58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

[Dan B.]

Quick question about how the front license plate bracket is mounted to the bumperettes on the sides. According to the AIM there should just be a bolt, lock washer and a nut in each of the 4 corners. Problem is the frame tabs don't reach flush to the bumperette for that. I have seen flat washers used to shim flush (photo below) and also the tabs just bent outwards at an angle to reduce the opening (not very pleasing) and was wondering what is considered correct. Would appreciate any input from what people who have had cars judged did for curiousity and also if you see anything wrong in the photo. All the parts are stock GM. Thanks - Dan

[Bruce W.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

Dan, I have a 58 Duntov car. washers used to fill the gap are incorrect. you just snug them and the tabs will bend some but remember these cars were never perfect.
Bruce

[Dan B.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

Thanks Bruce for that information and confirmation. The gap is about 1/4 inch at the top, a little less at the bottom.

Saw a very high level restoration yesterday claiming to be a Duntov award and his tabs were bent in as well. The car was a 58 and besides the front license bracket, his right bumper was back about 1/4 inch in the wheel well and the side molding around the wheel was about a good inch short as it came down in the front. Wish I had taken a picture of it.

[Bob B.]

[Dan B.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

Bob, thanks for that photo. On mine which I think is typical of a GM replacement part from the 70's, I don't think it would be possible to get it to look like yours ( by bending) and still have the holes line up. Yours looks quite good compared to most others I've seen. But, you gave me an idea to remove those brackets and reposition them to fit better and spot weld them back in place then get the part replated. It could use it anyway. Dan

[Bob B.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

Dan, If you can get the brackets off and reposition, that's a great idea! This could turn into your new business! - Bob

[Bill M.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

These are the original (probably not the fasteners) parts from my '59:

[Mike E.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

The tabs were not designed to be pulled flat against the bumperettes. They were designed to be parallel with them. The outer edge of the plate fit against the bumperettes. A washer stack or bent tabs should be cause for deduct.

[Dan B.]

Re: 58-60 Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Question

Bill, that photo gives me a good idea what to work towards combined with the other replies. I recently reworked the fit of the bumpers, grill and trim on my 59 (very much improved now) and this was my last item to finish. Thanks for your post, and to all who replied, much appreciated.