This kit looks to be about 90 % there. My Engineering would be to make the following changes and upgrades. Somewhere you 'll have a piece of 1/8 inch black plastic sheeting or similar piece of plastic. You would then take the folding wing nuts and make a piece as a support /load spreading platform just larger than the wing nut with a hold drilled in the center to accommodate the through bolt, this would be placed between the wing nut and the cent vanes as a protective washer. You should mount the trough bolts low enough to make a parallel installation so the bolt heads will be flush in their insert pocket, helping to spread the load evenly on both mounting surfaces. You can most likely obtain a matching Stainless bolt at Home Depot while you are obtaining some anti-seize compound to coat all exposed surfaces. This will give you a most long lasting and replaceable solution for a small additional expense. Cheers Robert
You could always coat the threads with anti-seize then you would not have to worry about not being unable to remove. Whenever I do a brake job I always coat the back of the wheel with anti-seize to keep the wheel from rusting onto the hub I've been doing this little trick for over 20 years and never have had an issue.
You could also do a light coating of Rustoleum but I always find that whatever is not going to be showing anti-seize works day in and day out. plus you don't need a lot just enough to coat the threads or the metal which is exposed.
I have a new Model X arriving next week and this was very timely (and I did give them your referral code). Researched 'The Law' and found them in Kent Washington...about 150 miles from me. So that will be part of my first road trip. Their website indicates they are using stainless steel hardware now to prevent the rust and corrosion you found. Thank you for all your shows.
For E-ZPass, you can request a smaller device that mounts on the inside of your windshield. Your license plate won't be covered and you'll still have E-ZPass working. Not sure how it is in MA, but it works in NY/NJ area!
Seems like a better solution to me. The law was overpriced. I like the model 3's method too (uses 3M tape instead). I still don't use a front license plate though. Wrecks the look of the clean front.
A simple moulded or 3D printed brace could be applied with double sided sticky pads above the grill. This would also allow airflow through where it should be going.
If rust prevents removing the bolts later it is no problem. I could see there is plenty of room to get a Dremel in there with a cutoff wheel and simply slice through the bolts. Of course stainless steel hardware would be the best solution.
To fix the bolt alignment move the wing nuts down two louvers. The rust would have been mostly from the electrolytic effect between the aluminium and the steel. You will probably find that the long bolts with this one won't rust so fast because they are not in contact with the aluminium.
Question for original video creator: 2 years later, did you encounter any issues using this solution? Did anything come loose or did the louvers snap? Were you able to take through a hand car wash?
How long are those bolts and do they provide the thread size? Not that you could not just use anything I guess... but wanted to know what size was used. I am guessing we could just buy those parts separately and find alternatives like zinc or stainless steel to help against corrosion.
I would also suggest something like lock tight on the end where the wing nut goes. Otherwise you are going to be tightening these every day for at least a week. And by that time you are going to start bending your louvers. Don’t mean to be a Negative Nellie here, but I don’t think you are going to be too happy with this solution. Hope I am wrong...
I have it on my vehicle for over an year driving up to 85mph and in rain, never had to re tighten. Didn't see any scratch on the front face either because the plate holder is made out of soft plastic. No issues whatsoever. Even took my car into car wash (kaady car wash)
Have and like The Law a lot better. The plate floats in the air. That one has the plate holder against the bumper. Bet it scratches it all up in a few months.
Seems to me the Tesla guys should have just provided holes/mounting point for the plate. It covers it up anyways....so it's gonna be ugly no matter how you do it. If you're parking outside...yeah I can see how it would be worse for rusting, etc. Not a fan of that EZ pass transponder, but you do what you gotta do.
I know it’s the law in some states (luckily not in AZ) but I used to live in CA and never put the front license plate on with no issues. If so, my argument would have been that I had never seen a Corvette with a front license plate on it. Why do those owners get a free pass?
Eu Mesmo well, in some states it's not necessary, so it's attached if the owner want it to or not if don't want. The original holder is attached with screws thru the front bumper, which he stated in the video, don't like. That's why. :)
QUESTION: Is it possible to drive an AWD Model 3 if you lose 1 of the two motors and limp home without being stranded ? Please answer if you know based on "REAL SCIENCE."
Also, not sure what is wrong with just taping it with 3M tape, that works like a charm usually and its cheap. I personally just never install those at all, even in California. 90% of nice cars in CA ignore that rule anyways, as it does ruin the car look indeed
If all the hardware is not stainless steel, it will rust badly, especially through the first snow season where salt is used on the roads. Double thumbs down on the design.
I find it ludicrous that a car that is manufactured in California (which requires front license plates) is not assembled with a factory device as standard. This is so unlike Elon & co. This is almost like Apple selling you a laptop & requiring you to buy a typewriter to use as a keyboard.
