Dealers who use self-tappers to fit number plates - why?
Discussion
On my threaded insert point, I'm reminded that the thread for the rear towing-eye sits behind the number plate on my Aston. Should I need recovery from a muddy spectator paddock at a rainy Brands, then it's an easy job to unscrew the number plate, attach the towing eye and clip on the tow rope.
Not so sure I'd like to do battle with industrial strength sticky tape in the pouring rain and then go searching for something to reattach the plate for the journey home.
Not so sure I'd like to do battle with industrial strength sticky tape in the pouring rain and then go searching for something to reattach the plate for the journey home.
Ari said:
Mercedes plates should be fitted into Mercedes plate holders which are attached using four screws (invisible as hidden by plates).
Sometimes dumbarses just screw the plates straight to the car without using the holders, hence the four screws on show that you've seen.
4 rusty screws normally! Look terrible on relatively new prestige cars.Sometimes dumbarses just screw the plates straight to the car without using the holders, hence the four screws on show that you've seen.
PositronicRay said:
Usually self tappers are used into plastics, no rust issue. If the plate has to bend to fit the curve of a bumper then stickers do not last very well.
A stuck on plate lasted 13 years on the front of my Audi's curved bumper and would have lasted longer if I hadn't removed it.spikey78 said:
Because the mechanics don't care-i used to be one so I know. We got a certain amount of time to PDI a car, the quickest way to fit plates is to wizz a couple of holes through the plate and the panel and screw it straight on.
Surely the quickest way is just to use a bit of double sided tape and not bother with drills or screws at all?Going against the grain of this thread, I always feel like sticky tape is the quick and easy way, and screws are a better job as long as they're screws that don't instantly go rusty. Most cars I've had have nylon inserts in the tailgate designed to take screws, so it certainly won't make the tailgate rust.
And I always think the Mercs with 4 screws are even less of a bodge job - partly 4 screws holds the plate even more securely, and partly they normally use exposed screws that don't rust instead of rusty screws covered in a plastic cap. (Plus it reminds me of my old W123 whenever I notice them!).
Mercury00 said:
Even worse - wonky plates on new cars. I see it all the time.
I take as a given that the car is on level ground when you do the work.Denis O said:
Haven't people ever heard of a spirit level FFS.
If they'd used a spirit level then that would explain why the plate was wonky... do you know how a spirit level works?
k out of the front bumper.
Jimboka said:
Denis O said:
Not only are screws a pain, the donuts that put the plates on pissed are an equal pain.
Haven't people ever heard of a spirit level FFS.
You'll need to go a long way with the spirit level to find a flat road first!Haven't people ever heard of a spirit level FFS.
Mercs have had 4 screws for front and rear plates for years. The screw holders behind are designed in so you're not puncturing the tailgate. As already said the screws tend to be stainless torx head as well. One of the easier plates to change as they don't rust in over the years.
Tape is no good for curved front bumpers or rears where the screw mounts are raised. On a flat, clean surface the correct tape is very strong however.
My pet hate - new cars with wonky no. plates.
Tape is no good for curved front bumpers or rears where the screw mounts are raised. On a flat, clean surface the correct tape is very strong however.
My pet hate - new cars with wonky no. plates.
A million times worse is number plates that aren't quite straight. I had a car a few years ago with this. At first glance it looks fine but once you notice it your eye is always drawn to it.
If I ever had the opportunity to buy a brand new car and the number plate wasn't attached perfectly plumb level, I would go bananas. I'd probably reject it!
If I ever had the opportunity to buy a brand new car and the number plate wasn't attached perfectly plumb level, I would go bananas. I'd probably reject it!
I screw on all my number plates on. My reasons:
-Will never fall of, I have had issues with the self adhesive ones working loose
-Easy to change when adding/removing private plate
-Leaves no sticky mess to clean off when changing plates.
I do not drill new holes into bodywork, I use the ones pre-drilled by the manufacturer, then I measure accurately to the mm the existing holes and transfer them onto the plate. I also use colour coded caps for neatness. Perfect straightness guaranteed.
-Will never fall of, I have had issues with the self adhesive ones working loose
-Easy to change when adding/removing private plate
-Leaves no sticky mess to clean off when changing plates.
I do not drill new holes into bodywork, I use the ones pre-drilled by the manufacturer, then I measure accurately to the mm the existing holes and transfer them onto the plate. I also use colour coded caps for neatness. Perfect straightness guaranteed.
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