ewoo
05-10-2006, 12:16 PM
So after much debate between the stock clean-look versus the Euro-OEM look that I was after, I decided to commit and install my Euro/German License Plate the right way.
Hey, I figured that I could always order a replacement bumper for $120 if I hated it. So here it is... Euro Plate DIY. You guys in Europe probably think I'm crazy. :iono:
(BTW, I LOVE the look. No regrets. I had this one dub guy stare at it and asked me if I had my car shipped from Europe! :biggrin: )
Parts Needed:
VW OEM Euro Plate Bracket (http://www.hillsideimports.com just call them--their website sucks)
Self-locking plastic anchors (included in the kit)
Authentic Euro/German License Plate (http://licenseplates.tv)
TIP: Know the meaning of the characters on the plate to create an authentic plate. Here are your references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License_plate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_car_number_plates
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:FE-Buchstaben.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfsburg
Tools Needed:
5/16" drill bit (the service manual says the hole are 7.7mm + 0.2mm)
two smaller drill bits (for pilot holes)
hard rubber mallet
masking tape
70% Isopropyl Alchohol
3M EXTERIOR mounting tape (4011 or 4010 - find it at Target)
white wax pencil (optional)
spray wax (optional)
microfiber towel (optional)
an extra pair of hands (optional)
Time Needed:
About an hour. Depends how anal you are.
Can it be undone?
If you have about $120 for a new upper bumper and an additional hour to install it.
STEP 0 - Wash & Prep:
Wash, dry then wax your bumper.
STEP 1 - Measure:
Test fit the Euro license bracket to your bumper. The bracket defnitely has a top and bottom so inspect it carefully from the reverse-side. You can tell the bottom section by inspecting the notches on the sides--these hang over your bumper.
Once you understand the fit, place some masking tape on the edges to mark the placement. You can fine-tune the symmetry of the fit but aligning the lower corners of the bracket to the hexagonal openings in the lower grill.
Re-check your measurements---to save some tears & money later.
UPDATE: If you remove the grille/upper bumper, there are markings of where you need to drill the holes. Use this instead!! Removing the grille. http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2490755
STEP 2 - Mark, Drill Holes & Mount the Bracket:
With the bracket held in place (by tape or your buddy), mark the center of the first hole using the wax pencil. Start with the top left or top right hole & work clockwise.
OR better yet, drill a small pilot hole while your buddy holds the plate. TIP: Start with the smallest drill bit and progress to the larger ones. Carefully centering the pilot hole is key.
Insert the first plastic anchor/pin to hold the bracket in place (but do not push the center pin to lock it yet) and proceed to the next hole.
When all four holes are drilled, remove plate bracket and check to see that the drilled holes are clean. If not, re-drill carefully and get a clean hole. Remove any plastic flakes and wipe with wax & MF towel.
Remount the bracket and insert the anchors.
Pushing the pins-in is a bitch (especially the ones on the top). It will take quite a bit of effort. If possible push it with the back of a screwdriver first. Then, use a metal tip and a rubber mallet. Remember, it's a bumper so it's hard to crack but then again, use your judgement!
TIP: When drilling, put masking tape on your drill bit as a guide so you don't drill deeper than you need to.
STEP 3: Surface Prep & Mounting the Plate
Once you're done with the bracket, clean the surface of the bracket with rubbing alcholol and place a masking tape with a center mark on the top edge.
Test mount the plate. Then, slightly bend the plate to the surface of the bracket.
Clean the back of the licnese plate with alcohol. Wait and make sure it's dry.
Place strips of 3M/Scotch mounting tape on key sections: the edges, center and the spaces. No need to go nuts with the tape.
Align the plate and test fit first. Then, remove backing from the tape and mount it.
Press from the center and work your way out. Now, make sure you hold the plate with your buddy for about 30 seconds to 1 minute--to give the tape a chance to adhere to the surface. At first the tape might not seem tacky enough but I noticed that the bond becoumes stronger as it sets.
STEP 4: Clean-up:
Spray a thin coat of spray wax to your plate and bracket and wipe-it-off with a microfiber towel.