Adrian G. Pop - Tesla realized that not all States require a front licence plate, so instead of installing it they placed the bracket in the frunk so you have a choice. The Model 3 design allows you to use 3M tape and two screws to attach the plate. (Screws are drilled up from the bottom so if removed it wouldn’t damage the face)
When the Aluminium touches steel it causes Galvanic corrosion (rust) faster that it would have otherwise. www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-s-hitch-torklift-ecohitch-3-year-update/ en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion
Doesn't seem like it would be good over time. I would worry that it would eventually come loose or cause damage. The price is MUCH better. Another alternative I've seen and I am looking at is the Sto-N-Sho ($84.99 on Amazon) and it bolts to the underside of the front (at least on the Model 3). a.co/4wc3ShH
I used this simple method: 1. Pick up plate holder. 2. Deposit into nearest trash receptacle. Seriously, watch oncoming cars and how many cars actually carry a front plate. Its like 50% here in California. Cars don't generally back away from hit and runs at high speed.
So much trouble for nothing. Why do they think a licence plate has to be a plate? In Florida there is no plate at the front at all... What is instead of "plates" they would give you a sticker. Would look and function the same as a metal plate. No screwing needed, no tools, no holders, no wasting time...
This kit looks to be about 90 % there. My Engineering would be to make the following changes and upgrades. Somewhere you 'll have a piece of 1/8 inch black plastic sheeting or similar piece of plastic. You would then take the folding wing nuts and make a piece as a support /load spreading platform just larger than the wing nut with a hold drilled in the center to accommodate the through bolt, this would be placed between the wing nut and the cent vanes as a protective washer. You should mount the trough bolts low enough to make a parallel installation so the bolt heads will be flush in their insert pocket, helping to spread the load evenly on both mounting surfaces. You can most likely obtain a matching Stainless bolt at Home Depot while you are obtaining some anti-seize compound to coat all exposed surfaces. This will give you a most long lasting and replaceable solution for a small additional expense. Cheers Robert
Just use the long (25”) plastic cable tie to go around the holes on the plate holder and the louver. No need to use the bolt and wing nuts.
You could always coat the threads with anti-seize then you would not have to worry about not being unable to remove. Whenever I do a brake job I always coat the back of the wheel with anti-seize to keep the wheel from rusting onto the hub I've been doing this little trick for over 20 years and never have had an issue.
Ron Consumer great idea! Thanks for the tip.
You could also do a light coating of Rustoleum but I always find that whatever is not going to be showing anti-seize works day in and day out. plus you don't need a lot just enough to coat the threads or the metal which is exposed.
Good point on that steel threaded insert, Zack! Thanks. Glad I went with an aluminum insert on The Bandit.
I have a new Model X arriving next week and this was very timely (and I did give them your referral code). Researched 'The Law' and found them in Kent Washington...about 150 miles from me. So that will be part of my first road trip. Their website indicates they are using stainless steel hardware now to prevent the rust and corrosion you found. Thank you for all your shows.
For E-ZPass, you can request a smaller device that mounts on the inside of your windshield. Your license plate won't be covered and you'll still have E-ZPass working. Not sure how it is in MA, but it works in NY/NJ area!
Seems like a better solution to me. The law was overpriced. I like the model 3's method too (uses 3M tape instead). I still don't use a front license plate though. Wrecks the look of the clean front.
A simple moulded or 3D printed brace could be applied with double sided sticky pads above the grill. This would also allow airflow through where it should be going.
Why not use zip ties? if you like you can get stainless ones.
Keep em coming.
If rust prevents removing the bolts later it is no problem. I could see there is plenty of room to get a Dremel in there with a cutoff wheel and simply slice through the bolts. Of course stainless steel hardware would be the best solution.
You should review the Sto-n-sho plate holder. It lets you quickly remove it so you dont need it at all, then quickly attach it when you park.
To fix the bolt alignment move the wing nuts down two louvers. The rust would have been mostly from the electrolytic effect between the aluminium and the steel. You will probably find that the long bolts with this one won't rust so fast because they are not in contact with the aluminium.
Question for original video creator: 2 years later, did you encounter any issues using this solution? Did anything come loose or did the louvers snap? Were you able to take through a hand car wash?
you sure made that look hard work :)
How long are those bolts and do they provide the thread size? Not that you could not just use anything I guess... but wanted to know what size was used. I am guessing we could just buy those parts separately and find alternatives like zinc or stainless steel to help against corrosion.
Can I use this for the Tesla Model S?
It looks like you could have put it in one of the louver slots lower and it would not have the rod at as much of an angle
Anyone tell me how long the bolts are? Such a great idea! Thx!
what's the length of each bolt?
I would also suggest something like lock tight on the end where the wing nut goes. Otherwise you are going to be tightening these every day for at least a week. And by that time you are going to start bending your louvers. Don’t mean to be a Negative Nellie here, but I don’t think you are going to be too happy with this solution. Hope I am wrong...
