[TR] License Plate Brackets for TR3s?

[Dave1massey at cs.com]

In a message dated 3/31/2012 12:19:41 AM Central Daylight Time, 
don.hiscock at gmail.com writes: 
> My TR3B (TSF202L) had an odd bracket mounted to the spare tire cover when 
> I
> got it in 1981.  A piece of stamped steel shaped sort of like a channel
> with a flattened section in the middle.  The two bolts holding it to the
> panel are closer spaced than license plate holes, and it has two slotted
> holes spaced farther apart that do match up to the plate.
> 
> Here's an image:
> http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-RbBVvNr/0/XL/i-RbBVvNr-XL.jpg
> 
> I haven't seen another one quite like this.  There's probably a reason for
> that -- it really doesn't work that well.  Awkward to mount plates onto 
> it.
> As TSF202L comes back on the road over the next month I'm considering
> options for mounting the plate to the rear.  One of the best suggestions 
> so
> far (thanks, Tom) is to drill four holes in the panel, insert rubber
> grommets, and bolt the plate directly.
> 
> Any other good ideas?  Anyone else see that goofy bracket before?
> 

Maybe mine is not factory but my car came with the plate bolted directly to 
the spare tire cover.  The holes were properly spaced for a US plate.  I 
mounted it using stainless steel truss-head screws and 1/8 inch thick nylon 
spacers.  Come see it at the Easter car show at the Muny lot.

Dave Massey, St. Louis