Next day, check that all the edges of the plates are still nicely flush and that the tape is nicely bonded to the surface.
Enjoy your Euro look!
Hey, I figured that I could always order a replacement bumper for $120 if I hated it. So here it is... Euro Plate DIY. You guys in Europe probably think I'm crazy. :iono:
(BTW, I LOVE the look. No regrets. I had this one dub guy stare at it and asked me if I had my car shipped from Europe! :biggrin: )
Parts Needed:
VW OEM Euro Plate Bracket (http://www.hillsideimports.com just call them--their website sucks)
Self-locking plastic anchors (included in the kit)
Authentic Euro/German License Plate (http://licenseplates.tv)
TIP: Know the meaning of the characters on the plate to create an authentic plate. Here are your references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License_plate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_car_number_plates
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:FE-Buchstaben.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfsburg
Tools Needed:
5/16" drill bit (the service manual says the hole are 7.7mm + 0.2mm)
two smaller drill bits (for pilot holes)
hard rubber mallet
masking tape
70% Isopropyl Alchohol
3M EXTERIOR mounting tape (4011 or 4010 - find it at Target)
white wax pencil (optional)
spray wax (optional)
microfiber towel (optional)
an extra pair of hands (optional)
Time Needed:
About an hour. Depends how anal you are.
Can it be undone?
If you have about $120 for a new upper bumper and an additional hour to install it.
STEP 0 - Wash & Prep:
Wash, dry then wax your bumper.
STEP 1 - Measure:
Test fit the Euro license bracket to your bumper. The bracket defnitely has a top and bottom so inspect it carefully from the reverse-side. You can tell the bottom section by inspecting the notches on the sides--these hang over your bumper.
Once you understand the fit, place some masking tape on the edges to mark the placement. You can fine-tune the symmetry of the fit but aligning the lower corners of the bracket to the hexagonal openings in the lower grill.
Re-check your measurements---to save some tears & money later.
UPDATE: If you remove the grille/upper bumper, there are markings of where you need to drill the holes. Use this instead!! Removing the grille. http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2490755
STEP 2 - Mark, Drill Holes & Mount the Bracket:
With the bracket held in place (by tape or your buddy), mark the center of the first hole using the wax pencil. Start with the top left or top right hole & work clockwise.
OR better yet, drill a small pilot hole while your buddy holds the plate. TIP: Start with the smallest drill bit and progress to the larger ones. Carefully centering the pilot hole is key.
Insert the first plastic anchor/pin to hold the bracket in place (but do not push the center pin to lock it yet) and proceed to the next hole.
When all four holes are drilled, remove plate bracket and check to see that the drilled holes are clean. If not, re-drill carefully and get a clean hole. Remove any plastic flakes and wipe with wax & MF towel.
Remount the bracket and insert the anchors.
Pushing the pins-in is a bitch (especially the ones on the top). It will take quite a bit of effort. If possible push it with the back of a screwdriver first. Then, use a metal tip and a rubber mallet. Remember, it's a bumper so it's hard to crack but then again, use your judgement!
TIP: When drilling, put masking tape on your drill bit as a guide so you don't drill deeper than you need to.
STEP 3: Surface Prep & Mounting the Plate
Once you're done with the bracket, clean the surface of the bracket with rubbing alcholol and place a masking tape with a center mark on the top edge.
Test mount the plate. Then, slightly bend the plate to the surface of the bracket.
Clean the back of the licnese plate with alcohol. Wait and make sure it's dry.
Place strips of 3M/Scotch mounting tape on key sections: the edges, center and the spaces. No need to go nuts with the tape.
Align the plate and test fit first. Then, remove backing from the tape and mount it.
Press from the center and work your way out. Now, make sure you hold the plate with your buddy for about 30 seconds to 1 minute--to give the tape a chance to adhere to the surface. At first the tape might not seem tacky enough but I noticed that the bond becoumes stronger as it sets.
STEP 4: Clean-up:
Spray a thin coat of spray wax to your plate and bracket and wipe-it-off with a microfiber towel.
Next day, check that all the edges of the plates are still nicely flush and that the tape is nicely bonded to the surface.
Enjoy your Euro look!