We are about to change our towcar, and need to change our caravans rear number plate, but what is the best way of removing the old one without damaging the caravans rear moulded GRP panel please?
The old plate was fitted by the dealer, and l have no idea what they used to hold it in place, or indeed what to use to fix the new one in its place?
The last thing that l want to do is tug at the old one and cause damage or cracking to the panel, or indeed invalidate any warantee, nor do l want to loose the new one somewhere along the motorway.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
I just pulled off the old one it was kept on with double sided sticky pads, try using a hair dryer to soften the pads, or using sticky pads just stick new plate over the old one.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
just put the new one over the old one if its stuck that well i did. i used double sided tape plus some no nails to make sure, dont forget to use some emery or sand paper tp rough up the surface to be glued first. Good luck.
We were told by the registered plate maker when having a number plate made up for our new to us car to remove the previous plate (a hefty pull should do it), and put on the new plate with double sided tape bought from the same place.
When I was a novice back in 2005 and had to initially change my caravan number plate over, I phoned the Camping and Caravanning Club for advice as I wasn't familiar with this forum at the time. They told me to use double sided sticky pads but avoid using any type of glue at all costs because it's this type of permanent fixing that is likely to cause any damage should you need to replace it. The method I used was to pour a drop of white spirit down behind the number plate and let it soak in for a few minutes then used a sharp wood chisel to prize the old number plate off. It worked a treat but it's best to polish the area afterwards to remove any remaining white spirit otherwise it will contaminate the new sticky pads thus losing the full adhesion. When you apply the new number plate make sure you get it straight and central first because once applied it is difficult to remove. Sorry for long post but it's the best way to offer advice regarding the job right through from start to finish.
Dedicated 'Number plate tape' has extremely strong stickiness and available on ebay etc. It's about £2 including postage for 8 strips (I'd use 4 strips per number plate at least)
You should be able to pull the old plate off by hand. Just beware, you'll have to pull pretty hard because the tape will be very strong. Most likely, it will suddenly twang off and you could fall over backwards on your backside (like I did!) if you aren't expecting it to go.
Before you put the new plate on, just make sure that you clean all of the algae, dirt and old tape residue off the van properly and that you wash the area with soapy water to get rid of any grease or oil that will stop the new tape from sticking properly. Then make sure it is 100% dry.
And, if you have a spirit level, make sure you use it to get the new plate level when you stick it on. You will only get ONE chance to get it right - once the tape is stuck to the van, there will be no opportunity to adjust it. Unless you want to start again with 4 new srips of tape that is!
Have fun!
------------- 2015 - our 1st year of caravanning with a new baby. Can't wait! :)
If you've got, or know someone who's got some, a length of fishing line works very well slid behind the old plate from one end to the other and causes no damage at all. Make sure you wear gloves or wrap each end of the line around some wood otherwise you could slice into your fingers! As people have already said double sided tape pads work very well to stick the new plate on with.
Assuming that you have got the old plate off, clean the panel properly and then put a tube of clear silicone in a mastic gun and put a bead of silicone around the plate's edge. Put the plate onto the panel, level it, push firmly for 30 seconds, Bob's your uncle. Over night the silicone will set and form a watertight seal, which will stop water getting behind the plate causing streaks down the bodywork. Also, a casual number-plate thief cannot get it off quickly. You will need a cheese wire next time. Clean, neat and flush. Sorted!
Thanks everyone, the fishing line looks the way to go, im a bit timid of pulling too hard incase i cracked the panel.
I will also be ordering some of the sticky plate pads when l order my number plate. Im just waiting for the dealer to sort me out with a registration number and then l can order my stuff for my caravan.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Quote: Originally posted by evenstephen on 29/1/2014
If you've got, or know someone who's got some, a length of fishing line works very well slid behind the old plate from one end to the other and causes no damage at all. Make sure you wear gloves or wrap each end of the line around some wood otherwise you could slice into your fingers! As people have already said double sided tape pads work very well to stick the new plate on with.
park the van on a sunny coast road in the Mediterranean
Have no fewer than four nude blonds gently rubbing oil on your body.
take your time.
drink plenty of ice cold beer.
have someone keep an eye on the bbq.
make sure you can see the football on the tv.
the job should be complete as the sun goes down and the bbq is served.
That's got to be the best way to change a reg plate
------------- nếu bạn google dịch này bạn đã chỉ lãng phí một phần của cuộc sống của bạn, bạn sẽ không bao giờ quay trở lại.
Oh look here's some. Always remember JD Google is everyone's friend
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Best way to change a number plate?
