Macadoo

My CS doesn't have a front bracket. Doesn't look as if it ever did. This is the only style I can find that looks like it will fit. But I don't have holes in the bumper and I don't want to drill if there is another option.

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mrolds69

No, that's about it, that's the right bracket. If you put the plate on the bracket and fasten the top, you can use the bracket holes for a template. My Olds is a few hours away, I don't remember drilling, but I did buy a bracket. If you buy a license plate frame, a metal one, you can probably get away w/o the bracket. You could also stiffen the plate more by backing it with sheet metal. The plates now are really flimsy.

tds

Do you really need the front license plate on a 1971 classic? Is the law "enforced"?

Pretty lucky in Texas. I've been stopped once, but the officer admitted he really just wanted to see the car.

RandyS

If it's regustered as a DD, it needs to comply with the laws of your state. If it is registered as a 'classic', then it's usually just a rear plate - YMMV.

RetroRanger

my 72 has two holes at the right spacing for the front plate. I put a ~1/2 spacer between the plate and bumper and mounted the plate right to the two holes. The spacers keep the plate from rattling/vibrating/buzzing against the bumper and the plate sits at the same angle as the bumper.

Macadoo

Yeah, it's registered as a DD, which was the plan when I started this build. Not so much the idea now...not after all this work! Lol.
Retro, what did you use as a spacer?

RetroRanger

Justa couple round plastic parts to set the plate away from the bumper....intially the plate would rattle against the bumper so I added the spacers...I just checked I dont have any good (or bad) pics handy but IIR Ill snap one

Macadoo

Don't bother dude, I think I get it. But thanks anyway. I think i have some thick rubber washers laying around.

KDV

My CS is the same way. The front bumper has the indentations for the holes but they're not drilled. It's not my daily driver, so I just left it as it is.

I'd like to see a pic of yours once it's completed.

droldsmorland

I prefer the non plate look too. When I get pulled over I just state that its originally a cali car that never had a front plate and Im waiting for someone to reproduce the bracket. Hate front plates!

Macadoo

I'm not sure I could get away with that around here. Illinois is kinda' broke so tickets are hard to get out of

Allan R

I'm noticing a theme here. Some front bumpers with holes for the license plate and others without. My car has it's OEM bumper (re-chromed) and the holes for the license plate bracket are not only there, they're threaded so the bracket gets fixed on nice and tight. Use nylon plugs in the bracket to attach the plate (just like the rear plate attach) and you're good to go with no vibration or rattling.

I got an OEM license plate bracket from Eric Jensen (jensenracing77) a while back. It was a bit on the rusty side but I cleaned it up and got it looking like new again. It's the exact same pattern as that repro you posted. That looks like the one on ILT's website. In advance - these things are not strong - they're rather flimsy even from GM.

Macadoo

I'm just hesitant to drill holes in my bumper but I don't see any other option.

Allan R

Use some tape on the chrome to help prevent tearout on the chrome. When you're done the drilling, use a tap/die set to ream the threads you want in the hole.

Macadoo

Ahh, an old woodworker's trick. Good call.

sammy

haha...I did not even know that these cars came with a front bracket...

501Paratrooper

By the way anyone have a used bracket to sell?

Fun71

Does your bumper have the upper license plate holes? If so, just use those. My Olds Club license plate has been attached with just those two for ~15 years now. Prior to that its Texas front plate was there for who knows how long - 20 years? Both with no issues.

Macadoo

Dang sammy, I still love that silver!

Nope, no holes whatsoever. But it does now. I used the tape trick and it worked like a charm. Tapped the holes and added a couple of rubber washers and I now have a front plate.
Thanks everyone.

droldsmorland

Put grease or paint around and in the holes you drilled to prevent rust and the chrome from peeling.

Macadoo

Good idea. Thanks Doc.