No Drill Universal Front Plate Mount/Bracket

[Davidoyo]

Sorry for the "Thread Necro," but I'm on the hunt for such a front-plate holder for my recently acquired Stinger.

While I think the tow hook idea is grand, I wonder if anyone has done an analysis on how bad of an interruption putting a plate over ~20% of your FMIC is to overall performance. For that reason alone, I'm thinking that if I do go the 'tow hook mount' route, I might see if there's a way to make some kind of extension arm that extends from the tow hook over to center and holds the plate mount there.

If I were to swing it on an arm like that, traveling at speed or just driving through a car wash would undoubtedly push the plate carrier to tap against the bumper (repeatedly), causing much of the very same damage one would like to prevent. (Sadly, my dealer already did a number on the paint under my rear plate -- at least that's always going to be invisible.)

It seems like KIA really intended the plate to go smack-dab in the center. From what I can tell, it's the only place it won't really obstruct airflow over the FMIC or the Radiator or a sensor.

I'm happy to be proven wrong, though...

What's the latest word and/or collective wisdom on the best, non-invasive front license plate mounts?

Did you ever find an answer to your question? I am in the same boat and need a front license plate holder

 

[MT85]

Did you ever find an answer to your question? I am in the same boat and need a front license plate holder

Not sure if this is the best solution, but check it out: Kia - STO N SHO

 

[chad1064]

Sorry for the "Thread Necro," but I'm on the hunt for such a front-plate holder for my recently acquired Stinger.

While I think the tow hook idea is grand, I wonder if anyone has done an analysis on how bad of an interruption putting a plate over ~20% of your FMIC is to overall performance. For that reason alone, I'm thinking that if I do go the 'tow hook mount' route, I might see if there's a way to make some kind of extension arm that extends from the tow hook over to center and holds the plate mount there.

If I were to swing it on an arm like that, traveling at speed or just driving through a car wash would undoubtedly push the plate carrier to tap against the bumper (repeatedly), causing much of the very same damage one would like to prevent. (Sadly, my dealer already did a number on the paint under my rear plate -- at least that's always going to be invisible.)

It seems like KIA really intended the plate to go smack-dab in the center. From what I can tell, it's the only place it won't really obstruct airflow over the FMIC or the Radiator or a sensor.

I'm happy to be proven wrong, though...

What's the latest word and/or collective wisdom on the best, non-invasive front license plate mounts?

Not sure if you found what you're looking for, but I got a tow hook license plate holder off of Amazon and haven't had any issues with it. ( Link https://www.amazon.com/License-Mounting-Bracket-Stinger-2018-up/dp/B07TSMGJW9?th=1 ). When I bought my Stinger, the dealership hadn't screwed the holes yet for the front plate. When I came back to have them do it, the guy at the dealership actually recommended a tow hook mount because otherwise they literally just screw holes into the front bumper.

Installation was a little tricky, but I figured it out. If you install it correctly, it clears the front parking sensor and haven't had any issues with it blocking the intercooler (I guess I'm not quite sure what those issues would present as? But no overheating or reduced power). I haven't had any issues with damage to the paint from the mount.

The only real issue I have with it is in "soft touch" car washes (I know, I know, we shouldn't be using them anyway, but when you're in the Midwest sometimes you just need to get a layer of salt off and you use what you can). The brushes can grab the outer edge of the plate and sometimes bends it over. Screw it in tight so it doesn't rotate the plate, I had that happened once. I try and only go to touch free washes, but like I said, sometimes I just need a clean and the only place available has the brushes.

 

[JHolding]

Should there have been a bracket for the front bumper that was supplied by Kia? I finally received my plates in, and was delighted to see that the dealer drilled out all 6 of the freaking mounting dimples on the front bumper. So no chance in using a tow hook mount.

I'm in Texas also, one of the states where they will pull you over and site you just for not running a front plate. Currently I'm using the cardboard dealer advertisement plate as a backer on the front to keep from scratching the paint.

 

[Redleg94]

Should there have been a bracket for the front bumper that was supplied by Kia? I finally received my plates in, and was delighted to see that the dealer drilled out all 6 of the freaking mounting dimples on the front bumper. So no chance in using a tow hook mount.

I'm in Texas also, one of the states where they will pull you over and site you just for not running a front plate. Currently I'm using the cardboard dealer advertisement plate as a backer on the front to keep from scratching the paint.

If the dealer drilled, they should have installed the front bracket that is for mounting the plate. It's one of those things that is in the trunk when the car comes off the truck.

 

[JHolding]

If the dealer drilled, they should have installed the front bracket that is for mounting the plate. It's one of those things that is in the trunk when the car comes off the truck.

Only received the cargo net in the box, and the OEM carpeted floor mats in the trunk, weather mats were already installed.

I'll have to hit them up when I go in for the first oil change.

 

[chad1064]

Should there have been a bracket for the front bumper that was supplied by Kia?

It might be in the glove box? I think that's where my bracket was when I bought mine (but that was over a year ago so I can't remember).

 

[byebyeSTI]

are there any tow hook mounts that don't set off the parking sensors?

 

[chad1064]

are there any tow hook mounts that don't set off the parking sensors?

The Amazon link I posted above works without blocking the parking sensor. You just have to make sure you mount it correctly. There are a couple different places to mount the plate to the tow hook screw (if you look at the link, the red plate that you attach the license plate to). If you mount it in the center it will block a sensor, if you mount it on a higher spot it positions the plate lower and clears it no problem.

 

[JHolding]

It might be in the glove box? I think that's where my bracket was when I bought mine (but that was over a year ago so I can't remember).

Haha. No room in there, with the 8" thick owner's manual. But yes, I checked when I first bought the car. Pretty sure it's in the make ready person's toolbox, closet, or under something in the shop.

It's all good. I'll hit them up during my first oil change, or I'll just get a tow hook mount and some kind of front license plate delete plate.