Mk4 Jetta Lower Grill License Plate Bracket

Do you need this bracket? No--drill, home depot, and toggle anchors will get it done faster and maybe cheaper. Do you want this bracket? Well, that's up to you!

This bracket snaps into the lower grill on a Mk4 jetta. You need to print two, and choose where to mount it. I only recommend installing it on the driver's side, as the middle and passenger sides are used for cooling the radiator and turbo intercooler respectively. However, the driver's side grill is mostly sealed, and needs a slot cut in the middle louver to allow the bracket to clip (see photos). I just eyeballed the bracket and license plate, gouged the outline of the clips in the louvers, measured the setback for the top with a caliper (approx 8mm), and used a very sharp utility knife. 

Once the louvers are ready, the brackets snap in, the license plate slices in (you need to gently bend out the clips to get it started), and you can push the whole assembly back in the car.

Is it better than the OEM bracket or just using toggle bolts? Certainly not! I just didn't want to pay for an OEM bracket and take off the bumper to install it, and I also wanted to learn more about compliant design. 20 hours later, problem solved!

Print Settings--I used the LowRiderV4 advice as a basis:

• PETG for durability and UV stability (I'd be curious to try PCTG, ABS, or ASA, but I didn't have any handy)

• 0.4mm nozzle

• 0.2mm high quality profile as basis:

  • 4 wall loops

  • Rectilinear top and bottom surface patterns

  • 5 top and bottom shell layers

  • cubic infill pattern at 15%

  • Line width of 133% for all but supports

  • Brim: 3mm with .2mm spacing

It should print flat on it's side on the bed! I used painted brim with auto point generation in Orcaslicer with good success.