Front number plate fixing

T

Timmyboybunter

Senior member
 Bristol/Bath
Could anyone share a product they've used which has successfully 'stuck' a number plate to the black plastic surround that is on the front bumper?

I've been using standard number plate foam mounting tape for many years, on many cars - and it always sticks number plates on perfectly well and very securely. I've used the same tape for the Zed, fine on the rear (stuck to paint, as with all other cars) but 2 attempts now to do the front plate have resulted in a number plate sitting on the driveway the next morning :) (luckily not lost a plate yet, as they're brand new!)

I assume the reason for this is the slightly rough, plastic surface of the number plate surround making the tape not stick. When I first got the car and took the old plates off, there was a thick (3mm ish) very sticky mesh thing I've never seen before which I just chucked in the bin as back then I assumed the tape would be fine!

Help please - gaffer tape is really not a good look.

(No, I don't want to remove the surround or use screws)
 
3M VHB, warm the surfaces up with a hairdryer or heat gun and then stick it on and apply a bit more heat. It'll never come off without mechanical intervention.

Used it on my dads car in the past, with a similar material plate surround. After 5 years it was still solid but he wanted to replace the plates (looking tatty). It took heat, fishing line, glue remover and a scraper to get rid of all the tape off both parts!
 
3M automotive trim tape will work fine (it's what I use) - it's made to stick plastic trim to body panels etc.

Just clean both surfaces first with something like IPA to ensure they're dust and wax/grease free. I usually use a strip along the whole of the top edge to stop water running down behind and then several vertical strips below that
 
Did you warm the adhesive pads and plate surround up with a hairdryer first? If not, there's your issue.

Used cheap ebay sticky pads to stick my wife's plate on the front surround on her A200. It's pretty much welded on now :lol:
 
It's either screws, sticky tape, or a surround (that screws in, and then holds the plate without tape or screws).




October 2017 Front Small.jpg
 
Ok, thanks for the replies - I was pretty careless with how I mounted it really, temperature wise at least, just because I've never had an issue before. The 2nd time I let the plate (which had the sticky tape attached, ready to take the backs off and stick to the car) warm up to house temperature but then stuck them straight on the car which was obviously cold (not especially cold last Sunday, but clearly colder than inside - regardless of what my wife would tell you).

I did put the sticky pads on the number plate whilst outside - and they were stuck fast to the back of the plate, very difficult to remove - so assumed this was a texture issue.

I'll have a 3rd attempt I think after a good clean and heating up both surfaces - then if still no joy will buy some of that 3M stuff.

:thumbsup:
 
Believe the 3M tape mentioned above is advertised to take a stupid amount of kilograms... though the 3P’s needed

Preparation.... Preparation....Preparation
 
[ref]Timmyboybunter[/ref] I've just found this thread. Knowing how textured the number plate plinth is, it might be worth spending a few minutes with some rough sandpaper to take the high points off the areas where you'll be sticking your pads. Fewer wrinkles in the surface = larger surface area for your pads to stick to = better adhesion :driving:
 
Good shout James, thanks - my new tape arrived a couple of hours ago so attempt number 3 tomorrow weather dependent.

I did give the surface a very quick sand and clean last time, thought it might 'key' the surface slighty how you do with paint - but sanding flat sounds far more sensible :)
 
[ref]Timmyboybunter[/ref] hopefully all of that, combined with a bit of extra heated pre-bending, and you'll be sorted!
 
Well, it has lasted overnight at least :)

Removed all trace of the old tape, gave the plastic number plate holder a good sanding, followed by a whizz over with my Dremel metal wire brush tool - followed by a de-grease.

I'd love to then say I got my hot air gun out of the garage, but Mrs Timmyboybunter's hair dryer was put to good use - both when getting the new tape on the back of the number plate, then warming both surfaces up outside before sticking together - it does feel rock solid so hopefully this has sorted it.

I used the product below in the end based on reviews and value for money - it is different to the foamy tape I've always used, literally leaves a very thin very sticky layer behind when all the tape is removed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071F7HN5Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
These tapes (3m at least) advise that it takes around 48 hours for full strength adhesion to be achieved. Generally if it's lasted a day and still feels solid it should be spot on
 
I use Heavy Duty Velcro (Black one) and it’s brilliant.

Never had an issue and stronger than any double sided tape I have used in the past.
 
I used velcro too. Used superglue to stick one side of the Velcro to the plate holder as the sticky on the Velcro didn’t hold very long.
 
I went for a short steel embossed plate, dumped the plate mount and stuck it straight on the bumper. Personally think it makes for a cleaner look and had no issues with it coming unstuck - appreciate there may be issues when it comes to removing but I don’t plan on doing that anytime soon :thumbsup:
 
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