[KB519]

Does anyone have a workaround for the license plate between the light and the trunk latch?
I've seen people mount the trunk latch through the plate but that seems a bit much, the guy I got the car from suggested just cutting the plate to fit. I don't see any other option.
Thanks for the help

 

[Dave Schwaab]

Jeff Kleiner (see "JKleiner") has a pretty nice mod to the light that lets you fit an unmodified plate (some states frown upon altering the plate in any way).

Either that, or get a new Mk 4 trunk lid.

 

[Dave Schwaab]

Found a thread with the description...

Mk4 rear license plate holder & "t" handle

What have most MK4 builders done for the rear license plate light/holder and the “T” handle spacing on the trunk lid? I’m at that point to cut the lens and slide the plate up into the cut or leave the “T” handle out of the picture and use a popper to open the trunk lid.

www.ffcars.com

 

[jhargrove]

It's not legal but I cut a niche in the plate. If I ever get caught I guess I figure it then. Seems the cops have more on their plate then that.

You cant tell unless your right on it.

 

[Chepsk8]

Or just throw out the traditional handbook and build a recessed mount with hidden catch

 

[KB519]

Found a thread with the description...

Mk4 rear license plate holder & "t" handle

What have most MK4 builders done for the rear license plate light/holder and the “T” handle spacing on the trunk lid? I’m at that point to cut the lens and slide the plate up into the cut or leave the “T” handle out of the picture and use a popper to open the trunk lid.

www.ffcars.com

thanks so much, new the community and appreciate the help
KB

 

[Redfish]

Maybe they have more on their plate, maybe not. Got pulled over out of state, and a written warning, for no front plate on my daily driver. I must look suspicious.

It's not legal but I cut a niche in the plate. If I ever get caught I guess I figure it then. Seems the cops have more on their plate then that.

You cant tell unless your right on it.

View attachment 370477

 

[CPThack]

Just move the t-handle to the body (instead of the trunk door) and you are "fixed"
That's what I did for mine and I haven't given it a single thought since.

 

[KB519]

Maybe they have more on their plate, maybe not. Got pulled over out of state, and a written warning, for no front plate on my daily driver. I must look suspicious.

just call a CHP buddy of mine, you can't cut any CAL lic plate

 

[Boat737]

I did the Kleiner license plate light modification, which took care of about 65% of the problem. I didn't want to cut the license plate, so I had Da Bat (Jeff Miller) build up the mounting pad on the trunk lid about 1/4 inch or so (during body work phase, prior to painting), to make up the rest of the clearance needed. Can't even tell it was changed, a perfect solution IMHO.

 

[jhargrove]

just call a CHP buddy of mine, you can't cut any CAL lic plate

Can't cut any plate I believe.

 

[jhargrove]

Maybe they have more on their plate, maybe not. Got pulled over out of state, and a written warning, for no front plate on my daily driver. I must look suspicious.

Chicago area is big on it. They want that front plate. It was one of the few things the inspector wanted to see.

I got a ticket once for it in my Land Rover in all these years but I heard other getting tickets all the time. Getting closer to the inner city you are likely so I just throw a plate in the front dash of the SUV. Out by me in the Far west burbs I have not heard of people getting a ticket for it. I have been pulled over in the Land Rover and the cop never said a word.

With that said the Cobra will probably never go anywhere near downtown Chicago and I will take my chances with out a plate. Though I do have a bracket I can use and or the second plate behind the seat.

Jason

 

[Lee_cbr]

I notched out a small section at the bottom of the license plate to accommodate for the handle. I've done this on 3 previous cobras and I've never had an issue with law enforcement.

We have a couple ex-police officers in the local cobra group. They told me as long as the STATE, the renewal stickers, and the plate name/identification aren't obscured then they don't bother.

Rules differ from state to state. For example in utah it's not required to have a front license plate.

 

[zmann1217]

I purchased a Trunk Latch for Kia Optima LX EX 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1.6 2.0 2.4L Tailgate Trunk Lid Latch Lock Actuator Motor and a APIELE 22mm Momentary Push Button Switch 12V Angel Eye LED Waterproof Stainless Steel Round Metal Self-Reset 7/8''. I did have to drill a couple of holes in the trunk sub layer to mount the latch but they don't show on the outside. Using the momentary button it fits the hole for the handle, I will have to fill the two screw holes but I didn't have to change the light or the license plate.

 

[KB519]

I purchased a Trunk Latch for Kia Optima LX EX 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1.6 2.0 2.4L Tailgate Trunk Lid Latch Lock Actuator Motor and a APIELE 22mm Momentary Push Button Switch 12V Angel Eye LED Waterproof Stainless Steel Round Metal Self-Reset 7/8''. I did have to drill a couple of holes in the trunk sub layer to mount the latch but they don't show on the outside. Using the momentary button it fits the hole for the handle, I will have to fill the two screw holes but I didn't have to change the light or the license plate.

any pictures?

 

[zmann1217]

Here are some pictures I took.

 

[chris n]

my original plate bracket broke off , i got mounts for hard side bags from a harley they fit around the bumper tube and i used them to mount the plate to the bumper

 

[teesalmon]

I used the Kleiner Mod, notched the top a little, made clearance for the handle, used a silicone trim ring with a soft back, and 3D printed little offsets to move the screw mounts up.

 

[KB519]

I used the Kleiner Mod, notched the top a little, made clearance for the handle, used a silicone trim ring with a soft back, and 3D printed little offsets to move the screw mounts up. View attachment 370528
View attachment 370527

That is very clean looking but in California you can’t cut the plate in anyway.
thanks KB

 

[weendoggy]

That is very clean looking but in California you can’t cut the plate in anyway.
thanks KB

...just adding you can't "custom color" it either, or add any "special" mark/dash/dot.