Backlit Rear Number Plate and Fitting
Discussion
Hi,
I have just bought myself a '96 Chimaera with the backlit number plate. Previous searches came up with a number plate supplier of craigsplates, but that website is no longer active. I have seen FancyPlates, but was wondering if there is anyone else to consider using?
Secondly, what is the number plate screwing into? I have had a look from the boot and it looks like it just screws into the body. Is there an issue with overuse causing problems as it looks like there are another set of holes there and it looks a bit messy as if it has been filled a few times or something?
Thirdly, the current number plate appears to have some material on the back around the edge to prevent I assume light bleed. Is this required?
I have just bought myself a '96 Chimaera with the backlit number plate. Previous searches came up with a number plate supplier of craigsplates, but that website is no longer active. I have seen FancyPlates, but was wondering if there is anyone else to consider using?
Secondly, what is the number plate screwing into? I have had a look from the boot and it looks like it just screws into the body. Is there an issue with overuse causing problems as it looks like there are another set of holes there and it looks a bit messy as if it has been filled a few times or something?
Thirdly, the current number plate appears to have some material on the back around the edge to prevent I assume light bleed. Is this required?
If the number plates have been on and off a few times, you may need to fill the screw holes with some epoxy resin. You can drill smaller new holes then.
Some double sided foam at the top and bottom would also help, in fact you can probably dispense with the screw holes for neatness, but the plate could then be just pulled off.
Some double sided foam at the top and bottom would also help, in fact you can probably dispense with the screw holes for neatness, but the plate could then be just pulled off.
I bought my plates from Fancy Plates and they are fine, although I did find the company difficult to contact.
I wanted to maintain the clean lines of the Griffith so didn't want screws. I bought some 3/8" Velcro and fitted it around most of the perimeter of the plate, although I omitted it for a couple of inches each side of the bottom edge, to allow any water that got behind to easily drain out. I stuck black insulating tape to complete a black 'frame' in these areas - without this, you'd get light illuminating these gaps in the Velcro, which I thought looked daft.
I'm pleased with the result, and the plate stays put. Yes it can be ripped off without tools, but this hasn't happened yet.
I also fitted LED bulbs which light it fairly brightly. Some may want to keep their number plate dim, but it does make the car much more visible at night, which I think is a good thing.
I wanted to maintain the clean lines of the Griffith so didn't want screws. I bought some 3/8" Velcro and fitted it around most of the perimeter of the plate, although I omitted it for a couple of inches each side of the bottom edge, to allow any water that got behind to easily drain out. I stuck black insulating tape to complete a black 'frame' in these areas - without this, you'd get light illuminating these gaps in the Velcro, which I thought looked daft.
I'm pleased with the result, and the plate stays put. Yes it can be ripped off without tools, but this hasn't happened yet.
I also fitted LED bulbs which light it fairly brightly. Some may want to keep their number plate dim, but it does make the car much more visible at night, which I think is a good thing.
For a long while now I've been running LED tail light bulbs which are significantly brighter, but even with these the smoked lenses TVR used still hinder light output.
To help mark the car out in poor weather and dark nights I fitted a pair of these behind the number plate which worked really well.
Two of the above fit neatly in the void behind the back light number late, but I still felt I could do with more light as the TVR smoked taillight lenses really do hinder the ability for other road uses to see the car during the winter months.
So last week I went full out by fitting a pair of these 7,000 lumen 70W LED Panels...
The results take it to another level, my new super bright number plate light is so powerful it actually also helps visibility significantly when reversing the car in the dark.
Here's a longer range full daylight photo:
Now a little closer:
And now even closer at dusk:
And finally this is the full effect at night:
TBH the photos dont do the setup justice, this is a huge 14,000 Lumen step up in safety, and despite the photo you can still read the numbers with the effect is even more impressive in the real world, a great little mod for just £15
And no it doesnt dazzle following road users, it just marks the car out better which is a welcome addition to safety especially as the nights are now drawing in.
To help mark the car out in poor weather and dark nights I fitted a pair of these behind the number plate which worked really well.
Two of the above fit neatly in the void behind the back light number late, but I still felt I could do with more light as the TVR smoked taillight lenses really do hinder the ability for other road uses to see the car during the winter months.
So last week I went full out by fitting a pair of these 7,000 lumen 70W LED Panels...
The results take it to another level, my new super bright number plate light is so powerful it actually also helps visibility significantly when reversing the car in the dark.
Here's a longer range full daylight photo:
Now a little closer:
And now even closer at dusk:
And finally this is the full effect at night:
TBH the photos dont do the setup justice, this is a huge 14,000 Lumen step up in safety, and despite the photo you can still read the numbers with the effect is even more impressive in the real world, a great little mod for just £15
And no it doesnt dazzle following road users, it just marks the car out better which is a welcome addition to safety especially as the nights are now drawing in.
TheGinger1 said:
.......
Secondly, what is the number plate screwing into? I have had a look from the boot and it looks like it just screws into the body. Is there an issue with overuse causing problems as it looks like there are another set of holes there and it looks a bit messy as if it has been filled a few times or something?
.......
May help - and also another option for those considering improved rear plate lighting and mounting.Secondly, what is the number plate screwing into? I have had a look from the boot and it looks like it just screws into the body. Is there an issue with overuse causing problems as it looks like there are another set of holes there and it looks a bit messy as if it has been filled a few times or something?
.......
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ChimpOnGas said:
For a long while now I've been running LED tail light bulbs which are significantly brighter, but even with these the smoked lenses TVR used still hinder light output.
To help mark the car out in poor weather and dark nights I fitted a pair of these behind the number plate which worked really well.
Two of the above fit neatly in the void behind the back light number late, but I still felt I could do with more light as the TVR smoked taillight lenses really do hinder the ability for other road uses to see the car during the winter months.
So last week I went full out by fitting a pair of these 7,000 lumen 70W LED Panels...
The results take it to another level, my new super bright number plate light is so powerful it actually also helps visibility significantly when reversing the car in the dark.
Here's a longer range full daylight photo:
Now a little closer:
And now even closer at dusk:
And finally this is the full effect at night:
TBH the photos dont do the setup justice, this is a huge 14,000 Lumen step up in safety, and despite the photo you can still read the numbers with the effect is even more impressive in the real world, a great little mod for just £15
And no it doesnt dazzle following road users, it just marks the car out better which is a welcome addition to safety especially as the nights are now drawing in.
you are aware that you are blinding other motorists in modifying your car with "illegal" upgrades?To help mark the car out in poor weather and dark nights I fitted a pair of these behind the number plate which worked really well.
Two of the above fit neatly in the void behind the back light number late, but I still felt I could do with more light as the TVR smoked taillight lenses really do hinder the ability for other road uses to see the car during the winter months.
So last week I went full out by fitting a pair of these 7,000 lumen 70W LED Panels...
The results take it to another level, my new super bright number plate light is so powerful it actually also helps visibility significantly when reversing the car in the dark.
Here's a longer range full daylight photo:
Now a little closer:
And now even closer at dusk:
And finally this is the full effect at night:
TBH the photos dont do the setup justice, this is a huge 14,000 Lumen step up in safety, and despite the photo you can still read the numbers with the effect is even more impressive in the real world, a great little mod for just £15
And no it doesnt dazzle following road users, it just marks the car out better which is a welcome addition to safety especially as the nights are now drawing in.
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