[spacedogg]

So I finally got around posting a review of this product.

There are three basic schools of thought with regards to license plate holders/covers.

1. People who don't care. They haven't even bothered to change the licence plate holders that their dealership put on. They don't mind advertising the name of the dealership where they got their car from.
   
2. People who don't like using any licence plate holder. They like feeling of their plates running free and naked.
   
3. People who like to personalize their licence plate holders.

Personally, I am in the third camp. Yet, I didn't want something emblazoned with any company logos...even the BMW logo. You can even get some weird ones that flash messages when you are stopped. Or ones that have the barbed wire look, etc. I didn't want any of these.



I just wanted the border of the plate holder to be nice and clean. I wanted something simple. And I wanted something that would protect the plate from dirt and moisture.

So instead of simply getting a licence plate holder, I wanted to get a licence plate cover. Something with a clear plastic lens that would protect the plate from rock chips, dirt and moisture. I originally started using a cheap ass clear plastic licence plate cover from the local automotive store. It cost me $7 or something.

The only problem with the cheap cover was that it never formed a tight seal around the licence plate. Eventually dust, dirt, moisture would fog up the licence plate cover from the inside. That was a real pain in the ass, because you had to take your plates off and clean it occasionally when you did a car wash.


NOTE: Not all states/provinces allow the usage of a licence plate cover. Smokey the Bear says...check with your local law enforcement.

So...after some searching around, I finally got around ordering the WeatherTech ClearCover licence plate holder. They call it the "Ultimate Plate Holder". Here is a link to the manufacturer's website: http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvp...ItemGroupId=25


Here's a quote from the manufacturer:

The WeatherTech® ClearCover™ license plate cover is made from the virtually indestructible Eastman DuraStar™ polymer. Its one piece lens and gasket design allows for easy installation. The Multi-Flex™ gasket seals moisture out, and a stepped lip design fits the license plate snugly. Marine grade 18-8 stainless steel screws and Click and Stay™ screw caps are included. WeatherTech® ClearCovers™ have many styles to choose from, and will complement any vehicle.

# Virtually indestructible clear acrylic lens protects your plate
# Flexible gasket helps prevent moisture and dirt penetration
# UV protection helps prevent yellowing and cracking
# 1 piece lens and gasket for easy installation
# Stepped lip design to fit license plate snugly
# Click and Stay™ screw caps
# Stainless Steel hardware kit included to fit most vehicle applications
# Virtually indestructible
# 1 ClearCover™ per order

Please check state and local laws prior to use

When ordering, you want to make sure you order Part # 60020 if you want it in black. It also comes in gold, red, white, brushed, chrome, etc. If you order online, some stores sell it for really cheap but if you go to checkout...you will find out they have only the ghey colours in stock...like gold. So doublecheck the part # to be sure you are getting the right colour.

So this is what it looks like from underneath:



The rubber gasket presses up against the plate and forms a tight seal. As per this cross sectional diagram:



This is what a vintage plate looks like covered by the ClearCover.




Little plastic caps are provided to snap in and cover the screw holes.

So this thing looks pretty indestructible and looks like it will last a long time.

But is it worth $24.95 + Shipping? Hmmm...well....if you think about...probably not considering you could get a factory in China to pump them out for way cheaper and sell them for only "4 dollah".

But from a cosmetic mod perspective...it is worth it. All the cheap licence plate covers that are available do not have the rubber gasket...so unless you like taking off your plates every time you do a car wash...then you need the ClearCover.

[Spazdoc]

These are vastly superior to the basic plastic Pep-Boys lookalikes. The difference is the sealing gasket that protects the plate. Some water vapor will get underneath with power washers, but no biggie.

I have used these on 5 cars, and they always look great! A nice professional touch, and you can find these in different colors, as well (not just black).

They were technically not legal in MA, so each year for my inspections, I had to remove the cover and zip-tie the front plate to the lower grille. After inspection, the front plate comes off and plate cover returns (once the inspection place did it for me).

[Houman21]

Why do you want to protect your plate? Not being an ass, just asking.

[montreal red]

Originally Posted by Houman21

Why do you want to protect your plate? Not being an ass, just asking.

+1
i guess i dont really give a shit bout how good my plate looks like... maybe if its really faded, red light cameras would have a hard time seeing my numbers ... j/k

[blue2fire]

Good Review, i am quite attached to the OEM BMW CF one though.

[nj335i]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Good Review, i am quite attached to the OEM BMW CF one though.

I have the OEM CF one, and it's not really CF.

[bimmerFUD]

You can get them without the clear plastic cover, too:

http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvp...=702&Year=2009

Although in the photo, it shows "WeatherTech" etched on the bottom of the plate.

Alternatively, these look to be the same as the Altec:

http://www.autogeek.net/allicplatfra.html

which can be had with or without the clear cover and has NO logos on it. I have it without the clear cover and I like it. Very clean and very high quality.

[Spazdoc]

Originally Posted by Houman21

Why do you want to protect your plate? Not being an ass, just asking.

Basically, over time the plates looks aged and horrible. They stay clean and intact with the cover.

It all comes down to the details. I don't like a new or clean car with a faded or damaged plate. Just like how some people spend the effort to get rid of the amber in the headlights or replace the bulbs with LEDs.

[babino]

Nice review. I use these exact covers on all my current cars and will continue to do so in the future. They are solid and offer good plate protection while looking good on the car.

[Houman21]

Originally Posted by Spazdoc

Basically, over time the plates looks aged and horrible. They stay clean and intact with the cover.

It all comes down to the details. I don't like a new or clean car with a faded or damaged plate. Just like how some people spend the effort to get rid of the amber in the headlights or replace the bulbs with LEDs.

That makes sense - I just hate having plates, so I try to do anything to punish them!

[fisherbln]

I've had my WeatherTech cover on my M3 for 4 years now. It was great when I first got it, however, it eventually started allowing water in and would steam up after I washed my car. Maybe it doesn't match well with my states plate design? Also, the clear plastic has turned a bit more opaque over time. I have enjoyed it though and I suppose any more than 4 years is probably due for replacement anyway.

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by Houman21

Why do you want to protect your plate? Not being an ass, just asking.

Originally Posted by montreal red

+1
i guess i dont really give a shit bout how good my plate looks like... maybe if its really faded, red light cameras would have a hard time seeing my numbers ... j/k

Just to let you guys know, those look like old school (vintage) 1980's plate for British Columbia that are no longer available to buy. I've never seen them before... makes sense to protect these bad boys.