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Front License Plate Holder on refreshed Model S
- Thread starter Mohamed Gobara
- Start date
vcor
Tech Specialist
For those using string, I found the fishing line I used: "KATUYSHA Braided Fishing Line, Abrasion Resistant Zero Stretch Braided Lines 4/8 Strands Super Strong Superline 6Lb -100Lb Test". It it's a bit rougher than smooth line or floss so cuts through the tape a bit easier. It was $6 on Amazon. I'm sure there are others that will work too.
I was too worried about pulling hard on the plate that it might rip the paint off the bumper. I'm impressed that someone could pull it off without damage!
I was too worried about pulling hard on the plate that it might rip the paint off the bumper. I'm impressed that someone could pull it off without damage!
No heat gun or hair dryer is necessary at all. I took the front license plate holder off my 2023 Model S today in about five minutes which included rubbing the adhesive tape off the bumper.
1. Get Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Fishing Line. It comes in various strengths so make sure you get the 40 pound version. I put on some gloves after I cut a piece so I wouldn't hurt my hands. You just work it in from one side and slowly saw it up and down until you are through to the other side. Left to right in my case but it doesn't matter.
2. Then I just used my thumbs to slowly roll the remaining tape off. A bit tedious but it comes off just fine in a few minutes.
3. Then I sprayed some RapidTac Rapid Remover Adhesive Remover for Vinyl Wraps Graphics Decals Stripes 4oz Sprayer on the front bumper and wiped the remaining residue off with a microfiber tower. Looks great. The RapidTac dries off and will not hurt the clear coat.
I got the two items above from Amazon but there are numerous sites from which to buy those.
The above was my post from a few months ago.
1. Get Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Fishing Line. It comes in various strengths so make sure you get the 40 pound version. I put on some gloves after I cut a piece so I wouldn't hurt my hands. You just work it in from one side and slowly saw it up and down until you are through to the other side. Left to right in my case but it doesn't matter.
2. Then I just used my thumbs to slowly roll the remaining tape off. A bit tedious but it comes off just fine in a few minutes.
3. Then I sprayed some RapidTac Rapid Remover Adhesive Remover for Vinyl Wraps Graphics Decals Stripes 4oz Sprayer on the front bumper and wiped the remaining residue off with a microfiber tower. Looks great. The RapidTac dries off and will not hurt the clear coat.
I got the two items above from Amazon but there are numerous sites from which to buy those.
The above was my post from a few months ago.
I'm ready to remove the darn thing but then I keep asking myself what if Ohio suddenly starts requiring a front plate again (very low odds I'm sure) or I decide I want a vanity plate up there (also low odds). I would be concerned about getting it back on level and centered and using an appropriate adhesive. Your thoughts please.
Beasts
Beasts
I appreciate the info here, but why are these being affixed at delivery?? My M3 came with the front plate and bracket in the trunk. Let -me- make the choice. In 3+ years driving without a front plate I’ve never been stopped (in Virginia which requires one). No one cares.
My S is on order - I texted the sales guy to see if I can request the front to be free of the plate holder… we will see what he says.
My S is on order - I texted the sales guy to see if I can request the front to be free of the plate holder… we will see what he says.
I was told that since my car was leased they had to abide by the state of initial issuance. And that state requires a front plate. I'm not saying that makes sense. It was super easy to remove and absolutely no damage to the paint at all.
cmarshack
Member
Yours must have been a one-off because I find it very hard to believe that one of these that was put on correctly from the factory could ever fall off. There is a ridiculous amount of two sided tape in addition to two screws on the bottom. While it can be removed with heat, fishing line and tools, mine would never have fallen off with any amount of water, salt, weather.
Update: I got my Model S two days ago. The gent at Tesla said the reason the Model S is delivered with the bracket is because it was crash tested with the bracket on. Sounds plausible if not ridiculous.
Anyhow - attempting to remove. I picked up the recommended fishing line but some friends of mine have discouraged me from using it. Can anyone confirm that it absolutely does NOT leave micro scratches? The dental floss I tried suffered from a woeful lack of robustness.
Anyhow - attempting to remove. I picked up the recommended fishing line but some friends of mine have discouraged me from using it. Can anyone confirm that it absolutely does NOT leave micro scratches? The dental floss I tried suffered from a woeful lack of robustness.
See my post above. I had just gotten my car when I removed it and I am anal retentive. You just work the line while pulling towards you. I have absolutely zero even microabrasions or subtle chaffing. And I did not get lucky. It is a reproducible effort and I would not hesitate to do it again.
They typically use a couple of horizontal pieces of thick 3M tape. You just start a corner with the line cutting in front of the tape and against the plastic of the holder. Just saw right through it. I was nervous doing it. Zero concerns now. Took about a minute maybe slightly less. I wore gloves to avoid the line cutting into my hands.
Yes, I saw your post. Working the floss though made me realize that it’s not so easy to keep it away from the bumper. I get the idea though. Thanks again.
As you “saw” with fishing line, the car is barely being touched. It’s going through adhesive and leaving most stuck on bumper. Just pull slightly outward towards you so it’s closer to frame. I used polishing compound on bumper after removing adhesive to really clean it up. Any detailer can do this in 10 min if necessary.
I took mine off on Day 1. Fishing line as described above, plus goo gone to remove the adhesive residue, then some cleaner wax to make it look nice.
I did get a license plate wrap for the front, which I like as it works with the lines of the car and is removable if you need (I put it on a piece of PPF).
I did get a license plate wrap for the front, which I like as it works with the lines of the car and is removable if you need (I put it on a piece of PPF).
Yeah, one observation that might help others… the fishing line gets gunked up with globs of adhesive - I had to change out for a clean piece midway through.
Like I said, I pointed this out when I was taking delivery and the guy told me that since the Model S was crash tested with the frame on, they have to affix it.
Interesting. one engineer forgetting to take the plate off causes mental misery. lol
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