View Full Version : novel ideas on front number plates
shimmy
07-03-2010, 08:29 AM
anybody got any clever way of taking front plates on and off without leaving either number plate holes or loads of velcrow showing:thumbs:
TANKSLAPPER
07-03-2010, 09:59 AM
I take it this comes from a previous thread regards to posting pictures up on the net of broken cars:gayfight:
Blue Tack works well, only problem is you can not drive over 30mph
:thumbs:
Velcrow is the best I've tested mine with speeds over 165mph
shimmy
07-03-2010, 10:15 AM
tbh it wasnt, just thinking about running with no front plate again at all
did it most of last year but put it back on for MOT
just wondered if there were some good ways :beer:
car looks better when its off. had mine off for about 6 months before getting a slap on the wrist :hahaha:. i have a 3/4 plate on now and have had no problems (not that mine is a import but i think they are allowed on imports).
bluetack didn't work for me. first plate is somewhere in holland:whistle:...
shimmy
07-03-2010, 11:20 AM
can you get white or grey velcrow?
NZ_M3
07-03-2010, 11:23 AM
http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=352833&stc=1&d=1267136525
http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=352834&stc=1&d=1267136525
http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=352835&stc=1&d=1267136525
karbonkid
07-03-2010, 12:02 PM
can you get white or grey velcrow?
White Velcro YES. Grey Maybe?
shimmy
07-03-2010, 01:05 PM
like the velcrow solution maybe with a bracket to underneath as well.
dont like the californian solution using the towing eye as just as likely to get pulled by the Babylon with a small or off centre plate and rather than £30 fine it would be 3 points
have you noticed that with white cars it is not so obvious that a plate is missing (doesnt look as wrong)
http://rwdftw.com/wp-content/gallery/white-gt3-rs/image-1807e97ad40711db.jpg
http://dut619.com/autox/048.JPG
Mark CSL
07-03-2010, 01:42 PM
Shimmy move to Florida you dont need a front plate there :thumbs:
phat///M3
07-03-2010, 02:28 PM
You can fab up a bracket and attached it to bottom of the center hole (so the holes arent visible).
Ive always fancied trying it with some magnet system to see how well that would work.
shane@mbtech
07-03-2010, 08:55 PM
Shimmy just put your plate in the windscreen, at the bottom, its still visible, if you get pulled say it was loose.
As long as its visible from the front and not obscured and its a fully legit plate, all is good. Ran a few cars like this, never tugged once.
_Nathan_
07-03-2010, 09:06 PM
Shimmy just put your plate in the windscreen, at the bottom, its still visible, if you get pulled say it was loose.
As long as its visible from the front and not obscured and its a fully legit plate, all is good. Ran a few cars like this, never tugged once.
Not legal though, and I suspect as we move further in to the world of SPECs and ANPR they'll start to get stricter on this stuff :bigcry:
I'd imagine they'd do the marker thing where your excuse is ok the first time but if caught again they get more serious, threats to put your car on a q plate etc. I got a black mark against the car for running a 3/4 size front plate - got pulled over in the eurotunnel car park of all places.
http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2001/20010561.htm
Specifically:
Except as provided in paragraph (5), a registration plate must be fixed on the front of the vehicle in the manner required by paragraph (3).
and
This paragraph requires the plate to be fixed -
(a) vertically or, where that is not reasonably practicable, in a position as close to the vertical as is reasonably practicable
TANKSLAPPER
07-03-2010, 11:46 PM
Not legal though, and I suspect as we move further in to the world of SPECs and ANPR they'll start to get stricter on this stuff :bigcry:
I'd imagine they'd do the marker thing where your excuse is ok the first time but if caught again they get more serious, threats to put your car on a q plate etc. I got a black mark against the car for running a 3/4 size front plate - got pulled over in the eurotunnel car park of all places.
http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2001/20010561.htm
Specifically:
Except as provided in paragraph (5), a registration plate must be fixed on the front of the vehicle in the manner required by paragraph (3).
