. The plate angles along with the black spoiler, i.e. slightly towards the back of the car. Here in California I use a "Whale Tail" custom plate, which is at least somewhat more æsthetic than the standard one. For Californians here:

http://www.ecoplates.com/

 

This sounds like exactly the same setup that is on my Mondial in the picture above -- I'm guessing that yours looks just like mine. Tucking the top of the plate behind the front bumper really works well. It was a while ago, but I think I bought the universal mount at AutoZone (it can be seen (somewhat) in the second picture). It only took about 20 minutes once I found the bracket and some scrap metal for backing plates.

 

Precisely.

 

Looks tidy. I know I shouldn't ask where you got your "universal plate mount", because after all it is universal. But is this something available at NAPA or regular auto supply places?

 

I've seen the brackets at Autozone so its no problem getting them. Also an old GM mount will do. I just drilled the 2 holes and mounted it below the grill opening at an angle. Similar to where the euro plate is mounted. This is not a big deal and if someone buys the car and wants to fill the holes it is simple. If you look at your front air dam after years of driving you have more to repair (stone chips) then the losey 2 holes . Enjoy the ride

 

It's a valid question, because there are a lot of univeral mounts -- some mount the plate with 4 bolts and other with 2, some are flush mount and others have a mounting plate that extends away from the plate frame. The 2-hole extended mount is what worked and I had to look around a bit to find it. I think (not positive) it was from AutoZone -- but even then the type those stores carry varies over time because it is a commodity item. I did quick on the net, and this one looks very similar to what I used -- I can't be 100% certain this is a match without seeing it, but I'm pretty sure it will work:

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?10715

 

I live in NH and don't use a front plate for the 328. If you're reasonably friendly with your local repair shop, there should be no problem getting a sticker even without the front plate. (My mechanic: "I would shoot you if you put a license plate on that beautiful front end.") If pulled over, you're simply waiting for the front bracket. I keep the plate under the passenger seat. Nice to have yet another GTB in NH!

 

Tillman, your solution is exactly the same as mine, including the rubber mat on the back of the plate. Easy solution, and no modifications.

 

I live in La La Land (Los Angeles) and got by with using 2 toggle bolts. I believe they were 1/4 in x 4" (only because of the plate hole diameter) and placed some double stick tape on the bumper behind the plate to protect the paint. Presto works great to show the CHP and comes off in 10 seconds. I guess it could be permanent, but I would be weary of the vibration shaking this loose over the long term. Good Luck

 

In my little opinion, you have to be a grand d*ck of a cop to issue a ticket for that, especially on a classic exotic. My response to said ticket issuer would essentially be Go ahead and give me the ticket and the points, I ain't fixing it. I'm already having to smog a car that should, without question, be exempt. This is where I draw the line. Maybe I'll live really dangerously and actually drive the car with no front plate WHILE talking onmy cell phone! Oooooh!...

 

Funny isn't NH state saying "Live Free or Die". Take a risk. HAHAHA

 

"My response to said ticket issuer would essentially be Go ahead and give me the ticket and the points, I ain't fixing it. "

Having a really good friend as a current NY cop, I'd suggest that the above is the LAST thing to say to a cop. Example: Bill stopped a car for making a left turn after the light turned red. Car was NOT out in the intersection, it was still behind the light but just didn't want to wait. Bill stops car with the intent of ONLY warning the driver and cautioning him. However, the first words out of the driver's mouth as Bill approached was "Is this all you guys have to do?" and it went downhill from there. Driver got the ticket for running the red light, an out of date inspection, a tailight that didn't work and a few other items - SEVEN violations, the guy kept yelling at Bill so Bill just kept writing.

You can say that Bill was an ********* cop but he didn't intend to be. He just did what is human nature to do and I would have done exactly the same thing. I'd REALLY recommend a nice, apologetic approach here. If it becomes a confrontation, you CANNOT win.

 

I got this fix it ticket instead of a something else. So I had a couple of metal hooks about an inch wide bolted to the license plate itself and not the car, it just hooks onto the grill and I guess it comes off just easily.

 

My point in stating that I would simply be of the mindset of "go ahead and give me the ticket" is that I wouldn't get it fixed anyway. It is a stupid law, a racket, one designed, as with the new cell laws, to nickle and dime everyone without having any meaningful impact on public or highway safety. Hopefully, the cop would be unaware of the test pipe that I will soon be sporting...

 

My '88 (US version) has what seems like a factory installed bracket in the same location as Tillman's plate (i.e., the top of the plate comes to the feet of the horsey). It is behind the grillwork with two threaded parts stick through the chin opening. These threaded road match just the lower two of the four license plate holes. I put short nuts/bolts through the upper holes (use a simple black plate frame) to make it finished. Small rubber pad to keep from chafing against the paintwork. Doesn't seem to block much airflow and still leaves the upper grill looking fairly clean .. my profile pic shows the front.

 

Surprised that you got away wit the zip-ties. When I lived in Massachusetts, I needed both plates bolted on. Here in Florida you only need the rear plate, so no problems.