Front license plate bracket?

[Colin Dalzell]

Requirements in Washington state are for all automobiles to have a front license plate. Can't get through vehicle inspection without it!
Has anyone made a nice plate bracket/holder for the front of a LHD GT40?

 

[Jack Compton]

Colin-I have not made one, but a friend had a trick set-up on a 427 S/C a few years ago. He fashioned a bracket with a weak spring so that when the car was stopped, the plate was vertical and visible, anything above 10 MPH, the wind overcame the spring tension and flattened the plate so air could reach the radiator (it was mounted in the radiator opening). Never caused any coolomg problems, and was legal. This would be a very easy bracket to construct. Your local hardware store should have a spring which would suffice.
Jack

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

The "fold down" Cobra bracket was factory. To prevent cooling problems, Shelby American designed the fold away system. Could be done on 40 if it does not have a reinforcing member across the grille opening.

Best idea, move to state that does not require a front plate! New York does require them however I actually saw a new Corvette the other day that had a front plate! Virtually every 'Vette here runs the factory blanking insert.

The Brits have it right, stick on number plates.

Rick

 

[Jack Compton]

While the Cobra's had a rod across the radiator opening to which a bracket could be mounted, I would suggest mounting on the floor of the radiator entrance in a 40. When the speed is sufficient, the plate folds flat on the floor.
Jack

 

[Hershal Byrd]

On some of my street rods that I built I used a neat system that a lot of street rodders still use. You find an electric vent window motor off of an old lincoln. (can't remember the year, 70 something. you mount a rod on the end of the motor then attach the plate to the rod. The motor is super small and has mounting ears on it. You will need to make a small bracket to fit your application. Then you can run the two wires to a switch or direct to a hot lead. When the key is turned it will make the plate come down or go up. which ever you prefer.
Or you can put it on a switch to make it operate.
I'm not sure but I think there is a kit from one of the street rod vendors that sells this system. I will look around and see what I can find.

Oh yeah, the reason you use a vent motor is because it only moves 90 degrees.

Hersh