and
This paragraph requires the plate to be fixed -
(a) vertically or, where that is not reasonably practicable, in a position as close to the vertical as is reasonably practicable
Fooking hell Nathan, have you join the local constabulary
If so :birdman: LOL
shimmy
07-03-2010, 11:50 PM
my front plate is legal 100%:thumbs:
just some fecker just tore it off in the service station car park -again
ps. speed cameras can still see 3/4 size plates:hahaha:
DuncanR
07-03-2010, 11:57 PM
Shimmy just put your plate in the windscreen
Take it off the bumper first though mate, or your view may be a little obscured !:hahaha:
shimmy
08-03-2010, 12:01 AM
Shimmy just put your plate in the windscreen, at the bottom, its still visible, if you get pulled say it was loose.
As long as its visible from the front and not obscured and its a fully legit plate, all is good. Ran a few cars like this, never tugged once.
but surely truvelos and av speed scams can still see it, might as well be on the bumper;)
unless you are saying trhow it on the dash when you get tugged and say it waas there all along - it might even be snapped where the thugs pulled it off
Fasteddie
08-03-2010, 12:08 AM
like the velcrow solution maybe with a bracket to underneath as well.
dont like the californian solution using the towing eye as just as likely to get pulled by the Babylon with a small or off centre plate and rather than £30 fine it would be 3 points
have you noticed that with white cars it is not so obvious that a plate is missing (doesnt look as wrong)
http://rwdftw.com/wp-content/gallery/white-gt3-rs/image-1807e97ad40711db.jpg
http://dut619.com/autox/048.JPG
this is interesting I ran a White 111R before the csl (along with the yellow S3). I didn't put a plate on the front but had it in the car along with one screw. I was never pulled, I put it down to the 'sloped' sporty front not the colour.
shimmy
08-03-2010, 12:16 AM
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/pics/3er/e46/m3/13701_1024.jpg
like the velcrow solution maybe with a bracket to underneath as well.
dont like the californian solution using the towing eye as just as likely to get pulled by the Babylon with a small or off centre plate and rather than £30 fine it would be 3 points
have you noticed that with white cars it is not so obvious that a plate is missing (doesnt look as wrong)
Shim, I never put one on the Strad or my old CSL, looks much better IMO. I only got hassle off French cops on the way to Monaco last year. I just ALWAYS keep the plate down the side of the seat
phat///M3
08-03-2010, 09:29 PM
Shim, I never put one on the Strad or my old CSL, looks much better IMO. I only got hassle off French cops on the way to Monaco last year. I just ALWAYS keep the plate down the side of the seat
Were they OK about it in Monaco?
When I lived there I used to get pulled so much for not having a front plate on, got to be on first name basis with a lot of the fuzz, only a couple bothered in the end, eventhough the MC plates are small upfront it still looks better without.
But I know they love pulling over foreign cars.
Were they OK about it in Monaco?
When I lived there I used to get pulled so much for not having a front plate on, got to be on first name basis with a lot of the fuzz, only a couple bothered in the end, eventhough the MC plates are small upfront it still looks better without.
But I know they love pulling over foreign cars.
yep, never had a problem mate:thumbs:
$w!ft
08-03-2010, 09:52 PM
I've been running no front plate (Hazy's old Car) since October and haven't had a problem yet
karbonkid
08-03-2010, 10:15 PM
I really dont get the problem officer, why can bikes get away with no front plate!?
Forelli
08-03-2010, 10:17 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhZRLkzMCec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S69y7VMa6Vo
There seem to be some alternatives, both motorized and manual. Looks like the flip version could fit nicely in the middle of the front bumper since its anyway higher from the ground than the corners.
