DIY - Euro License Plate Install (Committing & Drillin')

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Remount the bracket and insert the anchors.
6. 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!

1. 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.
2. Test mount the plate. Then, slightly bend the plate to the surface of the bracket.
3. Clean the back of the licnese plate with alcohol. Wait and make sure it's dry.
4. Place strips of 3M/Scotch mounting tape on key sections: the edges, center and the spaces. No need to go nuts with the tape.
5. Align the plate and test fit first. Then, remove backing from the tape and mount it.
6. 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.

• 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!

ewoo said:

... 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.

...

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seung said:

uh...

fyi, if you take the grill/ plastic panel off the car,
you will find the inside of the panel is
already marked where to drill...

you will see about 10 markings look like below-

4 for us brakcets,
4 for euro brackets,
and 2 for asians or whatever.

Click to expand...

Kirium said:

Can you drive around with that on???

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Kirium said:

Even a false number plate???

I'd have thought that was illegal everywhere....

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Kirium said:

It's illegal to use anything other than the plate you were issued by the local road and traffic authority here in Australia...

You can't even make a replica plate (like from a different material such as polycarbonate) with your own actual rego number on it, let alone put a totally false one on...

That's crazy talk....

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