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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: john_o on 03 November 2007, 22:51

Title: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 03 November 2007, 22:51
Ok first off , turned up this morning at a local retail park to find another ED30.
 white DSG with rear parking camera in the number plate .
Sweet car and couldnt resist a sad ED30 pic ..........

(http://www.axbv77.dsl.pipex.com/images/weblog/black_n_white_ed30_blog.jpg)

anyway onto the real story...

Small 3/4 sized front number plate bought from www.fancyplates.com
Proceeded to remove my existing plate
(which was easy as I had made the dealer stick them on)

At which point I realise theres a problem......

a) Theres a plinth !
b) There are 4 big fixings holding the plinth on!
c) the fixings are blind ended
(the ones where you need to punch the middle out to release them)

undaunted I wanted the plinth off as its grey and not black.
(wish I had told dealer to not put front plate on at all :cry:)
Try as I might I couldnt get those f***ing clips to release !!!
In the end I had to resort to drilling the centres out (thats 4 new clips on order now LOL)

Car 4 days old and ive got the drill out ...... :grin:

Anyway , long story short the plate is on , no plinth , and 4 damn great holes.
I like it , but need a good solution to plug the holes , on a black car its certainly hidden.
I have enhanced the contrast on the second pic so you can see one of the holes
(to left of no. plate)

Heres the std plate and 3/4 plate in comparison.

(http://www.axbv77.dsl.pipex.com/images/weblog/number_plate_comparison_blog.jpg)

(http://www.axbv77.dsl.pipex.com/images/weblog/small_plate_ed30_large.jpg)

Heres a possible (but expensive solution)

www.bumperplugs.com

i have seen some useful possibilities in B&Q  :wink:

obviously its a compromise , but for a small plate I'm willing to see past the 'plugs' lol
Its a personal choice which Im sure many of you wont like!

oh and no its not legal , but I do run a normal rear plate.

Car now at 170 miles and running great.

JohnO

JohnO


Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: aahgolf on 04 November 2007, 09:55
"It's not legal" - so why do it then?!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: SteveS on 04 November 2007, 12:47
i wanted to do it, but decided not to bother cuz of the number plate holder thing and the police! lol

looks nice tho!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: TeddyKGB on 04 November 2007, 14:36
why not keep the plinth?
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Smythe1981 on 04 November 2007, 16:53
why bother??
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Dec on 04 November 2007, 16:59
"It's not legal" - so why do it then?!

I know quite a few people who have different front number plates. Someone i know had a plastic black plate with silver writing on the front and back and only got a £30 fine. :rolleyes: fine can be anything upto a crushing i belive :sad:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: SteveS on 04 November 2007, 18:13
why bother??
well my thoughts on why i wanted to do it, was to increase the "black" centre of the bumper, the bumper looks much better without a number plate so reducing the size of it would look better than the big one which takes up most of middle section
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Dec on 04 November 2007, 18:14
why bother??
well my thoughts on why i wanted to do it, was to increase the "black" centre of the bumper, the bumper looks much better without a number plate so reducing the size of it would look better than the big one which takes up most of middle section

better than having chavs wave at you for having it in the window lol
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 04 November 2007, 18:36
I think it looks quite nice...might be getting some black plates for my self as i got myself a private number plate  :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 04 November 2007, 21:30
wow , talk about strong opinions !

Legality , well we all differ on our opinions.
tbh I have my own viewpoint and would not run black and silver plates as thats just obviously taking the p*ss.

why bother ? because I like the visual look. And I like to make my car a bit more individual
I have done it on a few of my previous cars and I like the balance it gives back to the front end 'visuals'

Could have kept plinth but it looks odd with a smaller plate. And the fixings show as they are on the outer edges of the plinth.

All I have tried to do is share my experience.  :cool: , if you dont like or dont see the point then fair enough thats what a car forum is for.  :smiley:

JohnO


Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: joesgti on 05 November 2007, 09:26
if you want to get rid of the holes then just get a new grill surround, or a carbonfiber one, like red robins.  :evil:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 2007GTI on 05 November 2007, 12:38
replacing the standard plate with a 3/4 sized one and leaving 4 big f*cking holes, has got to the the single most stupid thing I have ever read on this forum.  :grin:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 05 November 2007, 13:04
really informative and helpful thanks !  :angry:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 05 November 2007, 14:21
replacing the standard plate with a 3/4 sized one and leaving 4 big f*cking holes, has got to the the single most stupid thing I have ever read on this forum.  :grin:

You also have four holes on yours...u just cant see them...come on man, if he likes it, he likes it
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: R32UK on 05 November 2007, 15:51
really informative and helpful thanks !  :angry:

I got to agree with you there!! There are some real unhelpful to$$ers on here.. if you havent got anything good to say then dont bother. Opinion is one thing but just takin the p1$$ is another. I personally would not do any of the crap that has been done to most cars on here.. yet some jokers on here still like to slag off people for changing one of the things that can be changed on most vehicles. Shame on you people!!

