DB7 Front plinth
Discussion
As we all know the first job on any V8 or V12 Vantage is to remove the huge front plinth and fit a smaller plate.
I've always thought the plate on the front of my 7 a bit "overbearing" especially in the way it partly masks the lower grille section.
Changing to a smaller size is not quite so easy as a V8/12 as the front valance is not vertical and the plinth is held on with 3 large bolts with associated captive nuts which are set into the valance at such a width that a 3/4 plate would not cover them.
After consulting our good friend Le Yeti I have come up with a solution which involves a bit of "cut and shut" with the plinth leaving it 2 cms longer than a 3/4 plate which is just enough to cover the captive nuts. Utilising the existing plinth also allows the new plate to be mounted vertically and leave the lower grille unhindered.
Hope you like the results
I've always thought the plate on the front of my 7 a bit "overbearing" especially in the way it partly masks the lower grille section.
Changing to a smaller size is not quite so easy as a V8/12 as the front valance is not vertical and the plinth is held on with 3 large bolts with associated captive nuts which are set into the valance at such a width that a 3/4 plate would not cover them.
After consulting our good friend Le Yeti I have come up with a solution which involves a bit of "cut and shut" with the plinth leaving it 2 cms longer than a 3/4 plate which is just enough to cover the captive nuts. Utilising the existing plinth also allows the new plate to be mounted vertically and leave the lower grille unhindered.
Hope you like the results
Subtle changes to a fantastic car LBS !!
Having closely examined the front of Quinny's and Mikey K's Vantages, I can confirm that a diminuation of the front plate poses different questions on the DB7 inter alia, based primarily on the horizontal section being considerably larger.
Only minor alterations are required......which is pretty much what you've done.
Beware the influence of le Yeti
Having closely examined the front of Quinny's and Mikey K's Vantages, I can confirm that a diminuation of the front plate poses different questions on the DB7 inter alia, based primarily on the horizontal section being considerably larger.
Only minor alterations are required......which is pretty much what you've done.
Beware the influence of le Yeti
DB7 pilot said:
I like this subtle mod Tim. Have you any production photos, i.e. a blow by blow from removal to where you cut the plinth?
'fraid not. I was so consumed in getting all the measurements right I forgot to take blow by blow photos.In a nutshell though it involves cutting out the centre section of the plinth (about 12 cms) so that when the 2 remaining pieces are put back together it covers the ugly captive nuts. The total length left needs to be 42 cms. By taking out a central section you are then left with a hole each side (where the mounting bolts went) which you can use to re-attach the plinth using self tappers with large washers.
The "height" of the plinth is then reduced to line up with the depth of the new plate. As the plinth is rigid plastic all the cutting can be down easily with a hacksaw.
Hope this helps
Jockman said:
You mean thick angled pads........like a plinth......thereby reinventing the wheel ??
This is pretty high-tech stuff le Yeti
Mais oui, but my way cost £3.99 from Halfords and took 30seconds. Just had to make sure the replacement narrow plate was wide enough to cover the screw holes...This is pretty high-tech stuff le Yeti
The thought of me being let loose with a hand saw is frankly terrifying. I'd have cut the bootlid in half by mistake
George H said:
Looking good Mr. S
Could you not do without the plinth and just have a slightly bigger than 3/4 size plate bolted straight to the bumper?
Hi Georgeous. I did try that to start with. I found an old number plate and cut it to size and stuck it to the valance. To my eyes though it didn't look right as the valance slopes back and I think the vertical plate looks better. Could you not do without the plinth and just have a slightly bigger than 3/4 size plate bolted straight to the bumper?
I also wanted the mod to be as subtle as possible so utilising the modified plinth makes it look "just like it grew there".
Looks good LBS.
It's good to know that you are working hard in your retirement and hope it's not at the expense of the other duties Lady S gives you
It will be interesting to hear how many notice at the February meeting in Tavistock. I'm not around for that one so will have to wait until March to see your handy work.
Ian
It's good to know that you are working hard in your retirement and hope it's not at the expense of the other duties Lady S gives you
It will be interesting to hear how many notice at the February meeting in Tavistock. I'm not around for that one so will have to wait until March to see your handy work.
Ian
An update.
Got stopped today by Plod. He wasn't happy with my front plate and informed me the font was from a motorcycle and I ought to get it changed.
He didn't issue me with any paperwork or anything and suggested I get a correct plate as soon as possible. He did mention that DVLA can confiscate reg numbers.
Do I need to do anything yet or wait and see if I hear officially from plod or DVLA? Anyone else with "little plates" ever been stopped. Thanks for your help / advice
Got stopped today by Plod. He wasn't happy with my front plate and informed me the font was from a motorcycle and I ought to get it changed.
He didn't issue me with any paperwork or anything and suggested I get a correct plate as soon as possible. He did mention that DVLA can confiscate reg numbers.
Do I need to do anything yet or wait and see if I hear officially from plod or DVLA? Anyone else with "little plates" ever been stopped. Thanks for your help / advice
ks like that That is petty, petty, petty.
Visually I refuse to accept le plod can tell that the font is 2mm les in height than standard. You know what, I'd leave it, but as George suggests, the same plod would come down hard and repirt you to DVLA, you will then lose the plate.
I'd get a VERY slightly larger plate with 2-3mm higher letters (they're only 12 quid or so) and keep this one in the boot. If he stops you again, you can show him that you have got a new, bigger one and have complied.
What he doesn't like is the fact that you have a 4 digit plate - it's confused him
I'm sure I read DVLA are relaxing the rules soon anyway to stop petty pulls like this.
Visually I refuse to accept le plod can tell that the font is 2mm les in height than standard. You know what, I'd leave it, but as George suggests, the same plod would come down hard and repirt you to DVLA, you will then lose the plate.
I'd get a VERY slightly larger plate with 2-3mm higher letters (they're only 12 quid or so) and keep this one in the boot. If he stops you again, you can show him that you have got a new, bigger one and have complied.
What he doesn't like is the fact that you have a 4 digit plate - it's confused him
I'm sure I read DVLA are relaxing the rules soon anyway to stop petty pulls like this.
Phil, Georgous, Lewis, thanks for advice guys.
Fancyplates will make me another plate with legal sized letters but with a lot less than the required 11m margin top and bottom. It will almost be the same depth as a 3/4 plate. With only 4 digits they can also make this plate the same width (390mm) as the 3/4 plate.
I'll get this ordered and keep in the boot still in its packaging and if stopped again plead I was just getting round to fitting it.
Only downside is that plod was a local guy and we live in a quiet rural spot so s*ds law I'll run into him again. He was very pleased with himself that he spotted it and had an excuse to stop me so he may be on the lookout
Fancyplates will make me another plate with legal sized letters but with a lot less than the required 11m margin top and bottom. It will almost be the same depth as a 3/4 plate. With only 4 digits they can also make this plate the same width (390mm) as the 3/4 plate.
I'll get this ordered and keep in the boot still in its packaging and if stopped again plead I was just getting round to fitting it.
Only downside is that plod was a local guy and we live in a quiet rural spot so s*ds law I'll run into him again. He was very pleased with himself that he spotted it and had an excuse to stop me so he may be on the lookout
Edited by LordBretSinclair on Wednesday 28th March 19:23
LordBretSinclair said:
...Only downside is that plod was a local guy and we live in a quiet rural spot so s*ds law I'll run into him again. He was very pleased with himself that he spotted it and had an excuse to stop me so he may be on the lookout
I think you are right to proceed with caution LBS.He's not going to forget those Robin Hood tights for a long time.
Nor am I, for that matter
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