I have it on my vehicle for over an year driving up to 85mph and in rain, never had to re tighten. Didn't see any scratch on the front face either because the plate holder is made out of soft plastic. No issues whatsoever. Even took my car into car wash (kaady car wash)
That ll stop to air going in and out through the went I think looks good but blocking it
Have and like The Law a lot better. The plate floats in the air. That one has the plate holder against the bumper. Bet it scratches it all up in a few months.
is the plate holder upside down?
Does that block air intake for cooling?
A stainless steel version of the same is available in etsy and ebay now. Check it out !
Where can buy this one? Thanks.
apply anti seize to the steel bolts
Any idea when Tesla's will be comming to South Africa? I heard one guy ordered a Model X for 2019 but I'm not so sure if its real....
Seems to me the Tesla guys should have just provided holes/mounting point for the plate. It covers it up anyways....so it's gonna be ugly no matter how you do it. If you're parking outside...yeah I can see how it would be worse for rusting, etc. Not a fan of that EZ pass transponder, but you do what you gotta do.
I know it’s the law in some states (luckily not in AZ) but I used to live in CA and never put the front license plate on with no issues.
If so, my argument would have been that I had never seen a Corvette with a front license plate on it. Why do those owners get a free pass?
Happy birthday to Elon Musk, 47 years young today!
I'm not American and none of this makes sense to me. Why didn't the car came with the license plate? (or the place for it)
Eu Mesmo well, in some states it's not necessary, so it's attached if the owner want it to or not if don't want. The original holder is attached with screws thru the front bumper, which he stated in the video, don't like. That's why. :)
That my friend is a garbage design. Zac is very nice to it’s manufacturer. Made in a best tradition of chinese ebay things.
Just got my configuration email, if I order now do you think I will get the full 7500 tax incentive? Estimated delivery 3-5months
Did you put the plate holder on upside down?
The louver is not active, I am assuming?
Them $5 butterfly bolts are much better than the $140 law on your $100000 model x.
The carbon steel only rusted as it was next to Stainless steel. It’s called galvanic corrosion.
When I got my model 3 they put on plates by using a plate holder that use 3M tape.
Ha! Zac gave Sparky a reach around.
Glad I live in a no front plate state!
Do those fins close and open automatically?
Padraic McDonnell No, those are further back. These are just guiding air to the AC condenser, etc.
Richmond Sweet ah, thank you
I would have sanded and galvanized the rusty parts of the original holder and bought some S/S bolts from the hardware store.
How about model 3?
Vakok model 3 uses 3M tape to secure it to the front fascia
3:28 photobomb
Go to OSH and get stainless!
QUESTION: Is it possible to drive an AWD Model 3 if you lose 1 of the two motors and limp home without being stranded ? Please answer if you know based on "REAL SCIENCE."
Or, you know, get white screws that wont be visible because of the plate
Who's the mystery guest.
Also, not sure what is wrong with just taping it with 3M tape, that works like a charm usually and its cheap. I personally just never install those at all, even in California. 90% of nice cars in CA ignore that rule anyways, as it does ruin the car look indeed
I would like to know who the lady walking behind you is! Is she a neighbour or your wife 😊
Use the right tools for the right job..................... @6:02
If all the hardware is not stainless steel, it will rust badly, especially through the first snow season where salt is used on the roads. Double thumbs down on the design.
If it's rusty, just hit with a hammer! lol. But, this is a pretty good solution.
I find it ludicrous that a car that is manufactured in California (which requires front license plates) is not assembled with a factory device as standard. This is so unlike Elon & co. This is almost like Apple selling you a laptop & requiring you to buy a typewriter to use as a keyboard.
Adrian G. Pop - Tesla realized that not all States require a front licence plate, so instead of installing it they placed the bracket in the frunk so you have a choice. The Model 3 design allows you to use 3M tape and two screws to attach the plate. (Screws are drilled up from the bottom so if removed it wouldn’t damage the face)
At least have it as a factory option...
When the Aluminium touches steel it causes Galvanic corrosion (rust) faster that it would have otherwise.
www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-s-hitch-torklift-ecohitch-3-year-update/
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion
🌪🌊
Doesn't seem like it would be good over time. I would worry that it would eventually come loose or cause damage. The price is MUCH better. Another alternative I've seen and I am looking at is the Sto-N-Sho ($84.99 on Amazon) and it bolts to the underside of the front (at least on the Model 3). a.co/4wc3ShH
I used this simple method:
1. Pick up plate holder.
2. Deposit into nearest trash receptacle.
Seriously, watch oncoming cars and how many cars actually carry a front plate. Its like 50% here in California.
Cars don't generally back away from hit and runs at high speed.
So much trouble for nothing. Why do they think a licence plate has to be a plate?
In Florida there is no plate at the front at all...
What is instead of "plates" they would give you a sticker. Would look and function the same as a metal plate. No screwing needed, no tools, no holders, no wasting time...
Simply awful on a $100,000 car...