I personally like the siler on black number plate idea, and is probably one of, if not only cosmetic change I would make to my car! So lay off... And as for the the stupid "Why ?" replys well one could quite simply ask your mum and dad the same question!! :cool:

Keep it real!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: SteveS on 05 November 2007, 16:19
if you want to get rid of the holes then just get a new grill surround, or a carbonfiber one, like red robins.  :evil:

exactly..
i can also see a couple of screw holes with a bung, hardly a BIG issue...
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 05 November 2007, 17:01
get the holes filled and painted over. Job Done !
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Hurdy on 05 November 2007, 17:11
get the holes filled and painted over. Job Done !

Like this :nerd:

(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t8/hurdy_album/ed_30_first_wash0.jpg)
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 05 November 2007, 18:36
or a carbonfiber one, like red robins.


i think this will look ace !
Looking at doing it myself in the future
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 2007GTI on 05 November 2007, 20:01
I didn't just mean leaving the holes, I meant doing it in the first place, the very plain fact its illegal.  I'm entitled to my opinion, so go f*ck yourself.
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: RandomJord on 05 November 2007, 20:45
Yeah but your opinion doesnt matter?

an JohnO why not have the bumper smoothed an painted proper as others have said, an have a tempory mount so u can fit plates for daily use then when it comes to shows.... whip it off an all looking smooth as f**k! thats what i does!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 05 November 2007, 20:54
Ordered my black number plates today...will post pics of them when i get them on thursday  :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: RandomJord on 05 November 2007, 21:04
Whats the police view of blk plates in Gib then?
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 05 November 2007, 21:16
Whats the police view of blk plates in Gib then?

f**k the police really...nah joke lol...in gib you got two types of number pltes, same as UK i think....Private ones and Normal ones which are allocated to you depending what time of the year you get your car. I previously had G 4345 B on my car which is allocated to the previous owner, but every one in my family has private plates, so got my self G 276 which is my house address xD Basically if you have a private number plate, you can have it in black....I collect mine on thursday and will fit them on thursday itself, if i like them i may get the smaller ones similiar to John_O...just in black, only problem is laws in gibraltar and spain are different so when i commute to spain..might need to change the pltes  :sad:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 05 November 2007, 21:32
no matter where you go , internet forums are all the same lol.........

nice pic Hurdy thanks , shows what nice front ends some of the lucky USofA folk get to enjoy.

a replacement front piece or carbon fibre bit would be ace but not at the mo.
Already ordered boost guage so further mods will have to wait!

JohnO
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 05 November 2007, 21:35
How much would a new replacement front piece cost :S
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: mortygt140 on 06 November 2007, 01:13
Nice one John I think I might do this on my golf,  Have you thought about getting a new grill John?

Darren
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 06 November 2007, 09:00
even if the replacement front was relatively cheap (which it wont be!) I still wouldnt take the front end apart unless I need to.

yep a replacement grille with horizontal slats would be nice but would need to be for all 'honeycomb' pieces.
Those bits are a pain when washing the car , they are a pain to dry!

holes now plugged with some blind ends from B&Q (matt finish not shiny)
Alternatives are number plate screw caps / upholstery nails (these are a good option if I wanted to spray a full colour match)
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 08micsta on 07 November 2007, 15:01
To dry Honeycomb grill:

1. Find a deserted street. Look out for kiddies etc. Then drive to about 35km/h then slam on breaks.

2. Use the Leave blower  :laugh:

Job done.
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 07 November 2007, 20:12
2. Use the Leave blower  :laugh:
Funny you should say that I have just moved house and a tree gave me just the excuse for this 'boys toy'
However folk around here already think Im mad , so drying the front of my car may just take the biscuit  :grin:
Keeps the swirls down though  :laugh:

JohnO
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 07 November 2007, 20:51
tomorrow is the day i get my 3 new number plates...getting 2 normal sized plates in black for the front and also getting a smaller one for them..."special" ocassions, will post pics asap  :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: SteveS on 07 November 2007, 21:01
if only blk was legal here.. :(
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 08 November 2007, 00:05
if only blk was legal here.. :(

its only illegal if u get caught  :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 08micsta on 08 November 2007, 07:38
The plate looks great btw.

We hava a 2500 watt leave blower. Nowadays it looks funny when i clean the cars.

Jetwasher with attatchments etc. Leave blower. Cables. Two cars. Motorbikes outside. My neighbours dont even comment anymore. They just smile and wave.

