Best number plate / plate holder style

[Corey_R]

Yeah - there is nothing in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd editions of the ADR's that I can find. There is nothing in the RTA vehicle inspection bullitens other than the numberplate needs to be "mounted". There is no definition of how it must be mounted. Even in the number plate inspection bulliten, it doesn't discuss how it is mounted, just that it is visible, distance from ground, talks about covers etc.

Beyond this, I know that there are certain cars which don't have any mounting points for the numberplate (especially on the front). For example, many modern Ferrari's where in Europe they have a "sticker" number plate on the bonnet, and in America don't need the front plate (in many states), so the dealers here just use double sided tape as well (at least in NSW).

Additionally, I've driven my car without number plates fitted with permission from the RTA. Albeit it was immediately after picking up new plates from them where I then drove from Castle Hill RTA to European Autotech at Mona Vale. So there are concessions you can even get from them.

I personally feel the dealer is just being difficult.
But if that's the way they want to play it. Make it their responsiblity to fit the Lakin brackets for you.

[Corey_R]

OK Guys, as promised, here are the photos of the Lakin Custom Plate Brackets kit for the Golf R. It's for a "Full Size Euro" rear plate, plus "NSW/SA Slim" Euro front plate, including the bracket to replace the VW OEM Front Holder. This is effectively very similar to AdamD's kit fitted to his GTI.

I'd already opened up the packing previously, but this is the box your goodies will arrive in:


Everything is arranged nicely in protective bubble wrapping:


Taking everything out of the box and laying it out. Included is the front and rear bracket and their mounting hardware in a sealed plastic package. Front and rear covers in plastic packing. Then a range of instructions, notices, and information papers:


Various kits, including this one, use 3M Command Strips to help support the plates:


As mentioned, this kit replaces the clumsy Volkswagen front plate holder:


Here is the front and rear covers by Kingpin. The rear cover is laying upside-down so you can see the "seal" inside the black frame:


Closer look at the covers:


Close up of the slim line cover notice:

[Corey_R]

Here is the front and rear brackets and their related items removed from the packaging. You can see the 3 strips of 3M tape on the rear bracket and 2 strips on the front bracket:


The bracket information page:


The other side of the bracket information page:


This shows the curvature of the front and rear bracket. If this doesn't match your mounting point perfectly, you can gently bend the brackets (following the included instructions) so they do sit perfectly:


This is a picture of the front and rear bracket standing upright. The front on is standing unassisted, the rear one has a little black box propping it up! You're actually looking at the rear side of each bracket. You can see the screw holes and the "feet".

The angle of the picture is deceiving. The front bracket (closest) is a "slim" plate and the rear is the full size plate. Both are the same width.

On the front bracket, the 4 mounting holes are on the left and right edges (into the stock VW holder mount points). The slim plates are supported by the two holes along the top. In the centre we have two feet.

The rear bracket, the 4 mounting holes are actually at the 1/3 and 2/3 positions at the top and bottom of the bracket. This means that you could later change to a "traditional" plate and the holes will be covered by the plate. The plates themselves are attached by a screw in either top corner. There are also 6 feet, one in each corner and two in the centre.


This is a close up of the front of the brackets. You'll notice that they're suitably shiney:


Here is the "Front Bracket" mounting equipment unpacked. You'll notice the white stand-offs that insert into the holes left from the VW front holder. I've also opted for the "security bolts". They won't prevent someone who's specifically targetting your car and is prepared, but they'll stop the "casual thief":


Here is the Rear Bracket mounting equipment:



I'm incredibly impressed by this kit. I really hope that all of you can see how fantastic it is from these photos. I highly recommend anyone who takes pride in their ride to give Philip from Lakin Custom Plate Brackets a call. Don't forget to mention the VWwc site to get your 5% discount

[DAL344]

Better than the one's I took with my berry

I was thinking (again) about finally getting my car & sent Phil an email to ask if he can send me a paper template for the rear bracket. I've fitted 1 set before & the process & accuracy would have been improved if I'd used a template!
So Phil is going to send me one in the next few days ..... tape it in position & drill 'through' the x's to get the alignment spot-on!
Feel free to ask for the same from Phil .... But dont tell him I told you

[AdamD]

Here is the front and rear brackets and their related items removed from the packaging...
[snip]
I'm incredibly impressed by this kit. I really hope that all of you can see how fantastic it is from these photos.

