That looks perfect-exactly what I put together with the L brackets and back plate to keep the plate from flexing.
You made a great find. Mine cost $15 bucks in parts.

Just dont mount it so the plate is up against the opening, or it may impede airflow and could possibly cause overheating. I left a few inches just to play it safe, and have not had any problems. I believe there are already 2 holes already there that may line up with your bracket.

The subtle change really improves the front profile of the HHR. Plus, your plate will be safer and more secure.

 

John!!!! You didnt get 2 of them??? Now I have to go junkyard diggin!. That looks like the ticket man! Good job!

 

Opinion was where there is no intent to defraud or forge, which is clearly the subject in those sections, , then the CA VC section that is most applicable states in part "2) The installation of a license plate security cover is not a violation of this subdivision if the device does not obstruct or impair the recognition of the license plate information, including, but not limited to, the issuing state, license plate number, and registration tabs, and the cover is limited to the area directly over the top of the registration tabs. No portion of a license plate security cover shall rest over the license plate number." The clerk's interpretation was that for a front plate with no stickers, even that area could be covered or trimmed. Had a chance to talk to a CHP friend and he said that no plate, a modified plate, or plate covered with plastic are all good "excuses" to pull somebody over, just like heavy tint, a light out, or loud exhaust. I was pulled over several times and ticketed twice in my Camaro, including for loud exhaust, but never written up for a front plate that was cut down to just the numbers.

 

Well I got my car back and installed the plate. Here are photos I really like the position better. Although I wish we did not need it at all. I will have been keeping an eye on the temp, everything seems good. I have the mesh grill and it allows a lot of air. I cleaned and painted the bracket it is off a mid eighties Buick Skylark. Thanks for the feedback, John

 

Looks great. It appears that you attached it to the lower grill. That was a great idea, making it much simplier than what I did. You have about the same amount of air space that I do, so you should not have any cooling problems.

 

Thats pretty much what I got out of it too. So as long as the rear plate has all the info for proof of regestration and a full view of the numbers, you can alter the front one down to just the numbers and state, like the above picture

 

I did not have to alter plate in any way. Which works out well. I mounted to metal support in bumper. It is just behind lower grill.

 

Unfortunately here, and probably many other places, doing anything to the plate, IE cutting it, results in a fine. Around $100 I think.

 

second thing i did after debadging

 

has anybody done an offset mount on the lower grill?