License plate?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
License plate?
This weekend my daughter walks up to me and asked if someone stole my rear plate again. AGAIN?!! This is the second time in 2 months that this has happened! Has anyone else had this problem? I need to find a way to keep these punks (I have better words for them but won't put them on here) from taking my plates. Is there a way to lock them on my truck? I thought of putting a tack weld on the nut and bolt to hold them on but that would cause me more work down the road when I change out my rear lights. Any suggestions?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,133
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
One way screws would cause a problem that he's trying to avoid in the future. I don't think there is a real way to prevent anyone from stealing them if they want them, you can only slow them down increasing the chances of catching them or having them lose interest.
You could use a hollow head Allen type bolt, most people don't carry around an assortment of Allen wrenches. You could go more elaborate and use anti-theft type bolts:
You can get these at McMaster Carr or any good hardware store. I can almost guarantee no one is walking around with a tool to remove these, of course you'll have to buy the tool and make sure you keep it somewhere where you be able to find it when you need it.
You could use a hollow head Allen type bolt, most people don't carry around an assortment of Allen wrenches. You could go more elaborate and use anti-theft type bolts:
You can get these at McMaster Carr or any good hardware store. I can almost guarantee no one is walking around with a tool to remove these, of course you'll have to buy the tool and make sure you keep it somewhere where you be able to find it when you need it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Edgewood, NM
You could always tack razor blades to the backside of the plate for when they grab it, just don't forget they are there! This was effective for me years ago when someone kept breaking into my car for the speaker box 
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,133
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Shane,
I can see one BIG problem with your suggestion, law suit! I agree, it would be sweet justice but with our litigious society it wouldn't take the swiftest lawyer to sue you for everything you have, including the license plate you're trying to protect and the truck it's attached to. On top of that who wants to clean up all the icky blood and finger tips.
I can see one BIG problem with your suggestion, law suit! I agree, it would be sweet justice but with our litigious society it wouldn't take the swiftest lawyer to sue you for everything you have, including the license plate you're trying to protect and the truck it's attached to. On top of that who wants to clean up all the icky blood and finger tips.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
I saw a stone wall around a guy yard and the top of the wall had broken glass bottlies cemented in .So if you put your hands on top to jump over ouch
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
One way screws would cause a problem that he's trying to avoid in the future. I don't think there is a real way to prevent anyone from stealing them if they want them, you can only slow them down increasing the chances of catching them or having them lose interest.
You could use a hollow head Allen type bolt, most people don't carry around an assortment of Allen wrenches. You could go more elaborate and use anti-theft type bolts:
You can get these at McMaster Carr or any good hardware store. I can almost guarantee no one is walking around with a tool to remove these, of course you'll have to buy the tool and make sure you keep it somewhere where you be able to find it when you need it.
You could use a hollow head Allen type bolt, most people don't carry around an assortment of Allen wrenches. You could go more elaborate and use anti-theft type bolts:
You can get these at McMaster Carr or any good hardware store. I can almost guarantee no one is walking around with a tool to remove these, of course you'll have to buy the tool and make sure you keep it somewhere where you be able to find it when you need it.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
What about a watch dog? I could one of those! Train it to act mean and growl at people passing by!!! I actually had a choclate lab that was a big teddy bear but could tell when you got nervous and would do his best to protect you. He only did it 3 times. One of those times saved my grandma. Anyway, Just thought I'd throw the dog idea in here and started thinking about Taylor. I miss that guy.
Sorry. Got off the subject.
Sorry. Got off the subject.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
I know I have seen "security" type license plates fasteners at the auto parts places, honestly nothing more than the allen head bolt with the pin in the center (like you guys have already shown), or ones that use a torx (star) shaped head with the same center pin.
Hmm, far as a security system, I think something could be rigged up using a solar powered electric fence charger... one of the big ones used to keep bulls inside the fence..
could be a good way to protect hood ornaments too.
Certainly non-lethal, but would put them on their butts... I know first hand.....
Hmm, far as a security system, I think something could be rigged up using a solar powered electric fence charger... one of the big ones used to keep bulls inside the fence..
could be a good way to protect hood ornaments too.Certainly non-lethal, but would put them on their butts... I know first hand.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
haha, the personal experience wasn't with a vehical, was with me not paying attention while working around the farm. Just a word of advice, don't accidentally run into an electric fence, especially if you also touching a big metal gate...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
How do you have your plate mounted?
1. Can you make a license plate frame that would cover the bolts? It could be secured with pins that go thru a backing plate. The pins could be drilled to accomodate a pad lock on the two top corners.
2. Or you could replace the threaded bolts with computer security bolts. I have seen them advertised in magizines. The spring-loaded lock pops on the end of the bolt and won't come off until you open it with one of those round hollow keys.
Good luck, Jag
1. Can you make a license plate frame that would cover the bolts? It could be secured with pins that go thru a backing plate. The pins could be drilled to accomodate a pad lock on the two top corners.
2. Or you could replace the threaded bolts with computer security bolts. I have seen them advertised in magizines. The spring-loaded lock pops on the end of the bolt and won't come off until you open it with one of those round hollow keys.
Good luck, Jag