 :grin:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Hurdy on 08 November 2007, 10:09
It would look completely normal around here at this time of year for me to be outside with a leaf blower. I don't know what they would say early next year though :grin:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 08 November 2007, 18:26
Got the black plates on the car! Its abit to dark to get some pics but i will do so possibly tomorrow! Had to put thebig one at the front as within 15 minutes of having the small one i got stopped  :angry:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Hurdy on 08 November 2007, 19:53
Got the black plates on the car! Its abit to dark to get some pics but i will do so possibly tomorrow! Had to put thebig one at the front as within 15 minutes of having the small one i got stopped  :angry:

Oooops :rolleyes:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 08 November 2007, 21:03
now thats bad luck :shocked:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 08 November 2007, 23:32
now thats bad luck :shocked:

It sucks but...good thing i bought two xD
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 08micsta on 09 November 2007, 08:59
bad luck ha ha
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 09 November 2007, 11:25
bad luck ha ha

Its not really funny, lol but what are u finding funny xD
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: joesgti on 09 November 2007, 11:30
pictures yet??  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 09 November 2007, 12:37
pictures yet??  :rolleyes:

to follow later today :)
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: joesgti on 09 November 2007, 15:55
yet?? :sad:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 09 November 2007, 16:18
yet?? :sad:

You really that curious to see how it looks  :tongue:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Dec on 09 November 2007, 16:55
yea i am too  :grin:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Hurdy on 09 November 2007, 17:55
Come on Manu, get your finger out and get those pics up :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 09 November 2007, 20:00
yeah cmon its been hrs since you promised  :laugh:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 09 November 2007, 20:18
Guys...sorry to let you all down but its been a busy day today (im indian and its diwali, not sure if any of you are aware!) I will post pics deffinatley tomorrow! I have taken the pictures but didnt have the memory card inside the camera and at the moment cant find the cable to connect the camera...it will be done tomorrow  :smiley: ...just hold on  :smiley:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: R32UK on 09 November 2007, 20:47
Happy Diwali!! Im indian too so i am just about to go let off some daddy fireworks and confuse all the little children/adults who live near by!! :laugh:

Have a nice day!!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 10 November 2007, 03:30
Happy Diwali!! Im indian too so i am just about to go let off some daddy fireworks and confuse all the little children/adults who live near by!! :laugh:

Have a nice day!!

Wheyyy!!! A Fellow indian xD....Happy diwali man! Will post them pics as soon as i can tomorrow...good night to all!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 10 November 2007, 12:19
As Promised!! Sorry the car may be quite dirty....really havent had time to give it some good attention  :sad: Pics in the same location, behind my shop...well comments please xD

Front

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/IMGP0939.jpg)

Back

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/IMGP0940.jpg)

Side/ish (dont make fun of my apple)

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/IMGP0941.jpg)

My Apple

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/IMGP0946.jpg)

Comparison of the small plate, to the legal one.

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/IMGP0945.jpg)

 :cool:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 10 November 2007, 18:39
looks great , but I cant believe you got pulled for the small plate the font is still HUGE
(funnily enough I went past a parked cop car this morning and he didnt have stare , so either he wants an ED30 or he seriously considered pulling me over lol)

and I'm sorry I will have to take you to task on the 'apple'
and the state of those rear tailpipes , they are black! shame on you  :evil:

black on a black car looks good, whats next?

JohnO
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: R32UK on 10 November 2007, 19:38
I like it!! Looks good on the black just as i thought... Im contemplating :rolleyes:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 10 November 2007, 21:05
Im considering getting some darker tints and trying to get the part number for black rockinghams or monza's i beleive they are both the same....the spare parts dealer here is a bit....slow
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: SteveS on 10 November 2007, 22:22
cant have black plates in uk... :(

and whats with the apple sticker!!! :-|
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 10 November 2007, 23:20
looks great manu  :smiley:
get those bumpers colour coded man. Your car looks exactly like mine
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 10 November 2007, 23:21
black rockinghams or monza's



 :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 11 November 2007, 02:51
black rockinghams or monza's



 :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:

What would u suggest, really into the whole BBS CH thingi but not to sure about spending 2500 euros on rims  :undecided:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 11 November 2007, 11:57
black rockinghams or monza's



 :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:

What would u suggest, really into the whole BBS CH thingi but not to sure about spending 2500 euros on rims  :undecided:


Go for some 18" monza replicas.
You can get a set of 4 for the price a dealer charges for one.
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 11 November 2007, 12:26
black rockinghams or monza's



 :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:

What would u suggest, really into the whole BBS CH thingi but not to sure about spending 2500 euros on rims  :undecided:


Go for some 18" monza replicas.
You can get a set of 4 for the price a dealer charges for one.

from....ebay? really want a new set of rims as mine are scratched to f**k and was thinking of geting replicas till i can afford something abit more...real but then i would need to get 4 new tyres lol
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 11 November 2007, 14:12
http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_ID=868&V_ID=3831&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=5x112%20et42,5x112%20et45,5x112%20et48,5x112%20et50,5x112/57-1%20et42,5x112/57-1%20et45&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all&strSort=Low&Make=Volkswagen&Model=Golf%20Mk5&strSize=18%22&searchSize=18%22

£215 for a set of 18" monza's with a polished finish

i think they ship to Gib. Probably looking at £250 delivered which is good as it costs £60 to get an alloy refurbished!

Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 11 November 2007, 15:50
http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_ID=868&V_ID=3831&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=5x112%20et42,5x112%20et45,5x112%20et48,5x112%20et50,5x112/57-1%20et42,5x112/57-1%20et45&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all&strSort=Low&Make=Volkswagen&Model=Golf%20Mk5&strSize=18%22&searchSize=18%22

£215 for a set of 18" monza's with a polished finish

i think they ship to Gib. Probably looking at £250 delivered which is good as it costs £60 to get an alloy refurbished!



Do those look like the 18" Monza II's....really like the look of those!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 11 November 2007, 17:46
http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_ID=868&V_ID=3831&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=5x112%20et42,5x112%20et45,5x112%20et48,5x112%20et50,5x112/57-1%20et42,5x112/57-1%20et45&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all&strSort=Low&Make=Volkswagen&Model=Golf%20Mk5&strSize=18%22&searchSize=18%22

£215 for a set of 18" monza's with a polished finish

i think they ship to Gib. Probably looking at £250 delivered which is good as it costs £60 to get an alloy refurbished!



Do those look like the 18" Monza II's....

YES. Look exactly the same. Im ordering some
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 12 November 2007, 01:05
http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_ID=868&V_ID=3831&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=5x112%20et42,5x112%20et45,5x112%20et48,5x112%20et50,5x112/57-1%20et42,5x112/57-1%20et45&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all&strSort=Low&Make=Volkswagen&Model=Golf%20Mk5&strSize=18%22&searchSize=18%22

£215 for a set of 18" monza's with a polished finish

i think they ship to Gib. Probably looking at £250 delivered which is good as it costs £60 to get an alloy refurbished!



When you get some, please post some pics and il think about it  :smiley:

Do those look like the 18" Monza II's....

YES. Look exactly the same. Im ordering some
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: john_o on 12 November 2007, 08:38
in no way wishing to alter you decision but from the feedback
Id be aware that polished wheels dont last very long (even OE VW ones) , aftermarket in general seem worse.
They look stunning (in fact they really suit a black car) , but I know they would annoy me once they get scratched or start 'worming'

Maybe less of an issue in Gib and at that cost though I reckon you could enjoy them for a while then change again once the tyres have worn down  :smiley:


Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 12 November 2007, 08:56
in no way wishing to alter you decision but from the feedback
Id be aware that polished wheels dont last very long (even OE VW ones) , aftermarket in general seem worse.
They look stunning (in fact they really suit a black car) , but I know they would annoy me once they get scratched or start 'worming'

Maybe less of an issue in Gib and at that cost though I reckon you could enjoy them for a while then change again once the tyres have worn down  :smiley:





Yes but i would imagine you would get ATLEAST a year out of them if not a little more. I think you can afford to get a new set every 12 to 18 months as they are dirt cheap. They are cheaper than getting the alloys refurbed
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: maxamus on 12 November 2007, 09:29
i ordered some today. pictures will go up on saturday so you can see
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: joesgti on 12 November 2007, 09:53
looks good, are you sure there not legal in the UK  coz old cars still have them on?? :huh:
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Dec on 12 November 2007, 09:59
yea pre something like 1979 cars are alowd :) my dads 1967 monkey bike is legal with one... not that he rides it :wink:

Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 12 November 2007, 10:14
apparantley there is a law in gib that you can only have black plates if your car is registered before 2001 but it doesnt seem like the police are too bothered about it, they did stop me with the smaller one but since iv had the bigger plate havent really had much of a problem. did get stopped and the police just asked "you are aware you have a black number plate on"....as if i were blind or something!
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: 08micsta on 12 November 2007, 10:20
Well... You are still young..... Next time you get pulled over act all innocent.

***Stares at officer, "I swear they were white a moment ago" ***
Title: Re: replaced my front number plate
Post by: Manu_R32 on 12 November 2007, 11:56
Well... You are still young..... Next time you get pulled over act all innocent.

***Stares at officer, "I swear they were white a moment ago" ***

haha, some of them are quite stupid, but not to sure about the rest!