Magnetic number plate mount

[Dino D]

Think I've found a clean solution to a an easily removable, hole free number plate mount- magnets.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12447.0

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.instructables.com/id/No-Holes-License-Plate-Mount/?amp_page=true

On the Z3 it will probably need the crash bar separating from the bumper skin to place the magnets on the rear of the plastic part of the bumper (doubt the magnet will be strong enough through the crash bar which is thick aluminium).

What do you think @Tim beard

 

[Tim beard]

Think I've found a clean solution to a an easily removable, hole free number plate mount- magnets.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12447.0

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.instructables.com/id/No-Holes-License-Plate-Mount/?amp_page=true

On the Z3 it will probably need the crash bar separating from the bumper skin to place the magnets on the rear of the plastic part of the bumper (doubt the magnet will be strong enough through the crash bar which is thick aluminium).

What do you think @Tim beard

Hi mate , not sure if magnets would be strong enough to hold though the plastic , but as you say they are not expensive so you can all ways try them out
Tim

 

[Gundun]

When I will respray my chipped-off bumper I'll go for the clean look, get rid of the black plastic plate holder and possibly install a retractable holder, which should fit just fine within the radiator gaping vent.

 

[5harp3y]

it will defo work through the plastic if you get strong enough magnets.

where are you positioning the plate, central or offset?

 

[Ianmc]

Don't think I would trust magnets to hold the number plates on, also easily nicked.

 

[Dino D]

it will defo work through the plastic if you get strong enough magnets.

where are you positioning the plate, central or offset?

The VW guys have been doing this on very fast Golfs, much faster than my old banger so I know it works.
On the golfs they did it central so I'm thinking that's best, to the side might catch air under it?

 

[Dino D]

Don't think I would trust magnets to hold the number plates on, also easily nicked.

It's all about the strength of magnet like any fixing. A bolt can easily come loose if not done correct.
A bit like BMW sticking spoilers with double sided tape - it's got to be done right.

Did people ever steal plates? I've lived in South Africa and even there they didn't bother with stealing plates and over there you cannot by them on eBay for pennies like we do here!

 

[Dino D]

When I will respray my chipped-off bumper I'll go for the clean look, get rid of the black plastic plate holder and possibly install a retractable holder, which should fit just fine within the radiator gaping vent.

I've been seriously considering this but in the up position it looks a bit weird as there is a bit of gap between plate and bumper.
Then in the retracted position you can see it lurking there spoiling the lines (the hinge part has to protrude from the bumper for it to work).
It can be had with a motor and remote which is handiy though!

Just don't mount it under the bottom of the bumper like some people did and then complain they ripped the thing off on a bump!!

 

[5harp3y]

The VW guys have been doing this on very fast Golfs, much faster than my old banger so I know it works.
On the golfs they did it central so I'm thinking that's best, to the side might catch air under it?

Just with the centre mount you will have to bend the plate to fit so probably worth getting some metal plates

Oh and yeah, VW scene was doing this in 2008 so no problems with staying on etc

 

[Dino D]

Just with the centre mount you will have to bend the plate to fit so probably worth getting some metal plates

Oh and yeah, VW scene was doing this in 2008 so no problems with staying on etc

I'm looking at metal for this reason and think I've found a place that can do me custom size metal (I can go much shorter and still be legal with my reg).

That said I've successfully bent the plastic ones using heat and a 'jig' over the shed roof and that's held its shape perfectly fine once done. Just getting a bit fed up with plastic plates - I had nice gel ones (so the letters are domed) made by Demon plates and the reflective laminate on the back of both front and rear started lifting. They replaced them straight away and now the second set is doing it!

Whichever it is will need a thin layer of felt or plasti dip on the back to not scratch the new bumper paint.