license plate frame

Thanks to mike_snyder for posting this at another forum:

"Ok, I know many have discussed the front plate lowering, but I wanted to share how I accomplished it and the results looks great. I removed the front plate bracket (2 bolts underneath - no holes in front face of bumper.) I then drilled two holes approximately 2" (toward the front) of the existing holes in the bracket. I bought new longer bolts, approximately 2" and used them to mount the inverted bracket. Inverting the bracket using the existing holes causes the bracket to be pushed out too far forward for my taste and the plate doesn't sit so this is the purpose of drilling the new holes. Also, since the bracket isn't really designed to be mounted like this, the front top edge of the bracket rests against the lower edge of the bumper, but the result is a level plate, with the bracket corner edges sticking out about 1/4 inch on each side when looking down at the top edge of the bumper. I don't have a digital camera, but if someone really doesn't undestand what I am trying to describe, I can borrow one and post pics.

I know others have inverted the bracket and used tie wraps, but my experience with tie wraps is that over time, they crack and fail. I didn't want to risk losing the plate and I like the factory look of the bracket around the edges of the plate. What would be even nicer is no plate, but I happen to live in a state where it doesn't work like that and don't need any additional reasons for flashing lights in my rearview!"

Here's a pic:

yeah this is a simple mod that makes the car look a lot better. but of course, no front plate would look better here are some pics of my car with this mod:






oh and yes my front bumper is scratched a little. How much will it cost to repaint? anyone know?