Number Plates on the Mk7

[Jimi]

Can anyone with a mk 7 GTI tell me whether the rear plates have a big bracket around them as well? All the photos I can find are of press vehicles which use Euro plates that are massive at the rear so it's hard to tell

As for the front, this slimmer bracket on p27 of the thread linked to in AdamD's post above looks like the best compromise which uses the existing holes created by the standard bracket and doesn't involve plugs or filling in holes. Is the Mk 7 similar?

[Brendan_A]

What do you mean a big bracket around them? Mine just has the normal recess in the rear bumper where your plates go.

[Jimi]

I mean is there anything like the big black thing on the front under the rear plate as well?

[Brendan_A]

Nothing like the front.

[n0d3]

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...

I mean is there anything like the big black thing on the front under the rear plate as well?

Exactly what Brendan said, there is nothing on the back. You/the dealer needs to drill holes. Lakin provides a template (you'll need to measure to centre your plates anyway). You can always just stick it on with some tape and do it yourself if you're afraid the dealer might stuff it up.

[Brendan_A]

Exactly what Brendan said, there is nothing on the back. You/the dealer needs to drill holes. Lakin provides a template (you'll need to measure to centre your plates anyway). You can always just stick it on with some tape and do it yourself if you're afraid the dealer might stuff it up.

My last Golf the dealer didn't get the rear plate centre. So this Golf I told them I want to be there when they attach the plates. I took in a tape measure and got them perfect and he drilled/screwed.

[CT69]

Thanks to all for the info in this thread. I spoke to Philip from Lakin who is extraordinarily helpful and professional.
In summary:
GTI and R are shipped with a wide front baseplate (drilled to suit European plates, way too wide for standard Qld plates); dealers will fit normal plates onto this baseplate.
The rear of the car is completely pristine. Dealers will drill holes into this panel(and usually deeper into the bodywork of the frame) to fit standard plates.
Lakin make custom plates for the Mk7. The rear is easy: drill small holes through the panel, fit baseplate, attach plates with or without covers (recommends do this yourself, don't trust dealers).
For the front, he makes a baseplate to fit the predrilled holes, which protrudes 75mm each side of standard plates (as in the photo above) OR you can buy (expensive) custom colored plugs to fill these holes, and drill narrower holes for a perfectly fitting baseplate to match plates with or without covers.
I will go for the wider plate as in the photo.

[Jimi]

What is the benefit of forking out for a bracket for the rear? I would have thought you just attach the number plate directly - simple, clean, flush (and free!).

[tonymy01]

The rear is to hide ugly holes, and provide a good solid base for the plate protector to mount to over the top of the plate. Also so if you use Euro size rear plays, the mount can go into slimline hole separation so you don't have to have holes at the outer extremity of a Euro plate and no way to hide if you go slimline later.

[CT69]

Also, the flimsy two-point upper attachment (of Qld plates, at least) results in significant vibration and/or rattle against the panel. Screwing the plate directly on is also more likely to damage the paintwork over time. A rear baseplate means the plate is not flush, but combined with a protector cover looks much better IMO

[AdamD]

What is the benefit of forking out for a bracket for the rear? I would have thought you just attach the number plate directly - simple, clean, flush (and free!).

The photo above is of my car. I also have a rear bracket, and as Tony says, it's there to provide a better base for the numberplate, but also to provide another mounting surface should you wish to fit different-sized numberplates in the future without drilling more holes in the bumper. It's virtually invisible behind the plate though; here's a photo showing the rear bracket from the side (click on it to get the full-sized original and look at the plate up-close):

[Dutch77]

So if I am attaching full sized Euro plates to my vehicle, am I right in saying I don't need to worry about the front (as this will mount directly to the VW bracket), but I may wish to consider a bracket for the rear to avoid wide drill holes and paint work damage if I was to ever end up with smaller plates on the car?

[CT69]

@Dutch77: That sounds accurate. I can highly recommend giving Philip at Larkin a call; he is very familiar with the current models and can chat about the best approach with full size Euro plates front and back (if you are planning to get a protective cover, it may fit more snugly with his baseplate). Very helpful and sensible man!

[brad]

Just mount your plates with double sided tape. No drill holes required.

I managed about 3 years before I had to re-do it

[n0d3]

What is the benefit of forking out for a bracket for the rear? I would have thought you just attach the number plate directly - simple, clean, flush (and free!).

If you decide to sell your car or change plates of different sizes (with Lakin brackets) you can easily swap the base and not worry (the holes are chosen to fit the smallest plate size). CT69 has summarised everything in this thread, if in doubt just call Philip.

And attaching the number plate directly, if it rattles it'll probably ruin the paintwork.