This is my first post on the site, so I apologise if I upset anybody with my non-factory resolution to the front license plate mounting issue. Here in North Dakota there is a chance that you can get pulled over for missing a front plate, so I didn't want to risk it with my recently purchased 2005 DB9.
The photos show the preliminary construction that I will probably use for a while, until I get one built with sturdier aluminium stock.


The "secret" that makes it work, is the use of a 'well-nut' threaded onto a 1/4" stainless bolt. When the rubber portion of the well nut is pushed into the tow hook port and expanded, it holds the aluminium sheet quite snugly.


I folded the lower portion of the sheet under the valance and attached it to the bodywork with two velcro pads. This 3 point attachment holds the assembly nice and solid.


I left a 1/2" gap between the sheet and the body and attached two small "Scotch bumpers" to absorb any vibrations at high speed!


Here the plate still shows the sanding marks (sorry) but as I said, this is probably just a temporary fix until I make one with heavier gauge aluminium. Oh, and I'm not going to be adding that trailer plate to the front! That was just a template.


I guess this is kinda primitive by Aston standards... but here in North Dakota we tend to take the John Deere approach to engineering.

 

Great job for making it yourself and without extra holes in the bumper. Most people will say no way would I have a front plate on my car, but sometimes it has to be done.

 

My old Vantage (2008 V8 Roadster) came with a license plate mount that bolted on to mounting points on the grille. No drilling of the bumper. Did the DB9 not come with a factory mount? Curious why you went the DIY route instead of using the factory mount (if the DB9 came with one).

 

I am probably more frugal than the majority of Aston owners on this forum. So the lofty prices of factory parts was a bit disconcerting to me. Besides, I love to create solutions myself if I can. This particular setup didn't require any modifications to the car and retains the ability to pop off the license plate and attach a tow-hook, should the need arise.
When I purchased the car it had no factory mount for the front license plate. I'm not sure I would want to attach anything to the grille.... it appears to be somewhat fragile and besides, wouldn't that potentially affect air-flow over the radiator(?)

 

I used one of these. Works great, quality build, looks good and at $89 a pretty good deal

http://www.moweraxle.com/licenseplat...tinfordgt.html

 

Yes, I saw those when I was researching what to do. I am intrigued to know what stops it from rotating on its single mount point? Does the star washer supply enough grip to hold it squarely? I think mine would probably stay put without the lower tabs, but I added them for "warp speed" moments!

 

Nicely done!

I bought some left handed ACME threaded rod from McMaster Carr and some left handed nuts (We love you AM, nice touch doing it so no one could source it from anywhere else...) and in addition to making my own tow hook, I am going to use the threaded rod to mount my front license plate. I figure that way it will be in there and no one except an AM owner would know it is lefty tighty, righty loosey...

 

the kit has an angled piece so that you can rotate and adjust the angle of the plate as it faces front. This allows you to adjust up/down facing and a little right/ left facing. I lined everything up how I wanted, tightened slightly - marked with a pen. Took it apart and I applied a light coat of Silicone to all mating faces and threads and tightened up. Cleaned off the pen marks and squeezed out silicone with a light damp rag of brake cleaner and it hasn’t budged for a few years.