DIY: Mag-Lite License Plate Bracket
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 158
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From: TX
DIY: Mag-Lite License Plate Bracket
Republished from xplorx4.com
Roller Fairlead License Plate Bracket
Since installing the TJM bumper in late 1999, I had never found a decent location to mount the front license plate.
This was even more difficult with the addition of the winch.
However, three years later, I discovered a cheap solution, adapted from a tip found on 4x4wire.com
The total cost in parts for the bracket is less than $7.50. Here's what I used:
The most expensive part of the bracket is, of course, the Mag-Lite clamps. But they are the key component!
A primary benefit of this bracket's design is that it is not necessary to drill holes in the license plate.
Another convenient coincidence is that the metal framing joists holes match up precisely with the standard license plate holes!
It's probably not necessary to use two metal joist plates, but I used two to give the bracket extra strength.
The first thing to do is to widen the outside 4 holes on the joist plates to 5/16". This is where the Mag-Lite brackets will be secured.
Next, bolt up the Mag-Lite brackets to either side with the machine screws and washers.
Next, thread on a pair of screws (using washers on both sides) to the license plate.
The extra nut behind the license plate provides clearance for the Mag-Lite bracket screws.
Attach the license plate to the bracket, tighten all the nuts, and that's it!
Here's what the license plate and bracket looks like attached to the roller fairlead:
Roller Fairlead License Plate Bracket
Since installing the TJM bumper in late 1999, I had never found a decent location to mount the front license plate.
This was even more difficult with the addition of the winch.
However, three years later, I discovered a cheap solution, adapted from a tip found on 4x4wire.com
The total cost in parts for the bracket is less than $7.50. Here's what I used:
The most expensive part of the bracket is, of course, the Mag-Lite clamps. But they are the key component!
A primary benefit of this bracket's design is that it is not necessary to drill holes in the license plate.
Another convenient coincidence is that the metal framing joists holes match up precisely with the standard license plate holes!
It's probably not necessary to use two metal joist plates, but I used two to give the bracket extra strength.
The first thing to do is to widen the outside 4 holes on the joist plates to 5/16". This is where the Mag-Lite brackets will be secured.
Next, bolt up the Mag-Lite brackets to either side with the machine screws and washers.
Next, thread on a pair of screws (using washers on both sides) to the license plate.
The extra nut behind the license plate provides clearance for the Mag-Lite bracket screws.
Attach the license plate to the bracket, tighten all the nuts, and that's it!
Here's what the license plate and bracket looks like attached to the roller fairlead:
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: TX
Actually, I haven't made mine yet. I just found this on a different site and thought I would post for everyone here. But I 'think' they wouldn't be too flimsy. I'm sure they wouldn't take much rock abuse. They are plastic (Heavy duty ABS plastic) but this is designed to be removable...
Last edited by wayoflife; Feb 26, 2010 at 03:09 PM.
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JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
I think i'd attach some kind of saftey line or carabiner somewhere hidden behind the plate. but still easy enough to remove. Just incase it gets ripped off at high speads.
I know there isn't much one can do, but it is very easy for someone to steal it.
however this is the best solution i have seen, and may have to try it myself when i get my new bumper.
I know there isn't much one can do, but it is very easy for someone to steal it.
however this is the best solution i have seen, and may have to try it myself when i get my new bumper.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Weare, NH
I think i'd attach some kind of saftey line or carabiner somewhere hidden behind the plate. but still easy enough to remove. Just incase it gets ripped off at high speads.
I know there isn't much one can do, but it is very easy for someone to steal it.
however this is the best solution i have seen, and may have to try it myself when i get my new bumper.
I know there isn't much one can do, but it is very easy for someone to steal it.
however this is the best solution i have seen, and may have to try it myself when i get my new bumper.
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Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: TX
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
Actually, I haven't made mine yet. I just found this on a different site and thought I would post for everyone here. But I 'think' they wouldn't be too flimsy. I'm sure they wouldn't take much rock abuse. They are plastic (Heavy duty ABS plastic) but this is designed to be removable...
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