Best number plate / plate holder style

[Corey_R]

I'm not sure I get the point, changing one oversized bracket for another? If the look is that much of an issue, surely the extra cost of full size euro plates would be a lot easier?

The full size Euro in Australia doesn't quite fit the standard plate holder properly either. Also, it then cannot have a plate cover, or if it does, the plate and its cover sits "out" from the holder by about 1cm at the sides. The Lakin plate holders allows the attachment of a slimline, and as elisiX said, is gloss, smaller and covers the holes left by the OEM holder.

[AdamD]

As for the R, whilst the holes are different, it shouldn't stop a plate cover in a very similar style to yours (maybe just a little wider).

That's a really good point Corey. I'd actually assumed (based on a quick look) that the R shared its adapter with the Passat CC, as the holes are aligned vertically on the bracket. However, they don't look far apart at all, unlike on the CC... here's what it looks like on my dad's car:



So it's clearly a different configuration again. What are VW thinking with all these bloody awful things anyway?

So did Philip himself tell you that it wouldn't be possible on the R? Or did you come to the conclusion yourself (cause I really want to get them when I get my R!).

Philip and I did come to the conclusion that a bracket wouldn't be worthwhile for the CC, and so I assumed that would be the case for the R as well. But to be honest, based on the pic you've posted above, I'd say a bracket is entirely doable - especially given that both lugs appear to be spaced closely together vertically, so you wouldn't need a bracket taller than your plate to cover the holes. You really only need your bracket to attach to one of the holes on each side for a secure fit as well, so you could probably go with a bracket that looks exactly the same as mine.

Btw, since your photos are so great, can you post some of your rear plates? I assume you also have the Lakin rear plate holder

LOL, thanks! Here's an old shot that shows the rear plate - the bracket is physically exactly the same size as my plate, and is therefore completely concealed. It's mounted flush to the bumper, so the plate doesn't protrude at all and you wouldn't know a bracket was there at all unless you were physically inspecting it:



I can take a few close-ups if you like.

BTW, you'll notice in that photo that the pre-drilled holes at the top of the numberplate really stand out. (All the new SA premium plates I've seen are like this - not sure if it's the same in NSW.) I've since applied some white 3M electrical tape to the rear of my plates to cover the holes, and it works really well (you can just make them out in the photos of my front plate I posted earlier.)

[AdamD]

I'm not sure I get the point, changing one oversized bracket for another? If the look is that much of an issue, surely the extra cost of full size euro plates would be a lot easier?

Just a point of comparision: the original adapter fitted to the GTI is 540mm x 130mm x 18mm. (The depth is measured at the centrepoint, where it is widest, and obviously doesn't include the numberplate itself.) My new bracket is 485mm x 83mm x 5mm. The height is exactly the same as my plate, so there's no lip at all. And that 5mm depth is measured from the bumper to the face of the bracket, including the gap. That's a pretty big difference! The high-gloss black finish definitely gives the car a more premium look too.

As for the plate style... I've had my plates for 13 years now, and prefer to stick with the number I have. So the full-sized (and massively overpriced) Euro wasn't really an option for me. In SA I can't even choose a white-on-black premium plate and retain my number - that's the only reason I've still got a white plate on a red car!

[Corey_R]

So it's clearly a different configuration again. What are VW thinking with all these bloody awful things anyway?

lol, yeah, I have asked the product planner from VGA about this and they have noted my concerns, but haven't got a solution. I suggested that they just carry the plate holders at the dealers for the customers who want them... but you know, that'd make too much sense

Philip and I did come to the conclusion that a bracket wouldn't be worthwhile for the CC, and so I assumed that would be the case for the R as well. But to be honest, based on the pic you've posted above, I'd say a bracket is entirely doable - especially given that both lugs appear to be spaced closely together vertically, so you wouldn't need a bracket taller than your plate to cover the holes. You really only need your bracket to attach to one of the holes on each side for a secure fit as well, so you could probably go with a bracket that looks exactly the same as mine.

