With STO N SHO, Your Show Car’s License Plate Easily Slides Away

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Mark Bach

November 17, 2016

Mark Bach

November 17, 2016

A front license plate is legally required in 31 states in the US. Yet, for proud owners of show cars, the presence of a license plate can distract from the impeccable styling of a fine automobile. When Mike McKinney, the owner of Big Mike’s Performance Parts in Prundale, Calif., discovered that problem, he devised an ingenious solution: the STO N SHO license plate holder - opens in new window or tab..

When you slide the entire plate bracket away, the mounting is not visible.

The patented STO N SHO, created in 2012, utilizes existing mounting holes and brackets. The base plate unobtrusively mounts to the bottom of the bumper or front fascia. Then the frame that holds the license plate slides into the base plate and clicks securely into place. While you’re on the road, the car is totally street-legal in the states where a a front license plate is required.

A quick tug on the release pin allows the frame to slide off, making the base plate barely visible.

A 2012 study - opens in new window or tab. by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that a lot of people dislike what a front license plate does to the look of their car. “When we first started looking at this, I never really gave it much thought about why anyone would care about whether you have a front license plate,” said Melissa Walden, a senior research scientist at Texas A&M. “But apparently, there are a good number of people who are concerned about it purely from an aesthetic standpoint.”

Still, others don't mind and it could even be an opportunity. “In states that only require one plate, owners can choose to mount a plate supporting their favorite team, organization, or some other design,” said McKinney, a retired Air Force veteran. As a tribute to his 24 years of military service, a percentage of all sales of STO N SHO are donated to disabled veterans through such programs as the Wounded Warriors Project and the Disabled American Veterans Organization.

His company is a small family-owned business. The plate holder is made in America.

Now, about four years after the introduction of the first product, the company offers more than 120 specific license-plate units, designed for a wide array of car models—each one using the smallest and least conspicuous base plate for the specific make and model. STO N SHO is consistently creating new versions as auto manufacturers update their models—so it’s very likely that there’s STO N SHO - opens in new window or tab. that will be a perfect fit for your ride.

About the author

Mark Bach

Mark C. Bach has oil in his veins and remembers feeler gauges and brake springs. He has a love for all things that move, especially old-school muscle cars. Bach writes for a variety of outlets, including Chevy Classics and FuelCurve.com, and maintains Route66pubco.com.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.