[overdriv]

I want to put my ZL1 addons license plate holder/tow bar in and leave it in without the license plate, just the screw in bar.


But the problem is, as you know this leaves a fairly good size hole open in the grille, with the grille removable section out.

Has anyone tried to modify their removable grille section so the tow bar could be installed and left in without leaving such a large hole open?

[overdriv]

Well since no one seems interested, I thought I'd report anyway on how I got the ZL1Addons license plate holder/tow clevis rod to fit into the grille without leaving a large hole in the grille. The size of this hole is big enough to allow rocks, birds, etc get past the grille into the area of the AC condenser radiator, etc.


The results from my modified grille take out leaves the grille intact, closes up the hole that would otherwise left open if the grille takeout were left out.


I like leaving the rod in without the license plate holder because I live in a state that requires all vehicles to sport a front license plate. I like the front of the Camaro without a front plate.

So if I get stopped for no front plate, I may be able to avoid a ticket if I can just go to the trunk and put it on.


The last picture is of the grille takeout installed with the tow rod installed. I have a black cap screw to put in it to protect the threads, not shown, but I think I'll look for some push pins that would could be just pried out with a screwdriver.



Anyway, here are some pictures.

[Camaro_QC]

Nice job, it looks really clean and should have been made like this from the beginning!

[Trochoidal]

Nice job! If I ever decide to purchase that, your pics will be helpful.

[overdriv]

Originally Posted by Camaro_QC

Nice job, it looks really clean and should have been made like this from the beginning!

It's to bad they didn't make the threaded hole in the body structure line up with the gap in the grille. But they didn't.

[CrazyCatGuy]

Just got pulled over today for no front plate so this is on my xmas wish list. I know you're a 2019 compared to my 2018, but I'll most likely mod my grill insert in a similar way. I assume you just used a dremel and ground it down?

[overdriv]

Originally Posted by CrazyCatGuy

Just got pulled over today for no front plate so this is on my xmas wish list. I know you're a 2019 compared to my 2018, but I'll most likely mod my grill insert in a similar way. I assume you just used a dremel and ground it down?

Yes, Dremel tool works well.

But, a barrel sander of the size of the bar might work better.

Btw, the stock tow bar is a larger diameter than the zl1addons bar. I think to use a stock bar, one would have to remove the entire section, not sure.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by CrazyCatGuy

Just got pulled over today for no front plate so this is on my xmas wish list. I know you're a 2019 compared to my 2018, but I'll most likely mod my grill insert in a similar way. I assume you just used a dremel and ground it down?

Doesn't the Sto'n'Sho look much better, though? Super easy to remove and snap back, too, when necessary (say you get pulled over when you forget to put the plate back after a car show )

[overdriv]

A friend has a sto n sho on his 5th gen Camaro. He says it is to flimsy and fell off. He keeps it in the trunk along with bungee cords to hold it on??

Good idea, and maybe it is improved for the 6th gen, don't know.

[CrazyCatGuy]

Originally Posted by overdriv

Yes, Dremel tool works well.

But, a barrel sander of the size of the bar might work better.

Btw, the stock tow bar is a larger diameter than the zl1addons bar. I think to use a stock bar, one would have to remove the entire section, not sure.

Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Doesn't the Sto'n'Sho look much better, though? Super easy to remove and snap back, too, when necessary (say you get pulled over when you forget to put the plate back after a car show )

To be honest, I prefer the placement of the ZL1addons, but I appreciate the heads up on the sto'n'sho

[overdriv]

I must correct something I posted.

My friend does not have a Sto n Sho. He has some kind of a spring operated license plate holder that would tuck under the front when not being displayed. Not sure of the brand.

The Sto n Sho looks like a decent device.

I mainly just like the idea of having the tow bar ready for either the license plate holder or the tow Clevis.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by overdriv

I must correct something I posted.

My friend does not have a Sto n Sho. He has some kind of a spring operated license plate holder that would tuck under the front when not being displayed. Not sure of the brand.

The Sto n Sho looks like a decent device.

I mainly just like the idea of having the tow bar ready for either the license plate holder or the tow Clevis.

Yeah, the Sto'n'Sho is basically a flat(-ish) bracket attached at OEM bumper bolt locations, plus a plate holder with two metal bars, absolutely sturdy, never even flinches on my car. Oh, and an additional perk is that even though it only reduces clearance by about 0.5", it scrapes first, before you jack up that $500 splitter To be more balanced, it is actually too easy to attach and remove, no security whatsoever, which is a concern in some areas.

To each their own, of course, it's a matter of taste first and practicality second with these holders. I for one don't care for asymmetrical plate placement.

[MakCamaro]

Useful

[olblue75]

When you say tow bar are you referring to the tow hook??