TR4/4A License Plate Protection

[bammons]

I need to get and put on a license plate on my car soon. The car has not been on the road in about 12 years and the plate was just bolted to the trunk. I live out away from everbody and don't have any cars to look at around so my question is; What are you guys using to lift the license plate frame off the paint? Rubber washers or something else. I just want a simple chrome frame but I want to best protect the paint. Bruce

 

[bobhustead]

I used reinforced rubber washers.
Bob

 

[bammons]

Thanks Bob, that's what I figured but sometimes guys on here have unique and good ways to do things I would not think of so it doesn't hurt to ask. Just want to not damage paint. Anybody using the silicone frames? Bruce

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Anybody using the silicone frames?

Yes, that's what I use on the rear plate.

 

[Popeye]

I used felt; the kind you put under furniture. But a silicone frame is intriguing… what is that?

 

[bammons]

I have not had one in my hand but silicone things I have seen are soft and seem to be durable. I still would want it to be raised off the paint. But should be no fear of it damaging paint. Bruce

 

[Popeye]

I use the felt with the idea that it breathes, and moisture can evaporate instead of being held against the paint. The mounting surface is vertical, so drainage is good.

Silicon buttons sounds like they would be effective as well, for example 3M Bumpon.

 

[equiprx]

I use the felt with the idea that it breathes, and moisture can evaporate instead of being held against the paint. The mounting surface is vertical, so drainage is good.

Silicon buttons sounds like they would be effective as well, for example 3M Bumpon.

I wouldn't want it to be anywhere near the body.
Everything underneath will affect the paint including the sun, air, moisture and debris.
Felt will capture the moisture for sure.
Why not fabricate a bumper mount?

 

[Popeye]

I wouldn't want it to be anywhere near the body.
Everything underneath will affect the paint including the sun, air, moisture and debris.
Felt will capture the moisture for sure.
Why not fabricate a bumper mount?

You are correct - valid point thank you, and you have me rethinking my use of felt! (My main intent is to not scratch the paint. If the paint is intact, moisture is not a problem; most license plates are mounted vertically, so drainage is good.)

 

[BigGreen]

If you protect the paint first, anything will go

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40066725/

 

[bammons]

I opted to try (and ordered) a silicone frame but I will use a rubber or something spacer to lift it off the paint. Might try what BigGreen suggests. Bruce

 

[Popeye]

One more thought… not to harp on the felt idea… but silicon does not “breathe”. Any trapped water will remain trapped. Make sure a silicon pad allows for drainage.

(I have changed my mind; silicon is the way to go. Correctly.)

 

[bammons]

A couple of you expressed interest in the silicone license plate holder mentioned above. I feel silly posting a picture of it being such a simple item but I got my new one in and I love it. Not what I started out to get but very happy with it. It is soft with a full back, and drain holes. You have to stretch it over the plate. I added nylon spacers between it and the car (not noticeable) and thinner ones on the inside of the trunk with wing nuts for easy removal if I want to clean under the plate. If the silicone touches the paint I am confident no harm is done. And I like the minimalist look. Did I mention it was cheap $8? Thanks for the advice everyone. Bruce