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Front UK Number Plate - fitting without screws ?

13K views 19 replies 11 participants last post by  andyrno1  
#1 ·
I have just fitted a personalised plate and have tried it without using the 2 screws normally used.

The first two days were OK but I think it is now gradually starting to lift. I did try and bend the plate before fitting it by keeping it bent under pressure for a couple of hours. When first fitted it did match the curved profile of the factory mounting plate pretty well.

I have used 6 number plate mounting pads (3 each side) but suspect this may not have been enough.

Has anyone made this approach work or should I accept that I need to drill holes and use 2 screws ?

Any help/comments appreciated.
 
#3 ·
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#6 ·
Thanks for all the ideas. One of them asks if I am using a frame, the answer is no I am just sticking the plate to the curved OEM front plate mounting surface.

Will a frame help, is there a frame (OEM ?) that is pre curved that will hold the plate in shape ?

I think the main issue is that the plate is trying to straighten itself up again and so pre-curving may be the answer. However I do not have access to a heat gun or anything similar.
 
#8 ·
With no heat gun, you can pop them into your oven at 100c, and let them sit for 5 minutes or so. Use heavy gloves when you pop them out, and then run to the car to shape it! ;-)

On mine, I have a locking "no screw" frame that bolts to the MB front plate mounting bracket. You then put the plate in the frame, and it "locks" to hold the plate in place. I didn't install it, but I suspect that the plates themselves where bent to reduce the force on the frame...

I've just picked up some faux CF frames, when I have free time, going to have a go a bending and using them...
 
#9 ·
There's probably an OEM curved bracket for the plate, just like the US cars get. In the thread that Eddy linked you can see my bracket + plate using the wellnut "mount". The UK bracket is a lot wider. Looks like Nakulan's car has the bracket behind his front plate.
 
#10 ·
Yeah durk - the UK/EU plate holder is a lot like the US on, except it's more "shaped" due to the width of the plate. OP's problem is that he doesn't want to drill holes in his plate - they sell frames just for that purpose - you bolt them to the holder, and then the plate locks into the frame...

I'd go take a picture, but my car is still filthy from the last sheep chase - I think we found some horse dust! :p
 
#11 ·
Yeah, my point was I used the OEM bracket as part of the no-drill mount. I mounted the OEM bracket using the wellnuts, then put the plate on the bracket. The wellnuts go through the lower grille, not the bumper cover. The grille, like the bumper cover is rounded in that part, so the bracket helps there.

See the end of the thread linked by Eddy.
 
#12 ·
I'm very picky about number plate fitting, when I purchased my 280 I asked the dealer to fit them without screws . Was told impossible for the front (regretably it has two screws and caps to hold it in place), but he fitted the rear plate using a a surround plate and double sided tape.

Today I was pulled over by the Feds in Aberdeen to enquire where my rear number plate was. went to the back of the car and there it was-gone!

They weren't too fussed when I told them I lived near Inverness (125 miles away) and couldn't replace it straight away, but I had to drive all the way home this afternoon to get a spare plate I had,as I was unable to get a replacement without the vehicle docs.

Popped into the dealer to complain with tongue in cheek his double sided tape only lasted 31 months, so he made me up a clean plate (no dealers marks etc) there and then.

First time I've been pulled over in years. At least I had a nice run back over some hilly twisty roads, only allowing myself to use "M" mode to make it interesting.
 
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#13 ·
I have decided to try one more time with a lot more fixing pads (just arrived from ebay).

The left side of the plate is still firm and so I have just replaced the right side pads where I have noticed the OEM mounting surface is not completely flat on the right. Consequentially I have varied the thickness of the pads using 2 and 3 deep in places to try and compensate for this and increase the actual flat contact area.

Lets see how the next few days goes !
 
#19 ·
I have some double sided sticky pads that have held the front plate on/curved for 2 weeks now including motorway driving that havent budged even after lots of recent rain.
My job buys them in and there really strong once attached to most clean smooth surfaces.
I was surprised with such a big curve on the plate that they stayed on but the sticky pads are around 3 inches wide by 4-5 inches long (but only a few mm thick) and i used 3 of them.
So it is possible to do with the right stuff........
 
#20 ·
Forgot to mention that i have also used Scotch 3M velcro successfully before on the front plate of a Mitsubishi Evo 6 i had new in 1999.Best to get the white short version (like kids brickle brack stuff?)pads.
The velco was rated at holding several pounds in weight per pair of pads and even at full top speed they never fell off-must of been pinned to the car by air pressure!!
:) :) :)
 
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