Thanks both. The vinyl plates were from:
Buy Legal Number Plates – Replacement Number Plates Online
delivered two days after ordering.
Before I removed the old plates I marked the position of the ends on the body with some PVC tape. This acts as a position guide for the new plates.
To remove the old plates and fit the new ones:
1. Unclip the old frames at the top on both ends. The frame hinges forward.
2. Remove the old plate.
3. Unscrew the plate holder frame.
4. Unbolt (front) or unscrew (rear) the plastic base.
5. Thoroughly clean the area below the old plates.
6. Wipe the area down with IPA to thoroughly degrease it.
7. Fill a spray bottle with water plus a DROP of washing up liquid.
8. Spray the body where you are going to fit the vinyl plate to wet it.
9. Remove the backing paper from the new plate.
10. Spray the adhesive side of the plate to wet it.
11. Fit the plate. The water lets you move it into the correct position.
12. Using a plastic card wrapped in a cloth, press the centre of the plate and gradually work your way outwards to remove excess water and air bubbles.
In terms of blemishes: where the front plates are removed you are left with two rough holes from the self-tapping screws they use to fit the frame. I GENTLY used a countersink bit by hand to remove the burring so the holes were perfectly flat.
When the rear plates are removed there are two plastic fixings (flush with the body) and a small recessed area. I simply fitted the vinyl plate carefully over this. You just need to be extra careful when you are pressing it into position - DON’T press onto the recessed area! Most of all, take your time.
The vinyl material itself is nice and thick, so if you’re careful you shouldn’t see anything you shouldn’t on the front or rear.
I hope this is helpful.
