Plate Holder Mount legacy

# Tesla Model Y License Plate Mount / Holder

I designed a **license plate mount/holder** for Tesla vehicles, compatible with different international plate sizes.
It attaches to the **front grille** using screws and nuts.

This is the Model Y version. It was tested only on "Legacy" cars (up to cars made until Jan/2025).
It won't work for the 2025 refresh Model Y (MY 2026) due to the front bumper camera.

The plate mount is **slightly curved** to follow the car’s design.
It was originally made for Brazilian plates, but it should also fit **European** and **American** plates:

* **Mini Mount** → for European 11 cm plates
* **Normal Mount** → for larger plates

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## Parts

* **Main Holder**
Fits on the **external side** of the grille.

* **Bracket**
Fits on the **inside** of the grille and secures the holder in place.

* **Curved Plate Mount**
Two versions are available:

* 11 cm × 34 cm
* 13 cm × 40 cm
Any plate longer than this (horizontal axis) should still fit.
Plates taller than 11 cm (vertical axis) won’t fit with short side arms, but should fit with the long arms.
The part is **symmetrical** and **cut in half** to fit most printers.
👉 Print **2 pieces** of the chosen size for each car.

* **Sides (Arms)**
Connect the plate mount to the holder. Different versions are available depending on the distance you want the plate to be from the grille.

* **Short arms** → work only with plates up to 11 cm tall.
* **Long arms** → required for taller plates.

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## Printing Instructions

* **Material**: Use **PETG** or **ABS**.
❌ Do not use PLA — it may warp in sunlight.
* **Supports**: Not needed.
* **Infill**: 25% works fine.

### Printing Orientation

* **Sides** → print with nut holes facing up.
* **Bracket & Holder** → print with grille-facing side on the bed.
* **Plate Mounts** →

* Best: print **standing up** (same orientation as on the car) for smoother curvature.
* Alternative: can be printed lying down, but curved lines will look rough.
* ⚠️ Remember: print **two halves** for each car.

👉 Refer to the attached images for correct printing orientation.

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## Hardware Required

* **12 × M6×25 mm Socket Head Screws (Allen)**
*(Black recommended)*
* **12 × M6 nuts**

Optional:
The mount is designed to be taped to the plate, but holes are included if you prefer attaching the plate with screws.

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## Assembly Instructions

1. Assemble the **Sides** into the **Main Holder** using 4 screws and 4 nuts.
2. Prepare the **Bracket** with nuts inserted.

* Tip: apply a small strip of tape (Scotch or electrical) behind the bracket to hold nuts in place.
* Insert 4 screws into the Main Holder and keep your tool handy.
3. Position the Main Holder/Sides on the grille. Ensure a perfect fit.

* Slide the Bracket from the **top of the grille**, behind the Main Holder.
* Tighten the screws.
4. Attach the **two halves** of the Plate Mount to the installed holder using 4 screws and 4 nuts.
5. Attach the license plate to the Plate Mount.

* Recommended: **VHB double-sided tape**.
* Alternative: use screw holes if your plate has them.


Here’s the updated excerpt with your new note included, ready to slot in before the **Warnings** section:

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## Note

I also have a **Model X version** available here: [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7159410](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7159410)

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## Warnings ⚠️

* The **short arms for Model Y** have not been tested in the final version, but should work.
* The mount is **extremely sturdy**: it will likely damage the **grille** before breaking itself.

* Risk: pulling on the plate, impacts from water, branches, etc.
* Long-term durability is still untested.
* Use at your **own responsibility**.

Standard FDM printing settings:
- Layer height: 0.2mm
- Infill: 70%
- Supports: As needed