How to fit a Number Plate to a Car
Fitting new number plates is a much easier process than you may think. Here is a complete walk through for putting new number plates on your car:
Even if you are a complete DIY novice and don’t know your Phillips screw driver from a hex key, fitting a number plate to a car is something that you will be able to do. There are two main ways that you can attach your number plate, here’s your complete guide:
Attaching a Number Plate with Screws
One of the most common ways to attach a car registration plate to a vehicle is by using screws. For this process, the tools you will need are:
- - A drill with a 4mm or 6mm drill bit
- - A Phillips screw driver
Step 1
Take off the plastic caps that cover the existing screws and use the screwdriver to remove the screws. When all the screws have been removed then the licence plate should simply come away from the vehicle.
If it doesn’t come away then it may be held on with further adhesive, in this case slowly pull the plate away from the vehicle with gradual force. Try to keep the number plate in one piece if possible.
Step 2 (A)
If you manage to remove the plate in one piece, then place it directly on top of the new one, lining it up perfectly.
This will create the template for drilling the holes you need to screw the plate to the car, you can mark these with a permanent pen or simply drill straight through.
Step 2 (B)
When replacing lost or damaged plates you won’t have this template to use. In which case you should screw the replacement fittings into place without the place and put the new number plate central over the fittings. Use ink or oil on the heads of the screws in order to mark their positioning on the plates.
Step 3
Place your new number plate on wood or cardboard and slowly drill new holes in the locations marked out. If you have chosen the 3D Gel or 4D options please do not drill near to or through the letters as they will lift off the number plate and you will not be able to use the registration.
Step 4
Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure when drilling as this can crack the plates or even break the sealant. Always drill from the back towards the front to avoid the acrylic coming off.
Step 5
With the holes drilled, simply screw your new licence plates onto your vehicle using the existing holes and then replace the plastic caps onto the screws. That’s it, you’re done!
Attaching a Number Plate with Adhesive
This is a much faster and even easier way to fit number plates to a vehicle as it doesn’t require any drilling or screws. You will only need double sided sticky tape and a way to remove the residue from the old sticky tape. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1
Remove your old plate from the vehicle by gently putting it away. If there are any screws, you will need to remove these beforehand. Once the plates have been removed clean the surface as well as you can – the cleaner the surface, the better the new plates will stick to the vehicle.
Step 2
Place at least four double sided sticky strips onto the back of your number plate and then peel back the other side of the tape.
Step 3
Put your plate over the cleaned surface, making sure that it is level and central, and then push the plate onto the vehicle. Hold the plate in place for between 2-3 minutes (check the instructions on the tape) to ensure that it is stuck fast. Then you’re finished, almost zero effort and a great end result.
