The Show-and-Go system is...
The Show-and-Go system is not comprised of many parts, as you can see in this photo, and the main bracket doesn’t require any assembly. However, the kit includes a piece of galvanized-steel strap that can be fabricated into an additional support bracket if necessary or desired.
Once again, improving a Mustang’s appearance is the focus of TI. We’re not talking about anything elaborate, either. This upgrade—installing a slick motorized license-plate bracket from AmericanMuscle.com—is actually fairly subtle when compared to changing major body pieces, adding different wheels and tires, or going way above board and completely repainting your Pony a hot color with graphics.
Officially named the Show-and-Go License Transport (PN 64500; $129.95), this bracket is a really cool motorized (runs on 12 volts) plate mount that allows ’Stang owners to hide their front license plate at the push of a button.
Now, you may be asking, “Why would I want to hide my front plate?” Well, the main reason is simple. It’s vanity. Pure vanity.
While sporting a front plate is the rule in most states, some Mustang enthusiasts take serious exception to it because front-mounted license tags detract from a ’Stang’s appearance. Many ’Stangbangers circumnavigate the law by removing the front tag and OEM mounting hardware, and displaying the tag on the dashboard (which makes the plate visible through the front windshield).
While the dashboard-presentation method is a quick way to clean up a ’Stang’s fascia, it’s not the best method, because it may be illegal if your ride is registered in a state that doesn’t allow such front-end nakedness. Enter the Show-and-Go License Transport, which keeps the law-folks happy while you’re cruising or parked on public streets, when the plate is visible, and brings smiles and “nice ’Stang” comments when your Pony is displayed on the show field, with the plate out of sight.
For do-it-yourselfers, the remote-controlled, flip-down-plate bracket system is all-inclusive and easy to bolt on, as you’ll see in the accompanying photos of Saul “The Surgeon” Gutierrez doing the install. If you ’Stangbang in Southern California and don’t have the basic tools required to get it done, Extreme Automotive is the place to go for a drama-free install.
Saul “The Surgeon” Gutierrez...
Saul “The Surgeon” Gutierrez of Extreme Automotive prepares AmericanMuscle.com’s Show-and-Go License Transport for installation on an ’03 Mach 1. The motorized bracket makes hiding a Mustang’s front license tag as easy as pressing a button.
For our application (mounting...
For our application (mounting the Show-and-Go bracket dead center in the bumper/below the OEM license plate location), we’re using the included metal strap to create small support brackets for the Show-and-Go piece. A small amount of intuitive fabrication that may or may not be necessary (it depends on the model-year ’Stang that the kit is being installed on) for ensuring that the bracket is fully secured to the bumper cover once it’s installed.
For our application (mounting...
For our application (mounting the Show-and-Go bracket dead center in the bumper/below the OEM license plate location), we’re using the included metal strap to create small support brackets for the Show-and-Go piece. A small amount of intuitive fabrication that may or may not be necessary (it depends on the model-year ’Stang that the kit is being installed on) for ensuring that the bracket is fully secured to the bumper cover once it’s installed.
After fabricating secondary...
After fabricating secondary brackets, Saul mocks up the mounting position for the license-plate bracket using a piece of masking tape to index where holes must be drilled. AmericanMuscle.com includes fasteners and receiver-clips/sleeves for use with the primary mounting strategy (factory-created slotted holes in the device itself). We’re using bolts, washers, and nuts to keep our fabricated bracket in place.
Wiring the Show-and-Go is...
Wiring the Show-and-Go is the ultimate plug-and-play experience, with the unit’s white-striped wire only needing to be connected to the positive side of the motor, and then to a good full-time, 12V power source. Using a spare 12V battery, we bench-tested the bracket’s operation first. (We recommend you also do so). Once smooth, unobstructed operation is confirmed, the transport assembly is ready for final installation.
The unit’s wireless receiver...
The unit’s wireless receiver is attached to the fuse-box cover on our test Mach 1. As a rule of thumb, try and keep the module away from radiated engine heat. Wiring connections are basic—red for 12V positive, black for 0V negative (ground)—and they can be made directly on the battery.
Here’s our Mach 1 with the...
Here’s our Mach 1 with the front license plate tucked away out of sight.
With one simple press of a...
With one simple press of a button (two wireless-remote, key-fob transmitters are included with the Show-and-Go License Transport System)...
...the tag makes its way from...
...the tag makes its way from below the ’Stang and into full view!