Yeah - this is what I'm hoping. I'll probably order some prior to my car arriving so that they're ready for me. I'll ask the dealer not to put on the plates at all, take it straight to a workshop to get the 3M PPF wrap, and then put the plate brackets and plates on.
I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere in this thread that Philip had been out to a dealer to measure up the R. There is an R bracket listed here, but there aren't any pictures of it (yet?).

LOL, thanks! Here's an old shot that shows the rear plate - the bracket is physically exactly the same size as my plate, and is therefore completely concealed. It's mounted flush to the bumper, so the plate doesn't protrude at all and you wouldn't know a bracket was there at all unless you were physically inspecting it:



I can take a few close-ups if you like.

Yeah - it does look pretty cool. Some close ups would be great too!

BTW, you'll notice in that photo that the pre-drilled holes at the top of the numberplate really stand out. (All the new SA premium plates I've seen are like this - not sure if it's the same in NSW.) I've since applied some white 3M electrical tape to the rear of my plates to cover the holes, and it works really well (you can just make them out in the photos of my front plate I posted earlier.)

Last time I picked up plates at an RTA in NSW - some black Euro's - they had already given up on putting pre-drilled holes in them due to the wide range of cars that people were fitting them too. I'm not sure about non-Euro plates though...

[dave_r]

Just a point of comparision: the original adapter fitted to the GTI is 540mm x 130mm x 18mm. (The depth is measured at the centrepoint, where it is widest, and obviously doesn't include the numberplate itself.) My new bracket is 485mm x 83mm x 5mm. The height is exactly the same as my plate, so there's no lip at all. And that 5mm depth is measured from the bumper to the face of the bracket, including the gap. That's a pretty big difference! The high-gloss black finish definitely gives the car a more premium look too.

Yeah I get you know, guess i never really looked at the pics that much to notice/care. But the measurements show a huge difference. I'm on board now

[VeedubTSI]

I say the smaller the plate the better unless you really want to advertise yourself to everyone by having a personalised plate get the full sized personalised plates or Euro plates.

For those aerodynamically conscious/hypermillers , the smallest plate with the smallest bracket not interfering with the front air intake would suit them That extra 'interference' with the air coming into the car may just make that difference...

Really it comes down to personal taste but I say a small slimline Euro plate for Euro cars make them look like they're in Europe. You pay that extra ~$600 (in Victoria) for something special as it suits the car's origin and to a certain extent a statement ("Hey look at me I can drop $600 on a plate") =P

This is just my own opinion as opinions are like assholes and everyone has one just that they think that everyone else's stinks....

[elisiX]

Has anyone done the old "rear plate for stolen" to get another issued for use on the front?

Not sure why people would bother with the Larkin offering but am just curious as to whether that actually works.

[Corey_R]

Has anyone done the old "rear plate for stolen" to get another issued for use on the front?

Not sure why people would bother with the Larkin offering but am just curious as to whether that actually works.

I was thinking about that until I found that the Australian "European plate" size doesn't exactly fit the standard plate holder properly either. The plate is not quite quite enough and slightly too tall. Plus, check out what it looks like from above when you have a plate cover on it:

Sorry about the darkness, it was taken on a phone camera, really early in the morning in complete shadow. Note how bulky the holder is, how much curvature there is in the holder, and then how much the plate sticks out at either side when you have a 'cover' on it.

Compare this to the Lakin solution (keep in mind that this is a much closer photo than the one above!)


It's night and day. The stock holder looks crap anyway you look at it, whereas the Lakin Plate holders is a much more elegate and professiona looking solution.

[Corey_R]

After three months, two brackets, an adapter, two plate covers, and a ton of screw and washer combos, I've finally got my front bracket sorted. Not that I'm fussy or anything.

Philip from Lakin Plates has been fantastic in making up the brackets and going way beyond my expectations to make sure I'm happy with the result. I can't recommend his business enough.

