DIY Front plate bracket

[CDPHOTO]

I just bought my first Miata last week. At first I didn't think it had a front plate. Then when I got down to look through the front grill I found that it was zip tied to the bumper support. Seen in this picture.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/ProjectMiata_0003_zps6914f06c.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/ProjectMiata_0003_zps6914f06c.jpg.html)

So I decided it needed a change. After getting it registered and getting new plates I started looking at alternative front plate brackets. I found a few different options online. Prices ranging from $45 - $75. Like the ones pictured below.

http://garagestar.com/media/products/type1_bracket_01.jpghttp://www.kgworks.co.jp/image/4-c-33.jpg

After some shuffling I got the car jacked up for the first time lol. Even with the low profile jack it took 2 stacked 2x4 to get the jack under the pinch weld. the sideskirts sit just 1 1/2" off the ground.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30093819_zps88bcab0f.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30093819_zps88bcab0f.jpg.html)

I was able to do this whole project using scrap metal I had laying around the garage from past projects. I started with a piece of 1/8" thick flat steel. Using a piece of cardboard I marked the hole locations for the tow hook bolts. (my car didn't have a tow hook when I bought it)

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30101629_zpsab69c745.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30101629_zpsab69c745.jpg.html)

I bent the plate so that it was level with the ground when bolted to the frame.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30102136_zpsc6e09c2a.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30102136_zpsc6e09c2a.jpg.html)

I attached the bracket to the frame and found where it met the bumper. I then drilled the front mount hole just past where it meets the bumper skin and trimmed the bracket.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30103850_zps66a73bfd.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30103850_zps66a73bfd.jpg.html)

I then Used some thinner plate steel to make the plate bracket. I welded a 8mm machine screw to the top of the bracket where it meets the tow hook bracket.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30121502_zpse0c4b706.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30121502_zpse0c4b706.jpg.html)

Here is the plate mounted and finished. it is easily removeable with one 10mm nut.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30121732_zps5823ca16.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30121732_zps5823ca16.jpg.html)

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30121829_zps85ef47fb.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30121829_zps85ef47fb.jpg.html)

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30121910_zpsfbd3d3bf.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30121910_zpsfbd3d3bf.jpg.html)

Here is the plate mounted and finished. Much better than the stock location. Now the grill is completely cleared so there is more air flow to the radiator.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o607/ChrisDaleyPhotography/2013-06-30121639_zps3ef3bfde.jpg (http://s1150.photobucket.com/user/ChrisDaleyPhotography/media/2013-06-30121639_zps3ef3bfde.jpg.html)

[wannafbody]

Is there supposed to be more pictures?

[CDPHOTO]

Sorry the computer freaked out in the middle of the post. They are all up now.

[Grip Driver]

Couldn't wait for the paint to dry eh :P Good job though!

[CDPHOTO]

Couldn't wait for the paint to dry eh :P Good job though!

Lol The paint is just temporary to keep it from rusting. Once the car drives and I can get it out of the garage I will be pulling it back off to powder coat it.