[9]

So, I live in a state where front plates are optional, but most dealerships seem to install the brackets.

With the ST, is the front bracket dealer-installed or is it riveted on from the factory like the Focus ST? 'Cuz if I can avoid having the dealership drill into my bumper that'd be swell.

 

[moshaholic2]

Its factory installed and riveted. There is a code to have it omitted if you custom order your car.

 

[Sil3nt611]

If you live in a place that requires front plates, IMO the factory plate holder sits pretty high into the top grille to look any good. Not sure if it would work, but I found this option as a replacement so you can move the plate where you want it.
http://www.skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml

 

[breon]

Ew. I'll probably try to modify it to drop it down, unless it's going to block the intercooler. Not quite sure where it's located since I don't have mine yet.

 

[Sil3nt611]

They definitely could have centered it more. The lower part of the upper grille is already blocked off (as seen in the picture) but at least they didn't pull the same deal as the Focus ST (smack dab in the middle of the grille), the plate doesn't actually block any airflow how it is. Flipping the bracket around might work, but it'd probably block more airflow to the intercooler. Getting a different bracket that's adjustable so it's not so far up into the top grille would look a bit better.

 

[D1JL]

I live in California so by law the front plate is a must.
I requested to not have the bracket installed but it was on the car when it arrived.
I had an appointment right after delivery to have a clear bra installed.
So there I was at the dealer removing the bracket, it just so happens that I carry a drill for work.
Law enforcement where I live is pretty anal about front plates so I will be putting it back on.
The car looks fast enough just sitting still, I don't need any other trouble.

Dave

 

[integra]

Cant you fit a long plate?

 

[LuvfiestaST]

I drilled out the rivets and lowered mine

 

[Smokin]

Mine came to Kansas with no front license plate bracket

 

[Sil3nt611]

I drilled out the rivets and lowered mine

That how it should have come from the factory. Looks much better.

 

[D1JL]

I drilled out the rivets and lowered mine

In a colder climate, that's just fine and does look good.
Where I live it is mostly hot and I prefer to keep the better air flow to the intercooler.

Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave

 

[RodMoe]

The Goofy thing is yes it looks nice but it also shows the metal beam behind the lower half of the main plastic grill not a bad thing but still
If you look at the lower half of the main grill you see what i mean ?

Does lend itself to installing a tow hook mount of some sort perhaps behind the plate... hmmmm

 

[LuvfiestaST]

Metal bean??

 

[RodMoe]

Metal bean??

LOL I see i type like normal i switched to beam .. Sorry bout that

 

[Sil3nt611]

The Goofy thing is yes it looks nice but it also shows the metal beam behind the lower half of the main plastic grill not a bad thing but still

It's not a metal beam, it's a part of the plastic grille. It's just plastic that fills in the lower honeycomb of the grille to act as an air block. Shoot, I even posted a close up picture of it in post number 5 of this very thread... It's on all Fiesta STs with and without the front plate. The reason you can see it better in that picture is because of the snow and ice on the car. It tends to accumulate in the blocked area of the grille which makes it stand out more, it's not because he moved the plate bracket...

 

[RodMoe]

well there ya go shows you what happens when one assumes. (and somehow I missed or overlooked your great pics in that post..duh) I went and looked closer and You Sir are 100% Correct-o-mundo Hmmm wonder if it would help cooling to open that area up some ?? Oh well sorry i blew up and back to the topic at hand.

 

[LuvfiestaST]

No problems so far

 

[RodMoe]

No problems so far

Probably never will it was just a random thought in my head that made it to the keyboard...

 

[LuvfiestaST]

I didn't like the plate stuck in the middle of the grill.. Lowering it makes the front end look bigger.. But that's works for me.. I'd rather not have a plate there at all but the police would stop me in a minute.. And having the windows tinted darker than allowed I don't want to give them a reason to pull me over

 

[Sil3nt611]

I'm assuming that's probably where the crash bumper is, and if it wasn't blocked it'd show through the grille. I didn't really pay attention last time I saw someone post a picture with the bumper cover off though, but that's probably what the deal is with the air block. Plus it probably helps stiffen the grille and with the front plate going up into the lower part of the grille, the plate blocks zero airflow that way. If you look closely at a Focus ST it's similar. Ford decided to put the front plate smack dab in the middle of it's grille though, but the air dam is right in the middle with the open honeycomb on top and bottom of the grille so the front plate also blocks no airflow.