Alright man... time to get technical (so I can record all this down for my order, lol).
So with the bracket purchases:
Did you get the "Standard Allen Head Screws (inc key)" or the "SECURITY Head Screws (inc Special Tool) ( +$12.65 )"?
Did you get the "Natural Satin Aluminium Finish" or the "Black Powder Coated Finish ( +$6.60 )"?

The actual covers are then a separate purchase and not included in the bracket purchases, correct?
"Prestige Number Plate Cover (Sold as single units) Clear Lens - Model: Kingpin Prestige - Clear"
If these are the covers you used, did you need to select the "Form cover to special shape ( +$16.50 )" for the front one so it matches the curve of the plate backet (which is to match the curve of the bumper)? Or was it simply a case of attaching the two screws is enough to make the cover take the curved shape of the bracket?

In my notes from way back, I have a code of VW-Watercooled which entitles us to a 5% discount. Is that still valid and did you use it?
Since I've already asked 5,000 questions, you may as well add any other useful information we'll need to know!
(You did a great job over in the LED thread of providing a "how to" guide/summary, so figured you're the best person to ask all this stuff to! hehe).

[dencar]

Having read this thread and spoken to Philip of Lakin Plates, I have decided to attach my already acquired QLD standard size black with white letters euro plates to my coming white GTD using the existing mount at the front and the Lakin bracket at the rear. At the front, size and curvature suggest this approach and if it seems afterwards Lakin brackets would be better, I can do that, no harm done. On the rear, my dealer says there are no holes pre-drilled and a Lakin bracket probably only needs two holes which will be concealed anyway. He said he would help me fit the plates. On the question of plate covers, curvature is a problem at the front and, FWIW, the plastic packet my plates came in says:

Queensland Transport does not approve the use of number plate covers (excepting those issued by Personalised Plates Queensland for Prestige Plates). Use of some products/covers may reduce plate visibility, usable life or warranty and may result in fines and penalties.

PPQ site says:

Can I fit aftermarket plate covers to my personalised plates?

The use of aftermarket plate covers of any kind is not recommended. Plate covers look impressive, however feedback indicates they can trap both heat and moisture which causes peeling and can void your warranty. We hope you will enjoy your plates for many years to come and suggest that you do not use plate covers for these reasons.

They probably count on replacing damaged plates not protected by covers. Anyway, I'm going to pass on the covers.

I really appreciate all the advice and photos in this thread.

[Corey_R]

For what its worth, the plate covers which are provided by Lakin Plates are in fact approved for use in QLD, although the letter is a bit old.
In addition, the plate covers have a neoprene seal which presses around the raised rim of the number plates. So installed correctly in conjunction with the Lakin brackets, there should not be any possibility of moisture getting in. As for heat... I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue if there is no moisture. Numberplates in direct sunlight get pretty damn warm anyway. Behind a UV treated plastic, they're unlikely to get as hot - although sure, they'd take longer to cool after they've been heated up by direct sunlight.

[AdamD]

Alright man... time to get technical (so I can record all this down for my order, lol).
So with the bracket purchases:
Did you get the "Standard Allen Head Screws (inc key)" or the "SECURITY Head Screws (inc Special Tool) ( +$12.65 )"?
Did you get the "Natural Satin Aluminium Finish" or the "Black Powder Coated Finish ( +$6.60 )"?

Okay, technical overload time.

My bracket is physically the same as that supplied to moonblade87 - see this post. It's designed for a 371x83mm "Premium Slim" plate (NSW quote 372x84mm - it's the same size as SA however). It has the Black Powder Coated Finish (which is recommended for high-visibility applications such as on the front of our Golfs).

However the screws are slightly different to moonblade87's, for technical reasons: his are plastic and fit into 10mm lugs in the bumper; mine are steel (phillips head) with aluminium powder-coated washers to match the bracket, and fit into 8mm lugs - the correct size for the holes left in my GTI bumper by the stock adapter. (Moonblade87 pushed his 10mm lugs into the 8mm holes with a bit of elbow grease I believe, hehe.) There is a chance that the type of lug VW uses for the R varies to that of the GTI, and it's also possible that VW will change the GTI lug over time, so there may be a small amount of trial and error involved. Philip ordered replacement GTI lugs from VW, to measure them up before making our brackets, and was supplied with 10mm non-removable steel lugs, so... hmmm.

