QQ: those using motorcycle license plate lights

[tirwin]

I started working on deleting the fat US bumperettes. I am planning on using a pair of the motorcycle LED license plate studs.

Curious how those of you who did this handled the wiring.

How did you route the wires behind the plate? Did you put the studs on the top or the bottom?

The top seems like you’ll see ugly wires hanging out. So maybe bottom is better.

I was thinking about using insulated spade connectors so the wires can be disconnected on the inside of the bumper if I need to change the plate in the future. Has anyone done this?

I bought one set of lights at a local auto parts store. They were a little hard to find. Cheap crap. The wires were so thin and flimsy — I barely breathed on one and the + wire broke off. Took it apart and decided it wasn’t worth trying to fix. Ordered a different brand from Amazon. Should be here Monday.

Trying to decide if I’m going to just plug the holes or go ahead and fill and re-paint. Leaning towards re-painting.

[tirwin]

Also did you find it necessary to do something to make the license plate mounting bracket stand a little proud of the bumper? Was thinking I might need to add nylon spacers and get longer screws.

[spuggy]

I considered using a pair of early BMW-style license plate lights, but ended up buying an illuminated license plate frame and swapping the bulbs (yeh, that long ago) for LEDs.

[Gretz]

When I deleted my bumperettes I installed a license plate frame with a built-in LED light:

https://www.radiantz.com/Car-License-plate-LED-frame-p/8202-11.htm

For $60 it may seem expensive, but it's a pretty clean solution. Does likely require you to drill a hole in your bumper but if you're removing the bumperettes you'll likely have several others anyway. I just found a good spot for a hole and drilled it, then installed a rubber grommet to stop water from potentially flowing in during the rain. I'm planning on installing IROC bumpers in the future anyway, so I wanted the cleanest possible option.

Just a thought!

[AG81]

tirwin,

"How did you route the wires behind the plate?" I drilled a small hole behind the plate for the wires.

"Did you put the studs on the top or the bottom?" I tried both. In the top prior to my exhaust renovation. Now they are in the bottom.

Both work equally well.

I have not been able to see the wires in either location.

"I was thinking about using insulated spade connectors so the wires can be disconnected on the inside of the bumper if I need to change the plate in the future. Has anyone done this?" Yes I did this so I could disconnect the wires if needed.

I bought my lights at a motorcycle aftermarket supplier and they are both inexpensive and have lasted two years so far.


"Trying to decide if I’m going to just plug the holes or go ahead and fill and re-paint. Leaning towards re-painting."

Plugged mine so far.....painted the plugs.

[bkreigsr]

I drilled a one central hole behind the mounting bracket and ran both wire through that hole.
Quick disconnects were on the inside of the bumper around the muffler, so I wrapped them in an asbestos sleeve.
Lights were mounted on top of the plate. You can adjust the light pattern right, or left to get it correct.
The only thing I didn't like was that the intensity of the light was different than the rest of the lights on my '85.
Bill K

[AG81]

^
Couple coats of the wife's finger nail polish and that issue went away.

[tirwin]

Thanks for the input. I may look at that license plate frame.

The problem with the LED studs seems to be that the stud is very long and it looks like it will interfere with the bumper. I’ll look at the new set I ordered from Amazon. If it looks like the same problem then I may give the license plate frame a shot.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

I drilled a one central hole behind the mounting bracket and ran both wire through that hole.
Quick disconnects were on the inside of the bumper around the muffler, so I wrapped them in an asbestos sleeve.
Lights were mounted on top of the plate. You can adjust the light pattern right, or left to get it correct.
The only thing I didn't like was that the intensity of the light was different than the rest of the lights on my '85.
Bill K

Asbestos?

[Snitzler]

Originally Posted by tirwin

Thanks for the input. I may look at that license plate frame.

The problem with the LED studs seems to be that the stud is very long and it looks like it will interfere with the bumper. I’ll look at the new set I ordered from Amazon. If it looks like the same problem then I may give the license plate frame a shot.

All the led lights I found had this same problem. I think I might try the motorcycle license add on bar. Looks small and just enough to light the plate.

[75 911s]

I built a custom aluminum bracket. Previously I ran the bullet LED's through the license plate itself. This was a hassle as the bracket that holds it to the bumper is attached behind the license plate, and therefore the bolts that hold the bullet lights had to be removed and the wires didn't look great.

The bracket solved my all my problems as I can remove the license plate itself without affecting the lights. As you can see I drilled a hole directly behind the plate to run the wires. I tied off the drivers side harness and run both lights from the passenger harness. There's a disconnect up under the bumper, but it also has some firebraid sheath to shield it from the heat.

These are bright white LED and I agree they don't look quite right. I found a supplier of yellow looking LEDs but I haven't swapped 'em out yet.

[tirwin]

Duane, I like that!

I think I saw something similar that was for sale. May have only been for smaller motorcycle license plates. Snitzler mentioned it too. Let me look for a bit and see if I can find it again.

[tirwin]

Here’s one... don’t think I like the styling.

iJDMTOY Universal Fit Bolt-On To License Plate Frame 12-SMD Xenon White LED License Plate Illumination Light Lamp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083Y0WL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9m3DEb3T09N9C

[RSBob]

On the infamous El Dildorado, I used Lite n Boltz LEDs and drilled a centered hole behind the plate with quick disconnects.

While at it, I dropped the plate about an inch and a half down so it doesn’t block the top of the bumper plane. To my eyes, dropping the plate is more visually appealing. It’s all in the details. YMMV

[AG81]

I don't mind it so much..... It's funny how the littlest thing can eat up so much time. At least with me thats how it goes......

https://www.4statetrucks.com/bumpers/semi-truck-stainless-steel-led-license-plate-tube-light-united-pacific-s2008led.asp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk6j8ubyu6AIVy4CfCh3 YZgrzEAQYAyABEgL8pfD_BwE

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rizoma-license-plate-light?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk6j8ubyu6AIVy4CfCh3YZgrzEA QYFiABEgIQI_D_BwE

[bkreigsr]

Originally Posted by tirwin

Asbestos?

I thought the factory protective sleeves were asbestos, guess not.

They might be some sort of Nomex or this:
https://www.electriduct.com/FlameRetardant-PET-Expandable-BraidedSleeving.html#tab-5

Bill K

[tirwin]

Thanks, Bill. Yea, I was looking at a similar product from TechFlex.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by RSBob

On the infamous El Dildorado, I used Lite n Boltz LEDs and drilled a centered hole behind the plate with quick disconnects.

While at it, I dropped the plate about an inch and a half down so it doesn’t block the top of the bumper plane. To my eyes, dropping the plate is more visually appealing. It’s all in the details. YMMV

Looks great, Bob!

I pulled the bumper today and started sanding. This makes me want to remove all the rubber bits. It looks so good.

So this started as something to do while on COVID-19 lockdown. Not sure I can fabricate the mounting bracket on the inside of the bumper. Have to think about that some more.

I like your idea of lowering the license plate frame. Really looks good. I am hoping to do an M&K GT3 exhaust in the future. Not sure about clearance. Need to take a look and do some measurements.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by AG81

It's funny how the littlest thing can eat up so much time. At least with me thats how it goes......

Ain’t that the damn truth. I waste so much time on the little things.

[tirwin]

I have another incredibly stupid question.

What kind of insulated quick disconnects are you guys using? I don’t see anything that will easily fit through the license plate hole.