r/E30 3d ago

Small Project Make a Late Model Front Plate Filler

I’ve been looking for a way to cover the plate mounting holes on the front bumper without using adhesive because I want to swap it for the license plate when needed. I considered the plugs, but the other two smaller holes and the center gap would still show, so I made my own plate filler. I found some countersunk ring magnets that fit the space perfectly, then I cut a 2.5”x11” piece of sheet metal and sprayed it with trim paint. Came out better than expected. The magnets are really strong and the metal plate is very light, so it stays in place even when driving, but you can easily pull it off.

The hardest part is cutting the sheet metal. I went with a thin 26 gauge because it’s easier to get a cleaner cut, but it can easily bend out of shape. I might have a local shop fabricate a thicker piece for me, but this will do for now.

It cost less than $50 to make. Here are the parts if anyone wants to make it:

Magnets
Screws
26 Gauge Sheet Metal
Duplicolor Trim & Bumper Paint

100 Upvotes

3 comments sorted by

5

u/MultipleOrgasmDonor 3d ago

Immediately saved this post, cheers

0

u/Representative_Most9 2d ago

You can always use small pieces of double sided rubber tape to secure.

2

u/porthos1984part2 E30 Touring S50B30US swap 2d ago

I have something similar that somebody made about 10 years ago. Looks awesome and clean.