Number plate surround question

[Mr2paul]

Hi everyone and hope your well. Doing some work today I "lost" a long extension bar. I searched everywhere and even started to doubt myself lol.
Finally I figured it had fell down the back of heat shield, so figured I needed to take off number plate and sure enough it was there.
The surround just doesn't look right in that it overlaps the plastic grill either side which to me is very "wrong " please check the pic and tell me I'm not mad 🙄🤔🤔🤔

[Joesson]

Hi everyone and hope your well. Doing some work today I "lost" a long extension bar. I searched everywhere and even started to doubt myself lol.
Finally I figured it had fell down the back of heat shield, so figured I needed to take off number plate and sure enough it was there.
The surround just doesn't look right in that it overlaps the plastic grill either side which to me is very "wrong " please check the pic and tell me I'm not mad 🙄🤔🤔🤔

I think you will find that the grill was designed to accept a "square" number plate. The rectangular plate that we use necessarily overlaps the square opening.

[househead]

I am interested in this discussion. Imo it looks even worse with the aftermarket zunsport grilles.

Obviously it's set up for the JDM sized number plate.

They are, from what I can see, not that easily available in the UK. I wonder if anyone has a photo using this sized plate. Is there any legal issues using a JDM sized plate (if one can be had)?

Most places do a 4x4 plate though which is "more square". Pics with that would be good too.

My plate holder is damaged as the screw threads used to mount my plate are stripped thanks to a rear shunt some time ago. I could drill more holes but it would mess up the orientation and look. For now they are kinda like weak push rivets instead of screws I went on a spirited ride with Scotte on Saturday and when I got home, the plastic screws were almost hanging out!

I did actually order and pay for a replacement standard plate holder from one of our "known and respected" breakers, who I won't name. It never arrived and when I chased about it, I got one reply and then he later started ignoring me.

Would like to make it look good with a more square plate.

[Mr2paul]

Just as I thought, 😔 Mine seems flimsy tho the screws are tight. I would like it to fit snugly in its "proper " place as it looks like a lazy bodge job, but that's just me. I say to most things " if it's not right, then it is WRONG". I'll be looking into this sometime so added to my list. Thanks guys 👍

[Joesson]

It would seem that the rectangular plate is the shape required for UK registered vehicles , unless over 40 years old or imported vehicles.

These are the sizes of "square" plates for various applications
Euro Square 310mmx210mm

Bike Oversize 284mmx210m


Bike Oversize 284mmx216m

Bike 298mmx216mm

This is a supplier of that type of plate.

https://replacement-number-plates.com/type/square/

Please be aware that displaying a registration plate that does not meet with the UK regulations can result on conviction of a fine of up to £1,000.

[Mr2paul]

Oh dear then, something may be possible to make it look right, maybe the side grill trims need looking at. I'll keep my eyes open for inspiration 👍

[househead]

Would it be an offence to use a legal UK 4x4 or Bike sized plate on an MR2?

[Carolyn]

I've read the regulations.  The 'square' plate with two lines of topography is permissible when the vehicle 'only has room for it'.

I note that many trucks use this style of plate.

As long as the lettering complies with the law for size and font, I can't see Mr Plod having as issue.

If NPR can read it -you're cool, I should think.

[puma2]

  does any body know if Jap rear plates are a std size or vary.
iam looing to make the back end smarter as just got Zunsport grills and it does not look right.
what about some more grill mesh  say the bay would that help and what size to get.
can anybody help with that  

hopefully this helps this thread as well

[Ardent]

this is not going to work very well without pics. But I feel your pain.
I bought the infill sections to go with a sq plate. Happy enough. but still not there. Too much yellow either side of fonts.
So ordered a smaller plate in a bike size font. Still standard font but thinner. On a smaller plate.
Guess what. Does not span to cover infill panels.
So now have 2 plates and neither are right. Pics would make far more sense but at 22:07 I'm taking any now.
Really happy how the smaller plate with the bike font looks. Just not the gap between plate edge and infill. aaarrrrggghh!

On the subject of plates. I find the front plate holder an abomination. Hence why I went stick on. Really  happy with that.

