front license plate holder question

I had PlateClip for my FF but it sticks out about 1.5-2" and looks tacky so I don't use it. It's a quick-release style attachment so obnoxious kids can steal your plate in 5 seconds. The Plate Clip for 458 seems to be good fit (designed for 458 specifically). I think that Cali would be like my FF and mount hooks thru grill slats and has large offset. I saw enthusiastic response from 458 owners so I bought without further review. I regret spending $200 for PlateClip for the 'version' that can fit FF.

Dave

 

I have the tow hook plate and really like it. 5 turns to screw it in and the best part is that you can position the plate to any offset. I have mine far to the left and most of the grill is exposed. I will look around for pics.

 

I bought both, and i'll first note I was pleased with the service I received from both vendors. I started with the tow hook mount which worked fine. I decided to stop using it after I thought about possible damage to the chassis if someone backed into it - since the mount screws into the tow hook mount, the force from impact will be transmitted directly into the chassis instead of absorbed by the bumper. The plate clip mount is easy to install and take off. One could zip tie the mount to the grill to make it slightly more difficult to steal it. Since I usually don't leave the car out unattended and when I do I usually park it on private property, I tend to not worry about the plate, or I just leave it in my trunk. Hope this helps.

 

+1. I went with the Plate Clip for the same reasons.

 

I use the 458 version which I like very much!

SV

 

I bought both versions and they are both great. To be honest I never thought of the "backing into you issue" but it's a good one.

In any case after changing them a few times I now use only the plate clip which is actually fantastic. The only "issue" with it is that from a design point of view it doesn't sit low enough on the front grille but that's me being difficult...

You can't go wrong with either product.

 

Plate clip is well made and elegantly designed. It is pricey but fits my front grill superbly well like a custom made piece. It goes on/comes off in 2 seconds. No twisting, turning needed. Also, didn't think of the risk of having someone back into it as mentioned above. Although, with the clip, someone can theoretically steal your plate and clip easily. Not sure if you can get ticketed for missing front plate AFTER you've parked? Anyone know?

see thread here:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/458-italia/347489-removable-front-license-plate-bracket-458-a.html

scroll down to post #13 to see the Cali version. Bob was also great to deal with. Highly recommended.

 

Parking Nazis, they are (almost) everywhere.

 

I have the screw-in tow hook plate specifically for trips to LAX. I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

Considering that I only want to have it for specific purposes (street parking in bev hills and LAX), I should have done the clip on.

1. It's not really designed for easy screw-on screw-off.
2. I had to dremel down the screws for the license plate so they wouldn't scratch the front of the car.
3. It drives the front parking sensors bananas. That enough makes me dread attaching it.

 

What is wrong with the plate holder that comes with the car? Ohio requires a front plate but with 3 years of Ferrari's with no front plate so far they only stopped me once so I didn't bother to use the one that came with the car. It clips to the front grill.

Rick

 

Weird. The screws on the right don't come in contact with the grill and I've had no problem with my tow hook plate and front parking sensors. How is your plate situated? Mine is oriented as far towards midline as possible. I didn't want to obstruct the horsey which is why I didn't get the clip on plate.

Too many popo and road blocks around my neck of the woods for me to chance going plateless.

 

I use small zip ties to keep my plate clip from walking off. Yes it defeats quick release feature but in city environ, it's needed. Just take it off for events.

 

Think your plate is pretty safe... Still is

TAX D RCH

?



SV

 

It will only discourage the casual opportunist, no doubt. To be really "safe," in this context, I'd need to drive a different car, say an Abarth maybe...

 

I have no affiliation with the vendor below but have read a few good reviews on various car sites. Too much effort for me to consider.

http://swiftmotorsports.com/index.phpmain_page=product_info&cPath=362&products_id=1837

Most states require you to run a front plate now, but many new vehicles have no way to mount the front plate without it looking terrible. Swift has the answer with our motorized hidden license plate kit. In just a few seconds, you can display your plate for normal driving around, and when you are parked at a show, mall, whatever, you can hide the plate under the bumper for the clean look your new car deserves!


This is a very simple install, the motorized hidden plate is simply attached to the bottom on your bumper with the included hardware, then you simply run a power and ground wire and your hidden license plate bracket will be ready for both show and go!!

The Swift Hide-a-Plate fits on many vehicles, most Audi's, Volkswagen's, Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, Cadillac's, and more. If your car has a flat spot under the bumper that goes at least 10" straight back, and wide enough for a license plate, this should fit on your car too!!

With this piece you can hide you Plate any time you like in under 3 seconds!!

 

I don't think this will work with our splitter, which has a gap between it and the bumper. The plate will thus be seen when retracted under the car. Either that or you couldn't mount it close enough to flip forward for display. At least it looks that way.

 

cool setup...but illegal in most states

 

Ah, good point. Forgot about the splitter. Had originally thought about the device for my 997.

 

Looking at the website and wanting to order for my new 458 it seems they are no longer available?

Anyone any idea what happened?

 

The reason is that the owner, Bob R., has been ill. PM me if you want to get in touch with him and/or his assistant. I think they can still fulfill a limited number of orders. I recently had to replace mine because I got too close to a wall and damaged mine. It was a good excuse to get a new one, this time black powder coated. I highly suggest that option. Let's pray for Bob's rapid recovery. He's a good guy.