EZPass Mod: Hiding the transponder behind the WBH grill

[steven1955]

I don't know about you folks, but I don't like the windshield mounted EZPass transponder, and the exterior mounted transponder is supposed to be mounted on the front license plate where it can be easily smashed. And if the transponder is damaged or stolen its up to you to buy the new one.

So... I decided to do something about it. I built a bracket to mount the transponder behind the grill. Supposedly you aren't supposed to do this, but its been tested and it works. The grill and bumper do not block the signals between the transponder and the road mounted transmitter/receiver.

Please forgive the dull looking picture. I really had to pump up the brightness and contrast just to be able to see the transponder. In daylight you can't see the transponder unless you stick your face right up to the grill.

Anyway, here's what it all looks like through the grill.

 

[steven1955]

And here are the parts:

 

[steven1955]

And here is the assembled bracket:

 

[steven1955]

Here is where it mounts looking down between the grill and the radiator. Note the two holes in the chrome WBH bumper that are conveniently located just about where the transponder needs to be.

 

[steven1955]

Here's the last photo. Here you see the transponder and bracket mounted to the two ears on the bumper.

 

[mvfd03av]

Looks good! I have a state plate, the ez-pass and a fire dept plate sharing the four screws on my front plate area. When I got my ez-pass they said I couldn't use the inside windshield ez-pass, Metalic coating on windshield? Now you need to discribe the bracket fabrication better!
Keep on moddin'....

 

[Blue_03]

I use the inside EZ-pass and it works fine. I normally would just toss it on the dash, but it works fine. I am planning to move it as soon as it warms up here a bit.

I was planning to place it outside next to my third brakelight next to a new GPS antenna under the plastic cladding. That way both are hidden and protected from the weather. Colorado decided to send a pass for each car, so now I don't share the transponder with my other vehicles which is why I didn't mount it before.

 

[ygmn]

No EZ pass in louisiana......No toll Roads.....and only 2 toll bridges in the whole state that I am aware of and they do have the pass thing.....

Most I have seen are small and would fit behind rearview mirror though....

 

[Blue_03]

Yeah, the inside one I have is supposed to velcro to the windshield near the RV mirror, but I don't want ANY clutter inside the car and I don't like to see the velcro strips on the windshield. The other thing is this should be small enough to stick inside the A pillar on the drivers side - I believe it should still read fine and you would be able to hear it beep as you go through. I have not tested this yet, but I may. Just remember if you try this the A-piller pulls out at 45 degrees to the windshield, don't snap off those clips!

There is only ONE toll road here in Colorado, but if the weather is bad, it's a great way for my wife to get home. It's also a fast way for us to get to the airport if we are short on time. I HATE toll roads and don't use them often. That is another reason I want this mounted where I don't have to try and find the thing, it might be months between use, I want to know it's somewhere in each car and I can just drive and not think about it.

 

[brheas]

I like the bracket! You might have to build me one. I have the windshield mounted EZpass now and it works fine. I don't like the look either but only put it up when I am using it. I does have plastic velco type fasteners that keep it securely in place and they don't look too unsightly when the EZpass is not mounted. I only use the EZpass about once a week, so most of the time the EZpass is in my center console.

 

[steven1955]

Well because mvfd03av asked for details on the bracket I decided to make a drawing and convert it to a JPEG. We'll have to see how legible it is after I convert and post it.

I changed the bracket desing slightly to give a little more clearance between the grill and the transponder.

I used all stainless steel hardware. Here's a list of hardware I would use:
1. 4 pieces 10-32 x 5/8 pan head. I used phillips.
2. 4 pieces 10-32 nylon locking nuts.
3. 8 pieces # 10 flat washer.
4. 2 pieces 5/16-18 x 1 inch bolt. I used socket head cap screws.
5. 2 pieces 5/16 fender washers.
6. 2 pieces 5/16 flat washers.
7. 2 pieces 5/16-18 nylon locking nuts.

When installing, the flange on the bracket goes under the two ears on the bumper. Top to bottom go the bolt, the fender washer, the ears on the bumper, the bracket flange, the flat washer, and lastly the nylon locking nut.

Hope this helps. Here's the bracket drawing: (The drawing is much more legible if you click on the link.)