Number Plates on the Mk7

[flight]

Hi all,

I've recently bought a brand new unregistered Golf Mk7 interstate. The car currently doesn't have any holes or mounts on the bumper which I can use to attach rego plates with screws.

Is it safe to drill into the bumper areas yourself? Has anyone here tried this before?

I've been told just to use self-tapping screws, but what gauge and length?

Cheers!

I have attached my plates on a previous car (Mk5 Golf) using some screws I found at Supercheap Autos. They are black in colour and are 10G X ½ inch with mush heads (quite large but flatish). In essence these are self-tapping screws. Being black and flat they are more easily accommodated when using plate frames. Just drill a small pilot hole for each screw.

One considerable advantage of fitting your own plates is that you are not looking at crooked plates for the life of the car, which is sometimes the result when the dealer gives the task to the most junior mechanic.

[flight]

You can also buy one-way security screws, but be very very sure you never want to remove the plates.

[team_v]

I would reccomend using some of those hard rubber spacer washers behind the number plate so it doesn't rub on the bodywork as well.

[Guy_H]

I use heavy duty velcro - don't drill any holes

[rati]

10G X ½ inch ... Just drill a small pilot hole for each screw.

Sounds good. I called a dealer and they also recommended 1/2" length and whatever gauge fits through the pre-drilled holes in the plates. Definitely will drill a pilot hole.

You can also buy one-way security screws, but be very very sure you never want to remove the plates.

Haha, yep I've seen those, but given I'm waiting for a slim-line plate in the meantime, I'll hold off

I would recommend using some of those hard rubber spacer washers behind the number plate so it doesn't rub on the bodywork as well.

That's a great idea, thank you. I was actually looking for single-sided foam tape, but rubber spacers actually seem cheaper and easier to come by (at Bunnings, at least).

[rati]

I use heavy duty velcro - don't drill any holes

Haha, seriously, velcro? How "heavy duty" is it -- strong enough to stop some punk who is determined to yank your plates off?

Once I get my slimline plate (in 6 weeks?!) I think I'll use one-way screws.

[CT69]

Rati, for a more expensive but super looking option whereby your plates don't damage the paintwork underneath, I can highly recommend Lakin brackets; search their website or there is a complete separate thread on this topic

[rati]

I can highly recommend Lakin brackets

Thanks CT69, I've seen a few threads about Lakin brackets. They seem expensive for what I want to do though, but definitely another option particularly if the holes in standard ACT plates don't line up with those on the slimline plates (though I suspect they will). Cheers!

[Guy_H]

The self adhesive velcro we use is ~ 50mm wide, comes in a roll from Bunnings, we use three strips on each plate, so truckloads of grip. You have to pull the plates off slowly & carefully or you will mangle them. Holds well!

[JustCruisn]

Double sided tape works for me, still on there after all these years.