You may be able to go with a security screw type for the bracket, but it may need to be custom-made due to the size and finish.

The actual covers are then a separate purchase and not included in the bracket purchases, correct?
"Prestige Number Plate Cover (Sold as single units) Clear Lens - Model: Kingpin Prestige - Clear"
If these are the covers you used, did you need to select the "Form cover to special shape ( +$16.50 )" for the front one so it matches the curve of the plate backet (which is to match the curve of the bumper)? Or was it simply a case of attaching the two screws is enough to make the cover take the curved shape of the bracket?

I ordered the clear Kingpin Prestige covers, front and rear. Personally, I think they really compliment the bracket well, and finish off the look just right. It'd look unfinished without them IMO.

No, I didn't need the covers to be formed to a special shape - these are very well made covers, and they will flex to the curvature of the bumper/bracket without splitting, although you do need to be careful. I removed and fitted mine many times on cold winter nights in the garage (worst conditions for it), and my front cover eventually developed a very small hairline crack in the far corner near the screw fitting as a result. Philip kindly offered to replace it free of charge.

The covers themselves are attached by custom-sized security screws, and come with a special little tool to do them up.

In my notes from way back, I have a code of VW-Watercooled which entitles us to a 5% discount. Is that still valid and did you use it?

I wasn't actually aware of it, and so didn't use it myself. Because I ordered another bracket some months ago (remember this?), my second bracket, covers etc have all been at a discounted rate. Just mention VWWatercooled if/when you order, and if there's still a discount available, I'm sure he'll give it to you straight away.

All my dealings with Philip have been via email or phone, and I never actually ordered anything directly via his site. Because of the complexity of the solution, and the various options available, Philip called me on several occasions to go over the details and discuss my options. I know he likes to speak to his customers directly in these circumstances, to make sure you're getting exactly what you want. Because every bracket is custom-made, you can specify alterations (and it may cost no more). He's a great guy to deal with, and very helpful.

Since I've already asked 5,000 questions, you may as well add any other useful information we'll need to know!
(You did a great job over in the LED thread of providing a "how to" guide/summary, so figured you're the best person to ask all this stuff to! hehe).

The only other thing I can think of is that, for GTI owners, you could go with the no-visible-screws option I mentioned in my post here - mount the bracket using the lower/inner holes obscured by the plate, and have the outer edges of the plate reinforced by backing material and some double-sided waterproof 3M tape. It'd look completely clean, and will be just as firmly attached. That option won't be available for the R guys (based on the photos I've seen of the adapter, and assuming a Premium Slimline-sized plate), but you could still go with just two screws holding the bracket in place.

If there's anything else I can help with, just ask!

[Corey_R]

Thanks for the detailed responses AdamD

[blanch0b]

i have the custom euro style plates (WA) full size - it seems as though the car was designed for them they look that good - dont go slim as ull have three black gaps on the front bumper (in the gti licence holder) due to the licence being smaller than the holder... doesnt look neat to me...

my bro got the normal licence plates and he is now buying euro plates for his golf

[Corey_R]

It's nice if you can purchase the Euro plates and their colour suits your car.
But some states DO NOT have the European plates available. In other states, the European plate colour which suits your colour car may ONLY be available in the slim front version. Other states have a "annual fee" on European plates, meaning the cost PER YEAR is around the same as getting the Lakin brackets and covers (front and rear) and purchasing a standard plate set. Plus there are then people who already own personalised plates which cannot be adapted to European styles for various reasons including the above.

So if you're lucky enough that none of the numerous conditions above prevent you from going with full-sized European plates, then great. But for the majority of the Australian population, the stock VW plate holder is a PAIN IN THE A$@# !!! The Lakin plate holder, or the "GTI bumper plug trick" are the only options