Best number plate / plate holder style

[Rob_R]

Yeah... I had to drill them out too. Earlier forum members who did this with their GTI's said they were able to push them out. But by the time you're putting so much force that the bumper is bending and starting to creak, it's time for the drill

And I agree Rob_R. It looks better no matter which option you go - the custom-wide bracket like me, the black scrivets like member's past, colour-coded scrivets like you, or a filled and resprayed bumper like Guy_H! That OEM plate holder is an abomination, even with a full sized plate

Must admit though when I was half way through drilling first scrivet pin I stopped and had a second panic look to see what might be on the other side in case drill bit suddenly popped through. I will post 3 pics when all is done. One pic with slimline fitted to OEM bracket, a pic with Lakin setup and black scrivets and finally Lakin setup and colour coded scrivets fitted so others can see each option. That is if they are fitting slimlines of course.

[Rob_R]

I am a sucker with Euro plates directly attached to the OEM plate holder. The dealer had it done before i could think twice. Frankly.. i think it looks fine. The only minor problem is that the right side is drilled in about 1mm lower than the left... only obsessive owners like us could actually notice though.

Yeh it looks ok if the plate covers the OEM bracket. Mine looked fairly ordinary with slims fitted to the front. Still yours would look even better with a Lakin bracket and prestige covers. Lakin system has a classier finish if they are the right words to describe it.

[easeup]

Agreed. The current look of mine isn't bad enough to motivate me into arranging Lakins. Mine looks better at the back too... very minimalistic. However standard State plates or slimlines definitely make the OEM holder stick out like dogs balls. I'd be doing something in that case too.

[Rob_R]

Agreed. The current look of mine isn't bad enough to motivate me into arranging Lakins. Mine looks better at the back too... very minimalistic. However standard State plates or slimlines definitely make the OEM holder stick out like dogs balls. I'd be doing something in that case too.

Why did you have to mention your plate is lower on the right. lol now it's bugging me that I can see it.

[easeup]

Haha isn't it annoying? Imagine if you were it's obsessive owner. So far i haven't been brave enough to call the dealer and ask them to re-drill for a 1mm adjustment. Eventually i'll probably give up and do it myself... but then what if drilling into the plate lower and moving the right side up means that the original hole shows above the right screw.... argh!!! I need a girlfriend.

[langers_sydney]

Jesus Rob. A drill. Are you sure. Letting me loose on my new car with a drill! Hope its easy to do. Any tips?

[Corey_R]

Corey's car pick up tips.
1) Pick up car from dealer
2) Drive it 13 km
3) Attack it with a drill

That's seriously the order of my first R experience. lol

As for tips... you can look at my entire Lakin experience here:
1) My Lakin brackets and covers kit
2) Removal of the front plate holder is just as Rob_R described it. If you don't have a steady hand with a drill, use a nail or something to mark the centre of the scrivet. Use a suitably sized drill bit (slightly smaller than the scrivet) and position carefully, then drill in with mild pressure. The bumper should only flex slightly, and after about 1cm just let it pull itself in so you don't hit anything behind (which you shouldn't really anyway.... you've got several cm until you do hit something)
3) Installation of Lakin brackets and covers

[Rob_R]

Jesus Rob. A drill. Are you sure. Letting me loose on my new car with a drill! Hope its easy to do. Any tips?

Corey sums it up fairly well. As long as you are centred all will be fine. Remember scrivet pin is the spreader for the four prongs on the scrivet button so you won't drill into the bumper. From memory you purchased Lakin brackets. What size plates are you putting on your car?

[langers_sydney]

Small black euro on front and large on back........

This is genius, I guess I will know what this means when I look at the OEM plate holder hahaha

'Remember scrivet pin is the spreader for the four prongs on the scrivet button' '

Thanks both
LS

[Rob_R]

Well here is what the Lakin setup I've gone with looks like.

OEM bracket still fitted:

OEM bracket removed with black OEM scrivets:

Colour coded scrivets (also with full frontal venturesheild fitted):