SachaR
09-03-2010, 09:58 AM
Shimmy, Offset is not illegal, if it was then all alfa romeos GT, 156, 147 etc would be too!!!http://www.justcar.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/alfa-romeo-147.jpg
glendog74
09-03-2010, 10:06 AM
Shimmy, Offset is not illegal, if it was then all alfa romeos GT, 156, 147 etc would be too!!!
Those cars have special dispensation to offset their plates due to their front bumper/fender design. Not so sure the CSL would legally be able to do the same...
phat///M3
09-03-2010, 10:20 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S69y7VMa6Vo
This is great, I like this, the other one you posted is nice to but I looked at those before and its a big sytem to fit underneath.
Maybe the one on the 350z is more compact its definately a nice idea.
shimmy
09-03-2010, 10:23 AM
trouble is all these will put you in jail:whistle:
no number plate wont:thumbs:
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/pics/3er/e46/m3/13701_1024.jpg
Random!? Stunning pic though! :hahaha: :smokin: :smokin:
Roland
09-03-2010, 06:54 PM
http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=352834&stc=1&d=1267136525
:smt078:smt078:smt078
DazBlackCSL
09-03-2010, 08:20 PM
Yep agreed thats not good at all !!:vom:
ran no plate for ages, got a tug, then went black... nothing for 7/8 months then a tug, and now on 3/4 , so just going round and starting again when I get a tug for the 3/4 :thumbs:
$w!ft
10-03-2010, 03:11 AM
car looks better when its off. had mine off for about 6 months before getting a slap on the wrist :hahaha:. i have a 3/4 plate on now and have had no problems (not that mine is a import but i think they are allowed on imports).
where did ya get your 3/4 plate?
$w!ft
10-03-2010, 03:12 AM
Yep agreed thats not good at all !!:vom:
ran no plate for ages, got a tug, then went black... nothing for 7/8 months then a tug, and now on 3/4 , so just going round and starting again when I get a tug for the 3/4 :thumbs:
What kind of a tug?
_Nathan_
10-03-2010, 08:59 AM
I used to get my 3/4 plates from fancyplates if that helps.
Dragging this up again :whistle:
How do you boys with no front plates get on buying petrol?
Got a new bumper on now and can't bring myself to fitting a plate :bigcry:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs493.snc3/26936_10150136953210051_720335050_11577207_6041665 _n.jpg
shimmy
19-03-2010, 09:51 PM
Dragging this up again :whistle:
How do you boys with no front plates get on buying petrol?
Got a new bumper on now and can't bring myself to fitting a plate :bigcry:
you have to reverse into the filling station :hahaha:
where did ya get your 3/4 plate?
I used to get my 3/4 plates from fancyplates if that helps.
fancy plates as well.
Dragging this up again :whistle:
How do you boys with no front plates get on buying petrol?
Got a new bumper on now and can't bring myself to fitting a plate :bigcry:
when i had mine off sometimes they wouldn't turn the pump on until i went in and explained i was a good boy and that my plate fell off :whistle:
maybe stick yours on the dash
$w!ft
20-03-2010, 12:00 AM
I've never had problems at the pump *Touches Wood
Proof of Concept....
So after having the new bumper fitted and not bringing myself to fitting a plate, I tried the magnet idea yesterday. Seems to work OK and is speed tested up to 150 in Germany :whistle:
The plate will be getting replaced as it's stonechipped and scratched so ignore the fact it's off centre slightly and not level :hahaha: I'll fix that!
So on for buying petrol and to please the City of London police, and off for "shows" :thumbs:
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12fmkw&outx=800&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12fmly&outx=800&quality=70
Well I like it!
looks good ;). get some magnets on your 3/4 plate as well.
like your new xenon lenses :gayfight:, very stone chip free :)
phat///M3
04-04-2010, 12:30 PM
Proof of Concept....
So after having the new bumper fitted and not bringing myself to fitting a plate, I tried the magnet idea yesterday. Seems to work OK and is speed tested up to 150 in Germany :whistle:
The plate will be getting replaced as it's stonechipped and scratched so ignore the fact it's off centre slightly and not level :hahaha: I'll fix that!
