Rear License Plate

[Operation Overlord]

Does anyone have any cool ways to mount rear license plate?  I took my Jeep for some really light off roading and already dinged up my antique rear plate.  As is, it hangs down real low with no real protection. 

[PapaC]

I wouldn't actually say this is cool but this dj bracket is definitely  different.

[PapaC]

Let me try again.�

I wouldn't say it's cool but this folding dj bracket is definitely different.

[athawk11]

I had similar concerns, and a bunch of stuff back there to avoid.� I made a bracket that fit my needs, but still used some stock holes.�

The trouble with a 3A is, you�re always having to work around the tail lamps, the tail gate function, or the need to drill new holes.�

Let us know what you come up with.

Tim

[1955CJ-5]

I saw somewhere (2a forum?) that a piece of piano hinge was used, the plate hung in the same place but was free to flap if it started to drag....I'm not sure if there were any springs to hold it in place...I'll see if I can find a link...

[Bob W]

In most states the rear plate must have illumination, that complicates things further.

[F Bill]

I saw somewhere (2a forum?) that a piece of piano hinge was used, the plate hung in the same place but was free to flap if it started to drag....I'm not sure if there were any springs to hold it in place...I'll see if I can find a link...

I have the same problem with my trailer plate, and have it on a hinged semi truck plate bracket...It works great going forward but backwards it gets bent, and when you drive a jeep up the ramps the plate acts as an independent jack stand and gets bent.� I used to have a similar setup with a piece of 1/4 inch plate behind the license plate, and it also had problems with being in the way. At least the plate never bent on that one. It did break the hinge and fall off one day.

I'm thinking a magnetic mount to the tailgate might be the best option but you'll also need to get a light hooked up as well if you have any Barney Fife types that want you to comply with lighting laws..

if you have a rear spare a spare mounted plate is ideal....

Any plate hanging below the rear bumper is going to be vulnerable in any off roading , even if hinged.

[macrisel]

I saw somewhere (2a forum?) that a piece of piano hinge was used, the plate hung in the same place but was free to flap if it started to drag....I'm not sure if there were any springs to hold it in place...I'll see if I can find a link...

I really like that idea!  I currently just have another license plate mounted behind mine to help stiffen it up and keep it from getting bent, but I'm really liking the hinge idea......

[ZekeD]

Oregon has the same "illumination" issues......
So I put a License plate lamp from an '87 Chevy Monroe bumper on the bracket.   It isn't hooked up nor does the bulb work if it was, but I have an out with the judge.... Burned out, your Honor.  Now are we talking about me, or the bulb??

Less than honest.
Zeke

[1955CJ-5]

Bubba Bulbed?

[ZekeD]

Oh, Yeah! 8-)

Z

[1955CJ-5]

That piano hinge on the plate won't help if you are backing up, but it should be helpful the rest of the time...I'll need to look at it too...it can't be that involved...

[Carls_jeep]

These are antique vehicles and the laws today do not pertain to us. They had no seat belts, they had no turn signals, they had no lights on the licence plate.

[Bruce_W]

Speak for yourself and your own state, Carl. Colorado has required a light on the rear plate since well before the first jeep was built.  All CJ2-A's, CJ3A's, and CJ3B's left the factory with a white lens in the bottom of the left (or only) taillight, to illuminate the license plate. The CJ2's had a spacer between the taillight and the body so that the light would shine on the plate, which was mounted on a bracket on the body, rather than on the rear crossmember.

[1955CJ-5]

Idaho lets me get away with only one tail light and no turn signals because it was built before 1955....but the one tail light needs to be on the left with a lens to illuminate the license plate....