US license plate mount conversion for British Cobra

pcoghlan · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 03:09 PM

Hoping to get the Cobra registered this coming week. The rear bumper has mounting tabs for a British shaped/sized license plate. Does anyone know of a mount converter that allows me to mount a US plate on there?

Thanks,
Paul

289ACE · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 05:50 PM

Not sure what the tabs look like, but there are mounts that are used for US plates that attach under the license plate light. Finishline in Florida (they are listed on the site under vendors) carries ones that is offset and allows clearance for the trunk handle, or you can make your own fairly easily if you do not want the offset.
Jay

A-Snake · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 289ACE

Not sure what the tabs look like, but there are mounts that are used for US plates that attach under the license plate light. Finishline in Florida (they are listed on the site under vendors) carries ones that is offset and allows clearance for the trunk handle, or you can make your own fairly easily if you do not want the offset.
Jay

Or use something like this on the bumper.

pcoghlan · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:20 PM

Thanks guys. I will look at the Finish Line product but must say the clip above is a simple yet effective way to mount it!

Paul

pcoghlan · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:34 PM

Update...

As nice as the Finish Line product looks it wont work on my car.

The vertical distance between the trunk lid light and the trunk handle isn't sufficient to fit a license plate. I just checked with a spare.

Looks like it will be the clips for now!

Paul

A-Snake · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcoghlan

but must say the clip above is a simple yet effective way to mount it!

Paul

Clips like that have been on my car since new, 1964.

UKjohnnycobra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 04:05 PM

Paul

I have a UK cobra which I imported here to the US. I used the finish line rear license bracket because in NY where i originally registered it, you need to have the plate illuminated, so it needed to fit under the light. I dont know which state you are in but you may want to check that. Its not a great fit and the plate actually rests on the trunk handle ( i put a rubber buffer on the underside of the plate to prevent scratching). I use A-snake's bracket to hold the reversing lite on the rear bumper.

For the front plate I use a couple of these

to secure the plate to the lower part of the front oval bumper

pcoghlan · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the feedback. The plate wont fit between the license plate light and the handle unless I trim about half an inch from the plate. Not sure it that is allowed?

There is no requirement for a front plate so I am OK there.

hmmm...reversing light! I knew there was something missing!!

Out of curiosity what Cobra do you have?

Paul

UKjohnnycobra · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 04:55 PM

Paul you cant deface or change the plate in any way . Mine actually rests on the handle. Doesnt look great but it does the trick and is illuminated .

Mine is a Euro427, theres not many of them around but I built mine myself and its fun to drive so for me its a keeper

pcoghlan · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 05:23 PM

Thanks for the photo, useful. I think I might end up using the Finish Line product and see if I cant get it in somehow. Off to order a reversing light next to finish off the back end of the car.

Good to see another GD Euro this side of the pond. I posted in another thread that I thought I had a fairly unusual Cobra in FL only to have someone respond that there were at least half a dozen JUST in FL?!

Paul

macloft · #11 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 07:37 PM

How did you guys get your cobras into the US. I had mine blocked by the EPA as I could not show or prove emmissions they would not let me import it.

It was just registered before I left Australia and I had to put it in a garage for 3 years till I move back.
Bruce

pcoghlan · #12 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 05:12 AM

Sorry to hear yours was blocked Bruce. Mine came in as a kit which I assembled here.

Paul

UKjohnnycobra · #13 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 12:32 PM

Hi Bruce I had to bring mine in as an incomplete vehicle assembly which meant I had to leave the engine and gearbox behind and source another when i got here. if you import it complete, it gets assessed based upon the year of manufacture for EPA, airbags, antilock brakes etc..

And paul mine is not a GD Euro, its a Euro 427 which is the old Fiero Factory. Somewhat down market from the GD.

John

pcoghlan · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 12:42 PM

John, I am sure it is a pleasure to drive AND turns a few heads with the RHD aspect!

Bruce, I followed the route John took. I brought it in sans drive train, glass and lights and built it here.

Paul