[Ardent]

what I have now. Infill panels left and right of plate. Like the sq format of the text but way way too much yellow plate.


The smaller more sq plate with the correct font but thinner (bike font) really like that.


Problem being, the infills are not wide enough to close the gap to the plate.


I think it would look the mutts nutts, if only I could have an aesthetically pleasing means of masking/closing the gap.


Have contemplated if a PFL rear would work better. Ideas suggestions most welcome.

For reference going forward.
The big plate. 13x7 (330x178)
Small plate       9x7 (228x178)

[tets]

Can you mount the bike one to a piece of foamex - you can buy it in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm. It's rigid and you can trim it with a stanley knife so can make it the exact right size. I think it would suit perfectly sprayed with a sable aerosol (with plastic primer) or with some vinyl wrap

[Ardent]

Have thought about flipping the large plate over. Although it is black would still need so vinyl to tidy. The the small plate on top.
Just wished the existing mesh design extended to the plate or better still behind.

[Joesson]

@Ardent
I don't know how available a replacement centre grill would be, but, if you could get one then the end pieces could perhaps be cut and used to replace the small infill pieces. This would then extend the mesh pattern behind the plate. Otherwise two replacement infill pieces could be used with the some effect.

Other more radical alternatives could be Expanded metal:
https://metal-mesh.co.uk/
This link is a random one to give an idea, I'm suggesting complete removal of the plastic mesh and replacement with the expanded metal. I am unsure of the detail of the bumper and the grill inserts, I am aware of a proprietary stainless grill replacement but that seems to provide individual edged inserts as the OE. I'm wondering if a sheet of expanded metal can be fixed on the inside of the bumper moulding so that the sheet edges are unseen.
Stainless would be more costly but is self finished, otherwise plain or pre treated mesh and paint satin black with a rattle can.
PS: Of course then project creep would apply and the same treatment used on the letter box vent and then , perhaps a similar effect on the front grill.

[Ardent]

@Joesson

Some good ideas there.
I considered and can see merit in the foamex suggested by @tets. My sticking point there is, I would like to keep the hex/mesh/honeycomb design.

The obtain and butcher other centre sections would cover that problem . Then down to how well I could execute the join.
Do like the look of some of those meshes and Something that spans the whole in one, would be ideal.

Cheers

[Ardent]

Another idea.
I get a 3rd plate. The large size. But with the bike font. Then mask vinyl off the excess yellow.
Maybe try that on the existing plate 1st.

[Jay]

The first plate size-wise looks spot on but as you say the lettering isn't doing it any favours.

Depending on how much you can get away with legally maybe try a different font/spacing?

That or you're just gonna have to get a different reg lol

[puma2]

sound like a plan there Jay
do you no the distance between the grills

Any 1 with Zunsport rear grill no the distance between them as i want to fill the cap up and  i think a square number plate would be best

Iam will happy to change my number plate to Jap inport size or square 1 to get this gap filled looking good.

if i did this would there be a fixing problem once i found the right size plate

Any one with any thoughts or ideas

[Joesson]

@Ardent
Another suggestion, not very radical, but with reference to your first photo, the plate with "way too much yellow".
This is currently wider than the space between the grill infills, if the plate was cut to be the same width as that gap the amount of yellow would be reduced. But would that be enough?

[Ardent]

@Ardent
Another suggestion, not very radical, but with reference to your first photo, the plate with "way too much yellow".
This is currently wider than the space between the grill infills, if the plate was cut to be the same width as that gap the amount of yellow would be reduced. But would that be enough?

I would be getting closer. Then a smaller strip to mask with vinyl.
Still might end up a 3rd plate. As although it is the correct font. I prefer the bike font. It is the same font, just not bold.

[Ardent]

Large plate over hangs infills by this much. (20mm)
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Gap between infills.
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[Ardent]

With big plate flipped.
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[MisterK]

That sort of works Jase 
I agree with Joesson's previous suggestion & cannibalise another insert if you specifically want the mesh look...join it along the vertical bar.
Your current solution doesn't look too bad mind you  & no extra cost.

[tets]

Will the big plate fit behind the inserts and small plate in front?

[1979scotte]

@shnazzle can we rename this the anal thread.

We'd get loads of hits.