Number plate won't stay on

[SunnyD]

I've just fitted a private number plate and didn’t want to drill it, so used the sticky strips. This worked fine on the back, but on the front, the area to stick the plate to is quite short, so that the plate hangs off the left and right edges. To make matters worse it’s also curved. This wasn’t a problem with the last plate that was drilled, but the new plate just won’t stay on. Have I got any other options that don’t involve drilling it? I was considering a stronger glue like No More Nails, but then I won’t ever get the darn thing off!

TBH I don’t think the issue is the overhang of the plate, I think it’s the curvature that the stickies aren’t strong enough for. Any ideas?

[sday12]

Use two full length strips of the stuff, and slightly bend your plate before sticking. HTH

[Mazdarese]

Araldite.

[SunnyD]

I used three strips, and I tried to curve the plate but it didn’t stay.

[Rawwr]

Use the No More Nails tape. I assure you, short of a nuclear blast, it won't come off.

[LuS1fer]

Sorry but No More Nails tape is utter crap and your plate will fall off. I have used it several times on several things and it was useless every time.

For any strength, you want 3M automotive tape but it's US ebay only and not cheap but will stick your car to the ceiling.

[Rawwr]

Oh, ok, it worked fine for me for many years

[LuS1fer]

Maybe I drive faster...
I have tried it on curved surfaces and it has never really worked for me. I also tried it on a hood scoop and it lifted off within 80 miles. Tried it in the house for holding plastic corners on a glass shelf and they fell off too.
On one car I made an L-shaped brass bracket using B&Q bits and suspended the plate so it didn't have to be curved. What car is it?
Rear plates are easy as you can velcro those on being out of the windstream.

[Parrot of Doom]

http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/black_tack

This is used to stick GoPros to F1 cars. Trust me, it won't unstick.

[SunnyD]

It's a Smart Roadster (see profile pic)

[SunnyD]

This kinda gives you an idea of the curvature ...

[Whitean3]

Firstly, I would heat up the number plate with a hairdryer to shape it in order to fit the curve of the bumper. Once this is done, the plate won't want to spring away at the edges. I would also maybe try to use velcro strips to hold it on.

[SunnyD]

I hadn't thought about heating it up to make it more pliable that's a good one, thanks. Might also try some of that black tack tape.

Thanks guys!

[AshBaldry]

No More Nails is best I assure you. End of. I have the 3m tape at work and it's not as good

[sleep envy]

sticky back velcro

[LuS1fer]

AshBaldry said:

No More Nails is best I assure you. End of. I have the 3m tape at work and it's not as good

It's not the automotive tape then as that stuff holds on my side ducts at well over 100mph, the hood scoop ditto and the rear spoiler. Once stuck, it doesn't come off without a blade and some strong solvent and even then with considerable force. I can peel the NMN tape off quite easily.

[Nick3point2]

Stop parking in council estates and your plates will be fine.

[SunnyD]

Nick3point2 said:

Stop parking in council estates and your plates will be fine.

Council estates have a different state of gravity do they?