How are Number Plates fixed on, W124 saloon>?

[sportyreptile]

I'll be ordering a set of replacement plates in the next few days 'cos mine are faded. The front one makes the car look really grotty.

I had a quick look earlier and I can't see any screws or bolts holding the plates on, are they held in place with sticky pads or something?
They are on really solid, does anyone know the best way to get the old ones off?

Thanks.

 

[Aletank]

Probably held on with sticky pads.

I bought some new plates for mine nearly 2 years ago now and stuck them on with sticky pads from Halfords, about £1.50. They still seem solid enough so far.

Have a look here for replacement plates - www.fancyplates.com - Lets you design your Borders - Style etc. - Ordered mine 1pm Friday and they was Delivered Saturday mornin 8.30am - Cost about £30 the pair.

 

[Munkee]

Only thing I can think of is to slide a sharp knife behind the number plate and gently cut through the pads. BUT be VERY careful not to scratch the paint around the edge of the plate, obviously it's ok if you scratch it behind the plate as that won't be seen!

Good luck.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Only thing I can think of is to slide a sharp knife behind the number plate and gently cut through the pads. BUT be VERY careful not to scratch the paint around the edge of the plate, obviously it's ok if you scratch it behind the plate as that won't be seen!

Good luck.

Umm I'd have to disagree, let's not forget the main purpose of paint is to protect the mild steel bodywork from corroding. I wouldn't want to scratch the paint surface behind the number plate area with a "sharp knife" as this could expose bare metal which will rapidly oxidise when exposed to the atmosphere.

*EDIT* Using dental floss is one method used to "debadge" a car perhaps this could be adapted for numberplate removal where sticky pads are involved?

S.

 

[Munkee]

Ahhh, yeah sorry! I didn't think about the corrosion aspect. Well done Steve (cough) ummm... I was just testing you!!!!

 

[Steve_Perry]

Ahhh, yeah sorry! I didn't think about the corrosion aspect. Well done Steve (cough) ummm... I was just testing you!!!!

No problemo.

S.

 

[sportyreptile]

Dental Floss!

Well I could see how that might work because both ends of the plates are slightly away from the bumper. This would give me my way in.

The plates don't appear to be fixed directly to the bumper but in some kind of black surround which in turn is fixed directly to the bumper. I want to avoid scratching the paint obviously but these old plates are getting replaced - it can't be that hard. I feel the gungho approach coming on.