Front license plate holder is fugly. Any solutions?

I carried mine in my 2nd Gen for 10 years in the seat next to console, I was pulled over 3 times. I would Pull out dented plate and show cop, with the explanation, "some idiot backed into my bumper with their trailer hitch and broke the bracket", I have a new one on order, officer. Plate had a nice round dent in center. never issued a ticket, but one dick then tried to change subject to "well you have a light out on rear plate", to which I get out and say, there is one of the two working, I'll get the other fixed asap, thanks for letting me know. I think he pulled us over because it was 1:30 in morning and wife and I were on way home. Thought he had a DUI as he practically climb in my window to smell inside the car. I love how they shine the 8 battery Maglite in your eyes, and expect you to freak.

off my soapbox

 

I feel that the stock Toyota front holder, if it’s going to be so big and ugly, should a very least do this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFrze9eY9o0

 

@ACEkraut

 

A lot of people don’t like the grill. Put the plate over the grill.

 

best I've seen by far

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-plate-mount-45-shipped.453040/#post-14337438

 

OP: Did you come up with an option? I want to change mine too, I like the one bolted onto the front armor plate shown above, but my truck isn't lifted like that. I also like some of the mounts shown in the google image search I posted, but I am going to DIY this one - its very nice: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-front-license-plate-mount-45-shipped.453040/

 

Very nice, thanks for posting!

 

No plate cover. I think plate covers draw your eyes toward it. Without a cover it kinda aesthetically separates it from your truck.

 

No plate, never been pulled over for it

 

The two above seem to be the go-to solutions. I opted for the @MetrickMetal. The first option has two metal pieces running up the front that might impact approach angles (if that's a concern). At the end of the day, I'm not worried about two small holes in the front - it's a truck. I still have clearance with a much slimmer plate holder.

 

Cool ideas, but am I seriously the only one who gets in their truck each day and simply drives? I have never noticed the front license plate holder.... Thanks TW

 

ARB front bumper?

 

I don't like the holder or front plates. Here's my solution:

 

Simple, I took mine off.

 

Move to Florida; no safety or emission inspections either--and no motorcycle helmet laws or insurance requirements. We voted all that crap out 20 years ago...

 

I sell a bracket that is very close to what you describe. Here is a link to the sale thread:

3rd Gen Low Mount/No Drill License Plate Bracket $40 Shipped

It is made from aluminum flat bar and uses stainless steel hardware so it will never rust. It mounts from underneath and unless you look at the plate from a low angle it is difficult to see the bracket at all. Many people paint the bracket the same color as the bumper and that allows it to fade from view even more.

Thanks @Spare Parts for tagging me in the thread. His truck was the test mule for the bracket. Check out @Pistol Pete and his sweet truck for what it looks like painted.

I have sold many of these and if anyone has been unhappy they have not let me know. I do ship to Canada, for $25 plus the actual cost of shipping. Typically that is around $5 or so more, but I will work with the buyer to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises.

 

Best solution is to buy a new lower valence. That's what I did

 

No insurance requirements? So you guys are mostly uninsured drivers? No wonder why you take off your plates! Kind of worried about theft, so I'd cover it. If I really had too, I'd drive a rental, but that's about it. Besides, there are no mountains, you have the lowest high point of all the states, what fun would driving be there?

 

On bikes only, liability required on cars and truck...

 

It does NOT say that the license plate may not be rotating at 3600 RPM

Bill