So on for buying petrol and to please the City of London police, and off for "shows" :thumbs:
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12fmkw&outx=800&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12fmly&outx=800&quality=70
Well I like it!
So I guess my idea works ok then, what type of magnets did you use?
So I guess my idea works ok then, what type of magnets did you use?
I first saw the yanks doing it and thought it was a good idea:
http://home.earthlink.net/~tsitmc/audittinvisiblelicenseplatemount/
I used these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Neodymium-Disc-Magnets-20mm-dia-x-5mm-thick-Pk-of-5_W0QQitemZ360249335837QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_3?hash=item53e088a01d
Seem to work quite well.
Moved on to MkII today....
Fitted the standard plate holder with some magnets so that it looks completely OEM, but pops off when required. Much better :smokin:
Sorry pics not great.
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j3&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j1&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7jf&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j2&outx=600&quality=70
karbonkid
20-06-2010, 01:53 PM
I Like! So you have 3x magnets glued to the inside of the bumper and the 3x to the plate holder shown? I have a vinyl plate under my OEM plate, which I keep forgetting. Gotta be at least 1kg saving! :banghead:
mattCSLnut
20-06-2010, 02:14 PM
COOL :smokin: Take the plates home when she's resting :beer:
Additional CSL security solutions :thumbs:
Thank U please
Moved on to MkII today....
Fitted the standard plate holder with some magnets so that it looks completely OEM, but pops off when required. Much better :smokin:
Sorry pics not great.
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j3&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j1&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7jf&outx=600&quality=70
http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=12z7j2&outx=600&quality=70
I Like! So you have 3x magnets glued to the inside of the bumper and the 3x to the plate holder shown? I have a vinyl plate under my OEM plate, which I keep forgetting. Gotta be at least 1kg saving! :banghead:
I actually doubled them up to give me more strength now they are holding the weight of the plate holder and the plate on, so 12 magents in all. 6 on the inside of the bumper, 6 on the plate holder, then plate stuck on with double sided tape.
Works well :thumbs:
phat///M3
20-06-2010, 09:56 PM
I actually doubled them up to give me more strength now they are holding the weight of the plate holder and the plate on, so 12 magents in all. 6 on the inside of the bumper, 6 on the plate holder, then plate stuck on with double sided tape.
Works well :thumbs:
Great job Mole :thumbs:
Great job Mole :thumbs:
Cheers Phat, will get some better pics when I take the car outside (bit dark in her lair)
sailorbaz
20-06-2010, 10:57 PM
That looks like a great idea, I might this myself. Top advice Mole.
Only thing that might bother me is that fact that it can be removed so easily, thieving? I suppose like most here, car is never left anywhere for any length of time and you could always whip is off yourself and stick it in the boot! :thumbs:
Bealo
21-06-2010, 07:53 AM
Looks good :thumbs:
But to much hard work for me lol, i'll leave mine on as standard :hahaha:
Bounce
21-06-2010, 09:31 PM
Looks good :thumbs:
But to much hard work for me lol, i'll leave mine on as standard :hahaha:+1;)
chrisburns
29-08-2012, 01:07 PM
Bumping this thread, Car is in to get the bumper painted at the moment and trying decide should I fill the holes and try a vinyl plate?
What are the thoughts on these and anyone had much hassle with them?
Barry C
29-08-2012, 01:15 PM
Bumping this thread, Car is in to get the bumper painted at the moment and trying decide should I fill the holes and try a vinyl plate?
What are the thoughts on these and anyone had much hassle with them?
Personally i don't like the Vinyl plates, it reminds me of MX5's and MG Midgets:blalalala:
The vinly plate will look crap when stone chipped and could damage the laquer when removed.
I would have the holes filled and just fit a 3/4 plate straight on to the bumper using velcro or those double sided adhesive pads
chrisburns
29-08-2012, 01:25 PM
Yea Barry that is one of the reasons I am a little unsure. I had thought though that should I fill them in it might not be to much hassle drilling them again if I changed my mind.
