Aerodynamic front bumper license plate frame?

I think I posted a pic about 6 months ago ... of my front plate conform/molded to the curved shape of the front bumper. Pickyounie? yep. but it works for me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Nov 27 2007, 09:27 AM) [snapback]544705[/snapback]</div>

Well, some have attached a $12 cell phone antenna to the frame. The tip (especially with an antenna ball) is just visible to the driver and can be used to determine where the front is.

 

I got a license plate frame that has a "bubble shield" plastic cover over it. I got it at Kragen. I couldn't find it on the Kragen web site, but it is something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Cruiser-74200-Bubble...806&sr=1-14

I also like it because the "smoke" matches well with my window tint, and it's easier to clean bugs off of than the bare license plate. I have also seen clear ones.

 

No disadvantage for me ... except I'd maybe use a lower profile set of 4 stainless philips screws. I bumped into a car yesterday (somehow managing to be trying for the brake but hitting the accelerator pedal) and it left 2 tiny dimples in the guys rear bumper ... not scratching the car and not enough for him to bother exchanging info. Maybe if they were lower profile ... it would have left a print of my license plate in stead

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 27 2007, 12:54 PM) [snapback]544767[/snapback]</div>

Dennis and Hill,

Whether you use a license plate frame or not, one thing you can do to prevent damage to your front bumper and the rear bumper of the car in front of you, is to install small, round, spool-like, rubber bumpers with the license plate screws.

GirlsLoveWheels.com has the best price for pre-made license plate screw bumpers (2 for around $13 delivered), or you can make your own out of chair leg rubber tips from the hardware store. See picture below --- the top bumpers are the pre-made ones from GirlsLoveWheels.com, and the bottom bumpers are the ones I made out of chair leg rubber tips:

[NB: I tried 10 times to post the picture, but PriusChat isn't cooperating. I'll try again later.]

 

Because the car bumper is a "bluff body" and the license plate is very small compared to the front of the car and is centred, bending it will make no difference in drag.

Be aware, some jurisdictions will fine you for bending the plate. Check with your local constabulary.

You can also get bumpers from electronics parts supply places. Rubber feet. You can get stick-on and screw-on types in several sizes and colours.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Nov 27 2007, 08:27 AM) [snapback]544705[/snapback]</div>

A redneck license plate holder on a Prius???? :huh: :huh: :huh:

WORLDS ARE COLLIDING!!!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Nov 27 2007, 04:27 PM) [snapback]544885[/snapback]</div>

Knew Gary was a ham but a redneck too!
This is what I have on the front of our Prius to break wind ( so to speak)
Gary[attachmentid=12648]

 

Well . . . we DO own property in Montana, but no hurculon sofa on the porch :lol: . . . heck, I'm surprised no one's shamed me about how dirty I let the car get. I WAS going to wash it prior to the photo op but got lazy.
Heck the clear plastic license plate covers are not legal, and when's the last time you saw Barnie Fief pull over anyone for those. Heck, they can't keep the drunks off the street. I won't sweat it, considering it's bent less than 4 degrees.

Our 400h (Montana Plates, where both back AND front plates are required) has cooling slots in the front bumper and THAT'S where the PLATE is supposed to go. Too lame, so we didn't bother. But it's a fixit ticket and we keep it in the SUV just in case Barnie ever catches up to us. You know . . . missing front plate crime wave that it is

 

http://www.HighwayGlider.com
This was a great idea. We got a pair for both of our cars last week. They look great - especially when you look at the Prius from the side.
The entire profile looks truly aerodynamic now.

Don't know how much it will save us, but the whole idea and the design does make sense; especially it starts deflecting the frontal hit of the air over and below the body.

We even got compliments from other Prius owners. We are very happy with it, especially when it costs just a few dollars.

You check it out yourself
Highway Glider - Home Page

 

http://www.HighwayGlider.com
I think I would be laughed off the street.

Is it even legal? What will happen if I hit a pedestrian with that thing?

How often do you walk into it when going around the front of the car?

Does it crack when someone walks into it when they are walking through a carpark?

I won't need to ask how much postage is.

 

This Australian guy is being silly.

We had no front license plate in our previous car for year. Of course, it is legal, just like having an I Love My Dog license plate.

When was the last time you hit a pedestrian with your car. When was the last time you walked into your car.

The only thing they recommend is to the deflector off by squeezing from the sides with your fingers before you go through an car wash with those giant rolling brushes.

Other than that, we know we are using less gas. Nobody can claim that our cars are not more aerodynamic that it was before.

Stop Just Being A Talk. You Aussies are using more fuel and carbon even we spoiled Americans.

 

Sorry, I have to agree with Pat. It's ugly, in the way, illegal (obscures the plate), and a pain in the rear end (remove before entering the carwash?!!).

Nice try solving a problem that doesn't exist though.

 

looking at that thing makes me glad Florida doesnt require a front plate!

 

You have never had a car with a tow bar have you? They are renown for cracking shins and this is clear!! I doubt it aids aero 1 little bit. What shape is the front of a commercial jet? If duck bill shape was better I think Boeing would be all over it by now.

I can go for having the plate mounted against the bumper and bent slightly to the shape of the bumper without the black mount but the invisible duck bill belongs on an invisible duck. Sorry but that is my opinion.

Oh the fine for obscured numberplate is about $300AU plus 3 demerit points here in Adelaide. I know, I would give a fine to anyone with that on the plate.

By the way Australia doesn't pollute as much as USA per capita but I am still ashamed of our average output. We also don't have neuclear waste to deal with for the next 100,000+ years.

 

I can drive 130km on that much, I think that is too great a cost to pay for no gain.