Welcome to Tesla Motors Club
Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More.
Register
  • We just completed a significant update, but we still have some fixes and adjustments to make, so please bear with us for the time being. Cheers!

Plate fixing tip

paulobrien

Member
May 29, 2020
62
41
Norfolk
Last edited by a moderator:

Glan gluaisne

Supporting Member
Sep 11, 2019
2,782
2,679
UK
For the rear plate, I just removed the entire Tesla monstrosity and fitted a standard size perspex plate to the boot lid with 3M VHB tape. The front is a bit more tricky, as there is a two axis curve in that area, plus there are two screw holes left by the Tesla plate holder. I tried a stick on plate at first, but soon got two air bubbles behind it, where the screw holes for the Tesla plate holder were. It was also difficult to get the stick on plate to conform well to the two axes bend needed.

I removed the stick on front plate (using warm air to make it come off more easily) and replaced the rear section of the Tesla front plate holder. This is slightly smaller all around than a standard UK plate, but has a front surface that is fairly flat and only curved in one axis. It was very easy to fit a standard perspex plate to this part, using more 3M VHB tape. When fitted like this, the rear part of the Tesla from plate holder is pretty invisible, and using it in this way makes lining the plate up when fitting a heck of a lot easier.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pharwood

hingus2000

Member
May 24, 2020
211
155
London
Like many on here I removed the stock plate frames and also put a private plate on.

As with previous cars, I used heavy duty velcro, this stuff - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00186Q7XY

This is not your average cheap velcro - your plate is not going anywhere and it takes some serious force to remove.

Nice thin profile, good curve on the front, highly recommended!

Pics attached.

View media item 121747
View media item 121748

Will removing the tape (at the end of a lease, for example) damage the car’s paintwork underneath?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SR-Plus

Member
Sep 2, 2020
60
16
United Kingdom
For the rear plate, I just removed the entire Tesla monstrosity and fitted a standard size perspex plate to the boot lid with 3M VHB tape. The front is a bit more tricky, as there is a two axis curve in that area, plus there are two screw holes left by the Tesla plate holder. I tried a stick on plate at first, but soon got two air bubbles behind it, where the screw holes for the Tesla plate holder were. It was also difficult to get the stick on plate to conform well to the two axes bend needed.

I removed the stick on front plate (using warm air to make it come off more easily) and replaced the rear section of the Tesla front plate holder. This is slightly smaller all around than a standard UK plate, but has a front surface that is fairly flat and only curved in one axis. It was very easy to fit a standard perspex plate to this part, using more 3M VHB tape. When fitted like this, the rear part of the Tesla from plate holder is pretty invisible, and using it in this way makes lining the plate up when fitting a heck of a lot easier.

thanks for this useful information
 

Elsig

Member
Sep 27, 2020
37
33
United Kingdom
As many others I don't like the plastic frames. At the same time I don't want to stick vinyl or any tape directly to the car.

I was thinking to remove the plastic Tesla frame but keep the original plastic backing on the front and rear.

Then use velcro directly on the existing plastic mount and stick the original plates back on. For the front I might spray the mount white to go with the car.

Has anyone done a this? I did search but most posts talk about vinyl or sticking directly on to the car which I don't want to do.

Found these in amazon, good reviews.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Klettmax-F...ate+velcro&qid=1605173861&s=automotive&sr=1-4
 

AndrewGR

Member
Oct 18, 2019
347
158
Oxfordshire, UK
What’s the problem with sticking vinyl or tape directly to the car? In the unlikely event that the original paint is damaged it will be covered by replacement plates or the original Tesla plate holder when the car is moved on.

in my case I removed the Tesla plate holders completely and attached the supplied aluminium plates with heavy duty sticky pads. No issues at the back where it is flat. The front plate just needed a slight curve applying before attaching. They’ve been there for about 9 months / 10000 miles so far and seem as solid as when they were fitted.
 

nrps1

Member
Oct 28, 2020
84
27
UK
What’s the problem with sticking vinyl or tape directly to the car? In the unlikely event that the original paint is damaged it will be covered by replacement plates or the original Tesla plate holder when the car is moved on.

in my case I removed the Tesla plate holders completely and attached the supplied aluminium plates with heavy duty sticky pads. No issues at the back where it is flat. The front plate just needed a slight curve applying before attaching. They’ve been there for about 9 months / 10000 miles so far and seem as solid as when they were fitted.

When you say the supplied aluminium plates, which ones are those please?
 

AndrewGR

Member
Oct 18, 2019
347
158
Oxfordshire, UK
The plates that were on my car when I collected it were aluminium. I was able to gently curve the front one over my thigh to match the curve of the front of the car before attaching with heavy duty sticky pads about 1.5 mm thick. Good enough job for me! Possibly not quite as neat as a stick on plate but no worries about screw holes needing to be filled or showing through as bubbles.
 
  • Like
Reactions: H Mak

pharwood

Member
Feb 19, 2020
59
30
Northampton UK
For the rear plate, I just removed the entire Tesla monstrosity and fitted a standard size perspex plate to the boot lid with 3M VHB tape. The front is a bit more tricky, as there is a two axis curve in that area, plus there are two screw holes left by the Tesla plate holder. I tried a stick on plate at first, but soon got two air bubbles behind it, where the screw holes for the Tesla plate holder were. It was also difficult to get the stick on plate to conform well to the two axes bend needed.

I removed the stick on front plate (using warm air to make it come off more easily) and replaced the rear section of the Tesla front plate holder. This is slightly smaller all around than a standard UK plate, but has a front surface that is fairly flat and only curved in one axis. It was very easy to fit a standard perspex plate to this part, using more 3M VHB tape. When fitted like this, the rear part of the Tesla from plate holder is pretty invisible, and using it in this way makes lining the plate up when fitting a heck of a lot easier.

Exactly what I did. Easy to do and looks good.
 

About Us

Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.

Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


SUPPORT TMC
Top