Miata Mailing List: November 1994, Message #47
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   From: 
Subject: Re: Front plate flex bracket
   Date: Wed, 2 Nov 1994 07:10:49 -0500

Someone recently posted a message concerning a new bracket that alows the 
plate to move out of the way at speed and allow cooling airflow to the 
radiator.

My experiences with overheating (it's happened a couple of times now, 
once because of where my plate was relocated, and once due to a failed 
fan) is that the critical times are at low speed.  Low RPMs don't allow 
cool water to flow through the water jacket as quickly (not directly 
related to speed, but close enough) and low airflow around the car 
doesn't cool the radiator water as readily.  This being the case, the 
plate hanging down in front of the radiator at low speeds (like in 
traffic jams and such) as this new bracket would allow, might not solve 
all of the problem.  

What's more significant in my opinion is the fact that at speed the plate 
is not visible (I am assuming here) and that's when you would attract the 
attention of nearby constables.  In fact even after explaining the 
mechanism to the 'arresting officer' he might insist that since the 
function of the plate is for identification while driving, it still 
violates the law!

I would propose a manually-controlled bracket, 
either motorized or cable-controlled, that could be lowered in the event 
of nearby police, or for whatever reason - even to help it quickly warm up.  

If I ever come up with anything, I'll post the results.
Tom