License Plate Mounting

[Mutt Hunter]

Hi from Tampa, folks. I hope all you guys are well and ready for a great, football and turkey-filled holiday.

Request your pictures/ideas on license plate mounting. I did the requisite search here on the board, and there was plenty of discussion on the matter, but the pictures were largely "gone" or blurred out by the photo bucket people.

I've read a couple ideas folks had mounting them to their jerry can--which looks kinda cool, but makes little sense once you start processing the idea of drilling holes into what's supposed to be a fuel can

I've also read a couple ideas on integrating a mount into the spare tire mount/retainer. (Sorry for improper nomenclature).

It would also be nice to provide light to the mount, which is a requirement in FL--but not a deal breaker for me as i don't see myself leading night convoys...but if anybody has ideas on wiring that up via one of the rear marker lights when vehicle's lights are on, that would be great.

Thanks in advance,
dee

[m3a1]

As for the license plate mount (and since you like the Jerry can location) get two magnets (Home Depot, O'Reillys, Harbor Freight has em). You are looking for the sort that have a threaded center for a hook. The heavy duty magnets for this project claim to be able to hold 30-40lbs. Now, screw your plate directly to a few of those (be sure to protect your paint by putting something like a thin piece of shopping bag material over the magnet) and voilà...now you can put your plate wherever you want it and remove it cleanly to display your truck in it's proper military configuration. Be forewarned that the screw size is rather small so it will be necessary to use fender washers on both sides of the plate to get this done right.

As for the license plate light, if you go with a magnetic mount, may I suggest you google "battery powered license plate light" or "solar powered license plate light" because there are so many options available why go to the trouble of making something from scratch. This would make your license plates truly removable. Then, simply switch the light on for your annual vehicle safety inspection or night operations and no one will be the wiser. It's cheating, but only just a little bit. I think the benefit far outweighs cutting into a vintage wiring harness.

Option three might or might not be available in your state. Here in Texas, our vehicles can be registered as former military vehicles (a version of antique registration), are exempt from inspection and in Texas we display no plate because the hood number is our registration number. Naturally there are limitations for use but this may be something you want to look into.

Hope this helps you out in some small way.

Cheers,
TJ

[Surveyor]

Quick search - I found this on a form from Florida dated 2016.

(5) A former military vehicle that is used only in exhibitions, parades, or public display is exempt from the requirement to display a license plate or registration insignia if the exemption is necessary to maintain the vehicle’s accurate military markings. However, the license plate and registration certificate issued under this section must be carried within the vehicle and available for inspection by any law enforcement officer.

It appears that if you intend to do more than exhibitions, parades, or public displays you are required to mount a non-antique plate. Again, this is from 2016 so laws may have changed.

[lpcoating]

When I bought my A2 the previous owner had mounted his on the bumper by drilling holes in the bottom. I used the same location. I've thought about moving it as it looks a little off and when the bottom of the plate catches the ground while crossing a small stream, it makes a very interesting sound and wrinkles it pretty good!

Guy

[m38inmaine]

If you go to ebay or google type in "car dealer license plate magnets", these are specially made to mount plates, this is what I use and they work great.

[muttguru]

Here's how I did mine.....
Ken

[elsasser7122]

65.jpg](https://postimg.cc/YG8JfH0j)

i mounted mine to the gas can, don't have to drill any holes, used a couple of 1/4 inch bolts. make the front plate to fit your license plate, then narrow it down to about 1 inch, bend at a 90 and put that part on top of the can, then cut a piece same width, and length of can and put underneath, drill the holes to the bolts. can take off anytime not needed, as for the light i got a 24 volt license plate light, and run the wires to the trailer plug in, when you turn your light on you got license plate light.

[elsasser7122]

forgot to add that i put some felt between the pieces so not to mar the paint on the can.

[SEABEE62]

I put my plates in a frame, and latched it on inside of the rear spare tire like Ken's, only with plastic ties. Did it the same on the front with ties too.
Seabee

[m3a1]

I don't have license plates.

Nya-nya-nyahhh

Texas is a great place to live.

[m3a1]

If you go to ebay or google type in "car dealer license plate magnets", these are specially made to mount plates, this is what I use and they work great.

OooOOooh! Those are pretty tricksy. I vote that m38inmain gave the most useful answer.

[SEABEE62]

Maybe...BUT my way is cheaper ! Seabee

[Cobra5]

I built brackets for mine using aluminum strips that wrap around the front bumper and screw to the license plate. On the rear the same brackets are held on by the gas can strap.