SachaR
29-08-2012, 02:24 PM
Go the velcro route, I did this on my CSL, there is also a new velcro I have used lately and believe me it would hold up to 150MPH with no problems, here is some I found in Italy, but I am sur eyou could find the same stuff in the UK
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110819598689?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_4278wt_1037
shimmy
29-08-2012, 02:25 PM
that looks great but Moles old magnet solution was brilliant as the magnets
were like rock
DazBlackCSL
30-08-2012, 12:16 AM
that looks great but Moles old magnet solution was brilliant as the magnets
were like rock
did vinyl no issues can always replace as cheap as chips, but as shim says moles solution was the best ive seen
chrisburns
30-08-2012, 10:42 AM
Mole not sure if it is just my computer or what but I cant see any of your pics anymore?
Graham
30-08-2012, 01:23 PM
I can't see them either
The place I hosted the pics closed down by the looks of it - will dig them out for you.
Was a nice solution, looked totally OEM but whipped off in seconds leaving a lovely clean bumper :thumbs: Tested on track to 170mph :whistle:
chrisburns
06-09-2012, 08:17 PM
The place I hosted the pics closed down by the looks of it - will dig them out for you.
Was a nice solution, looked totally OEM but whipped off in seconds leaving a lovely clean bumper :thumbs: Tested on track to 170mph :whistle:
Did you get a chance to dig those pics out Mole?
Graham
10-09-2012, 01:37 AM
Really fancy this idea, these magnets good enough or do they need to be flatter?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230648473914?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I'll have to take it off tomorrow or something and check out how it can be fixed. Would be interested to see Mole's pics but I'm guessing he doesn't post anymore.
This is the sort of thing I used:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Strong-Neodymium-Disc-Magnets-8x4mm-Craft-Fridge-Reborn-or-Magic-Grade-N40-/160873213759?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2574ca6f3f
I will look again for my pics, but they could be one any of about 5 PCs/laptops :mad:
Graham
11-09-2012, 01:03 AM
Brill, will buy them & do this :-)
Did you just glue the magnets in place?
shimmy
11-09-2012, 01:24 AM
Brill, will buy them & do this :-)
Did you just glue the magnets in place?
i think he glued double magnets on the back of the bumper and single ones on the back of the number plate
i think he glued double magnets on the back of the bumper and single ones on the back of the number plate
Correct :-D
So glued (Araldite) 3x magnets on the holder (behind the plate in the recess), then used double sided pads to fix the plate onto the holder. The middle magnet was fixed the other way round so the pole was the oposite to the ones on each side but you don't have to do this, just made it snap in place easier I found.
Then I covered 3 magnets in Araldite and whilst the plate holder was in place, slipped some magnets behind the bumper (could just get my hand behind there without removing it) this then held them in place until the glue had set. I then added another magnet to each of the 3 on the bumper to increase the strength and applied some silicone over the magnets. It probably wasn't the best looking job and if you took the bumper off you could make it neater but you couldnt see it all anyway behind the bumper!
shimmy
11-09-2012, 03:45 PM
Correct :-D
So glued (Araldite) 3x magnets on the holder (behind the plate in the recess), then used double sided pads to fix the plate onto the holder. The middle magnet was fixed the other way round so the pole was the oposite to the ones on each side but you don't have to do this, just made it snap in place easier I found.
Then I covered 3 magnets in Araldite and whilst the plate holder was in place, slipped some magnets behind the bumper (could just get my hand behind there without removing it) this then held them in place until the glue had set. I then added another magnet to each of the 3 on the bumper to increase the strength and applied some silicone over the magnets. It probably wasn't the best looking job and if you took the bumper off you could make it neater but you couldnt see it all anyway behind the bumper!
Rich, hope you are getting out more lately and the TAG doesn't chaff :)
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