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 🙄🤔🤔🤔
Quote from: Mr2paul on October 19, 2020, 20:54Hi 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.
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.
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 👍
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.
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 👍
Would it be an offence to use a legal UK 4x4 or Bike sized plate on an MR2?
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.
:) 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 :)
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.
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.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW-ApfxbKvI/X5GudqPbk-I/AAAAAAAABXw/_QjQHqFoJyE7m5yP0a1_s-7_asE2P1uuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201022_164325.jpg)
The smaller more sq plate with the correct font but thinner (bike font) really like that.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVp5MOJ2Rh0/X5GueEg6-mI/AAAAAAAABX0/QN-2fv6EBh8CXQ0uI5TaT5F6ly3VqlwSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201022_164342.jpg)
Problem being, the infills are not wide enough to close the gap to the plate.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvxqJPgw23s/X5GueXjYyGI/AAAAAAAABX4/qFd2sZIrWdM2aXT2kUgN8no1eM63kT3BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201022_164435.jpg)
I think it would look the mutts nutts, if only I could have an aesthetically pleasing means of masking/closing the gap.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMKrYlAXeu0/X5GufS95iRI/AAAAAAAABX8/sau7k5fAsj8hhNS37aprcDwc_hn3xnd-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201022_164501.jpg)
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)
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
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.
@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.
@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
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.
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
:) sound like a plan there Jay :)
do you no the distance between the grills 8)
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 :D
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
@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?
Quote from: Joesson on October 24, 2020, 11:16@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.
Large plate over hangs infills by this much. (20mm)
16035459482182502236094443422675.jpg
Gap between infills.
16035460578157626229552527334000.jpg
With big plate flipped.
16035468358384909975996325351677.jpg
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.
Will the big plate fit behind the inserts and small plate in front?
@shnazzle can we rename this the anal thread.
We'd get loads of hits.
Quote from: 1979scotte on October 24, 2020, 18:30@shnazzle can we rename this the anal thread.
We'd get loads of hits.
Nah, we're saving that title for 'Sway bars, anti roll bars' ;D
@Ardent Sorry Jason, this concern about your rear end is all superfluous, don't worry about what it looks like, with a Turbo on board no one gets near enough to check it out!
Quote from: tets on October 24, 2020, 17:45Will the big plate fit behind the inserts and small plate in front?
Good call. Never thought of that, but can see where you are going.
Gut feeling says no. The upstands? that the plate fixes to look as though they could be persuaded to sit a bit further back. But, Mr T had designed a couple of protrusions in the lower section so plate sat flush. But nothing that could not be hacked away.
Quote from: Joesson on October 24, 2020, 19:07@Ardent Sorry Jason, this concern about your rear end is all superfluous, don't worry about what it looks like, with a Turbo on board no one gets near enough to check it out!
Which is a shame, as I have very pert gluteus maximus. Dead lifts and Squats have a lot to answer for. ;)
Quote from: 1979scotte on October 24, 2020, 18:30@shnazzle can we rename this the anal thread.
We'd get loads of hits.
I was doing my usual Sat night search, and ended up here. :o
Quote from: SV-3 on October 24, 2020, 18:50Quote from: 1979scotte on October 24, 2020, 18:30@shnazzle can we rename this the anal thread.
We'd get loads of hits.
Nah, we're saving that title for 'Sway bars, anti roll bars' ;D
I'm quite enjoying that one as I have no idea what i'm talking about but attempting to appear to haha
I have the same issue and I think I will attempt some kind of back plate. too much yellow but legal I think. I had a stick on front plate, sold as legal but MOT man said no.
Plate could do with shaving down. Just like mine.
Interesting on the front plate. I have gone through at least 3 mot, maybe 4. Without issue re stick on plate.
All correct font, size and spacing.
Not like some of the creations out there.
I could dig out the part numbers if you are considering getting the little infill panels.
That would be helpful Jason yes please.
@Smithy Sorry chap, completely forgot.
52163-17020 and 52164-17020
Hope you can source them cheaper than I did. I got mine Oct 15. £13.45ea :o
Oh thanks Jason. I take it that's Mr T part numbers?
Quote from: Smithy on October 29, 2020, 10:14Oh thanks Jason. I take it that's Mr T part numbers?
Yep Mr t part numbers for face lift rear.
Fantastic thank you.
Apologies for double post. But just in case.
Ordered a 3rd rear number plate.
The second plate is the mutts nutts, in terms of size and style.
Sadly, that is until it is offered up to the car. And gap between plates edges and infill panel edges becomes blindingly apparent. So plate 2 will go in the bin having never been attached to a car. Tw@.
Plate 3 is the same Size font as plate 2. But being wider, I will be able to trim down the width to suit. Still wider than I would like. But as an aesthetic compromise, will look better than 2 chuffing big gaps.
As it was.
20201122_103818.jpg
New plate trimmed down to edges of infill panels. Still too much yellow, but better. May try with some black vinyl 10mm strips down each side just Square the plate up a bit.
20201122_131531.jpg
Looks really good. I'm going to try something similar with my car which has short number plates because its 5-digit reg mumber.
Short digit plate or a plate with a 1 in it helps a lot. Esp if going stick on, on the front.
Still considering running some black tape/vinyl down the edges to lose some more yellow.
Quote from: Ardent on November 25, 2020, 23:30Short digit plate or a plate with a 1 in it helps a lot. Esp if going stick on, on the front.
Still considering running some black tape/vinyl down the edges to lose some more yellow.
Cheap and easy to try and almost instant to reverse so worth trying. Insulation tape would work well.
My thoughts exactly.
Much happier with this arrangement than previous. So if the tape does not work. No so much an issues.