Great photos Corey_R!

And I agree - Lakin do provide an excellent kit. Each of my packages from Philip have been to the above standard.

[Browny]

Just dont let pre delivery put them on for you..... Reason: they have muppets there that dont read instructions or use the provided screws!!!

I have had to get a new bracket ordered because they completely butchered my one by putting extra holes in the bumper! They are paying for it of course and fixing the extra holes but it is still annoying...

So beware!

Cheers

Browny

[dave_r]

I'm incredibly impressed by this kit. I really hope that all of you can see how fantastic it is from these photos. I highly recommend anyone who takes pride in their ride to give Philip from Lakin Custom Plate Brackets a call. Don't forget to mention the VWwc site to get your 5% discount

I'm sold, thanks for the extensive writeup and pics. Just a couple questions before I order both my plates and the brackets hehe...

Lakin has the following for NSW and I'm just trying to match up here.
Rear = "NSW - White/Black Euro - 520 x 110"
Front = NSW - Black Euro - 372 x 84"
But both of yours are the same width with different heights? I don't see a normal width front bracket?

In VIC our plate options are:
Standard Euro: 520mm wide x 112mm high
Mini Euro: 372mm wide x 100mm high

EDIT: I think it just clicked.... the bracket is same width regardless of normal/slim. So slim front would have a 520mm bracket with 372mm plate and black either side?

Just dont let pre delivery put them on for you..... Reason: they have muppets there that dont read instructions or use the provided screws!!!

Damn that's not good mate, Philip told me that story yesterday, didn't realise it was MY dealer!! Will definitely be enforcing them to NOT to go near my car with anything other than some double sided tape!!!

[Corey_R]

Lakin has the following for NSW and I'm just trying to match up here.
Rear = "NSW - White/Black Euro - 520 x 110"
Front = NSW - Black Euro - 372 x 84"
But both of yours are the same width with different heights? I don't see a normal width front bracket?

In VIC our plate options are:
Standard Euro: 520mm wide x 112mm high
Mini Euro: 372mm wide x 100mm high

EDIT: I think it just clicked.... the bracket is same width regardless of normal/slim. So slim front would have a 520mm bracket with 372mm plate and black either side?

Yeah exactly. It's because the holes in the VW OEM front holder are right at the outside edges of the "full size euro", so the Lakin replacement bracket needs to be wide enough to use them. It will look like AdamD's car, but slightly more black either side of the plate and two screws each side instead of one. (due to the difference in the GTI and R hole locations):

[dave_r]

Yeah exactly. It's because the holes in the VW OEM front holder are right at the outside edges of the "full size euro", so the Lakin replacement bracket needs to be wide enough to use them. It will look like AdamD's car

Yep all makes sense. Philip needs to put all these photos on his site hehe.

I'll go with normal size front and rear since the slims in Vic are only 12mm shorter but will fill the entire width nicely. Plus the slims are $60 more from vicroads as if $695 wasn't bad enough!

[Browny]

Damn that's not good mate, Philip told me that story yesterday, didn't realise it was MY dealer!! Will definitely be enforcing them to NOT to go near my car with anything other than some double sided tape!!!

Yeah Phil was shattered when I sent him the photos... My sales guys (Damon) was realy embarrassed by the stuff up and has assured me that he will get his best guys at the dealership to do it properly this time... But definitely stress to them that you dont want pre delivery to do it for you.. They obviously have muppets there that dont give a rats freckle about our cars!