License plate mod for 4th gen.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by FrankoQ, Apr 4, 2008.

  1. FrankoQ

    FrankoQ New Member

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    I finally got to do my mod for the license plate.
    This is in case you want the license plate not to stick out so much as it is
    with the stock rear fender. I took some pictures along the way so here they are.

    1) get your tools:
    Drill, dremel, heat gun, wire connectors, painter's blue tape, some Sam Adams.

    2) stock look:
    01.JPG

    3) Stock side view:
    02.JPG

    4) remove nuts that hold lighting assembly:
    03.JPG

    5) Once the lighting assembly is removed, remove the nuts(see arrows in pic)
    to access the wiring.
    04.JPG

    6) cut the wires at arrow location
    05.JPG

    7) Remove rubber pieces and wiring.
    06.JPG

    8) This is what you end up with.
    07.JPG

    9) I used painters blue tape to mark where I needed to cut with the dremel.
    I then proceeded to cut the fender.
    08.JPG

    10) These are the bolt leds I got from the local bike shop.
    09.JPG

    11) Use blue tape to mark where to drill the holes for the bolts.
    Measure and proceed to make the holes.
    10.JPG

    12) Fender cut and holes made for led bolts.
    11.JPG

    13) Attach the license plate and secure the led bolts.
    12.JPG

    14) Make wiring connections. I used the heat shrink connectors.
    Once you make the connections on either side, use a heat gun to
    melt the plastic and make a more water proof connection.
    I also used plastic claps to secure the wiring to the fender.
    13.JPG

    15) beer break. :drink:

    16) All done. This is the end result.
    14.JPG
     
  2. SLOVFR

    SLOVFR Member

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    Good job, to bad I didnt stop you in time I would have traded you one already done :)
     
  3. v4pwr

    v4pwr New Member

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    looks good. i did something similar. i tried using those lights and when i went to wire them up one of the leads can out of the light. since the place i got them from was giving me a hassle about replacement i just used the on good one and took off the reflector and put it in the middle of the rear plastic. believe it or not just one will light up the whole plate from that spot.
     
  4. kingsley

    kingsley New Member

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    Nice effort on the "step by step" FrankoQ.

    Looks Good!
     
  5. Pearl-93

    Pearl-93 New Member

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    Great job Frank!
    Judging by your join date, this would be your first write-up?
    ...not too shabby.

    Keep it up.

    -S
     
  6. FrankoQ

    FrankoQ New Member

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    Thanks! :smile:
    I come from the BMW 3 series forum where there is a truck load of DIY instructions. They have detailed instructions and pics.
    I came here and did not find many. So, I'm just posting some as I do some
    mods to my bike.

    I posted yesterday another DIY for the oil change for a 4 gen bike.
     
  7. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    Good job. I should have done a write up back when, didn't think anyone would give a S""t. All thou I didn't go to the trouble with the light bolts. Figured if I get pulled over for not having a plate light that will be the least of my problems. I looked at putting a lens of sorts on the under lower of the tail light, seems to me that wouldn't be a bad way to go either, anyone done that?
     
  8. FrankoQ

    FrankoQ New Member

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    I give a s""t!!!
    as much as possible, I want to do my own maintenance and mods on my bike.
    for the fun factor and also to make smaller dents in my wallet. :smile:
    Have you seen hour rates at bike shops? :eek:

    The more DIY threads we have, the better for all.

    all right... back to work.
     
  9. FrankoQ

    FrankoQ New Member

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    Nice job Bob,
    My only suggestion would be to create a new thread with pics of your mod.
    Since yours is a 5th gen.
     
  10. douglasthecook

    douglasthecook New Member

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    I used the bottom of the tail light frame piece as a template, cut out the bottom of the tail light, and RTV'd in a clear piece of plexi glass, I think pics are in my gallery. Looks good and works quite well.
     
  11. punisher12b

    punisher12b New Member

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    Id like a DIY thread on shorting the stock 4th gen exhaust
    but I like it

    imma do that to pop's when his get outta the shop
     
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