Number Plates on the Mk7

[Jimi]

I've noticed that most Mk7s are coming here with a big black base plate at the front to mount number plates onto. These base plates or mounting points are the same size as Euro plates but if you use the smaller plates we have in Aus I think it looks a bit untidy

Has anyone experimented with removing the baseplate and mounting the number plate directly onto the bumper bar (with some padding or a smaller base plate in between?)

How does the base plate attach and does it leave screw holes that a traditional NSW (or other) black-on-white slimline plate wouldn't cover up?

I know it can be removed as I've seen photos where this has been done for a photo shoot

[n0d3]

Yes you can remove the front black base and use another base or attach the plates directly after plugging the holes.

Personally used Lakin plate holders (highly recommended!).

LAKIN Custom Plate Brackets, Add some CLASS to your car

[ziggyboy]

I'm also using Lakin brackets but how wide the bracket is will be limited to the holes in your bumper.

[CT69]

n0d3: were there custom holes in the VW or did you have to drill them using the Lakin template? Could you please post pics of front and back? I have heard other good reports and would be keen to get them for my GTI on order. Cheers

[ziggyboy]

You can have smaller brackets but it looks ugly with hole plugs in the front factory holes.

Lakin will almost always use the factory rear holes.

[Jimi]

It's a shame the factory holes are probably obvious in real life. This low res photo looks so clean without the big bracket and the small NSW plates wouldn't disrupt that too much

[The_Hawk]

Are the brackets still added at the dealership? I know with some models people used to talk about asking the dealer not to put the front bracket on so they could so something different. No good to you if you already have the car, but worth an ask if you're still waiting.

Plan B: Take to it with a screw driver and see what you find

[n0d3]

n0d3: were there custom holes in the VW or did you have to drill them using the Lakin template? Could you please post pics of front and back? I have heard other good reports and would be keen to get them for my GTI on order. Cheers

There are existing holes for the front black bracket (dealer said it was done at factory, no idea), so for the front you can just secure it directly with the Lakin brackets after removing the old OEM bracket.

You only have to drill holes for the rear number plate holder (there are no holes at all).

You can see the photos here -> http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...ml#post1040869

It's from my phone so don't expect much. Better order it early, takes a while to come.

Are the brackets still added at the dealership? I know with some models people used to talk about asking the dealer not to put the front bracket on so they could so something different. No good to you if you already have the car, but worth an ask if you're still waiting.

Plan B: Take to it with a screw driver and see what you find

Yeah they are added at the factory APPARENTLY (the front ones). They are quite easy to remove and the Lakin ones fit in the existing holes.

[Jimi]

I've seen a few photos around here of GTIs coming off boats and trucks still with protective wrap on them. If I can find one of those that should confirm it

n0d3 that looks really good but you have Euro plates. I wonder if the conventional smaller black-on-white plates fit in the same holes

[Mountainman]

I've noticed that most Mk7s are coming here with a big black base plate at the front to mount number plates onto.

Only the GTI, not the base, Comfortlines or Highlines. Makes me wonder why they continue to do it. A real eye-sore.

[Jimi]

Found a photo of a GTI in the wrap (link below). Looks like the bracket is there before the dealers get it

Just Landed in Australia, apparently!!

[n0d3]

I've seen a few photos around here of GTIs coming off boats and trucks still with protective wrap on them. If I can find one of those that should confirm it

n0d3 that looks really good but you have Euro plates. I wonder if the conventional smaller black-on-white plates fit in the same holes

So the dealers were telling the truth!

Hmmm, I think the Lakin ones fit the smallest available hole regardless of plate size so even if I decide to switch to regular plates and change the base plate, I won't need to drill new holes. That's the beauty of it!

[CT69]

n0d3: thanks for the reply. Did the dealer drill the rear holes for your Lakin plate, or did you need a second set of holes (or do Lakin provide a plate based on what is likely to be pre-drilled?)
I am worried the dealer may make a meal of it...

[AdamD]

They did exactly the same thing with the Mk6. And yes, the bracket is factory-fitted for the GTI (and likely also the R).

The Lakin plate brackets are custom-made, so you can get one-off sizes and variations that don't cost extra. The owner (Phillip) is a great guy to deal with as well - I highly recommend him.

For plenty of detail of what Mk6 people have done in place of a similar (if not identical) bracket, see this thread:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f112/best-number-plate-plate-holder-style-39781.html

[ziggyboy]

Yes, Philip is normally willing to custom make a bracket for you. Just let him know what you want.

Top notch customer service.