Nasty Number Plate

[Crow]

I've had my new MG4 for 3 days and the number plate has fallen off. Cheap and nasty (weak) double-sided tape holding it in! Dealer: Glyn Hopkin, Chelmsford.

 

[Ian Key]

That's rubbish. They haven't even bothered to put the tape the full length of the plate and they probably didn't clean the surface before sticking it on.
I'd be straight round demanding it's rectified properly unless you don't trust them to do a good job.

 

[stevegus]

Tape is normal. Just needed a better installation.

 

[Crow]

That's rubbish. They haven't even bothered to put the tape the full length of the plate and they probably didn't clean the surface before sticking it on.
I'd be straight round demanding it's rectified properly unless you don't trust them to do a good job.

Had it fallen off without me knowing, hassle would have ensued. Gov UK say:

Replace lost, stolen or damaged plates​

You can get replacement plates if yours have been lost, stolen or damaged. If your plates were stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.
You have to apply for a full replacement set - you cannot get a single plate to replace a damaged plate for vehicles (excluding motorcycles).

 

[stevegus]

Had it fallen off without me knowing, hassle would have ensued. Gov UK say:

Replace lost, stolen or damaged plates​

You can get replacement plates if yours have been lost, stolen or damaged. If your plates were stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.
You have to apply for a full replacement set - you cannot get a single plate to replace a damaged plate for vehicles (excluding motorcycles).

You are making life complicated.

If you lost ONE plate not both its clearly a duff attachment and not cloning theft.

Just go to Halfords with your logbook and get another plate. Or one if the MANY online sellers

There is no need to get involved with govt red tape.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Had it fallen off without me knowing, hassle would have ensued. Gov UK say:

Replace lost, stolen or damaged plates​

You can get replacement plates if yours have been lost, stolen or damaged. If your plates were stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.
You have to apply for a full replacement set - you cannot get a single plate to replace a damaged plate for vehicles (excluding motorcycles).

A few years ago I needed to replace one plate. I found a company on ebay happy to make "show" plates (that were, nonetheless, just bog standard plates) without all the rigmarole and inflated prices. I did like being able to put my own message on them instead of being an advertising board for the garage I bought the car from. Not sure if this is still a thing or how legal it is/was.

I'm (mildly) intrigued why you have to replace both plates if you just damage one - it doesn't seem to be a very environmentally friendly law/direction. Anyone know what that's all about?

 

[Lovemyev]

A poor install, pure and simple !.
Why run the two sided tape horizontally for a start, and only in two staggered positions, what’s that all about ?.
School boy error.
Four strips of good quality two sided number plate tape evenly spaced vertically and then applied to a pre degreased number plate backing and the predegreased body surface contact points.
It’s not rocket ? science really ?.
If this simple method is followed, they will stick without any issues.
Have you ever tried removing a set of plates, that have been stuck in place for a couple of years ?.
OMG - You will be lucky NOT to break the plates, they are stuck that securely.
Usually requiring the help of a hair dryer or a heat gun set on low, to help soften the glue on this tape.
When it sticks, wow does it stick.
Like with all adhesive's the secret is in the prep !.
If you want something doing correctly, then do it yourself my Dad use to say ?.

 

[Jomarkh]

I've had my new MG4 for 3 days and the number plate has fallen off. Cheap and nasty (weak) double-sided tape holding it in! Dealer: Glyn Hopkin, Chelmsford.View attachment 15359

It looks like there are some bolt holes so get them to bolt it on.

 

[bowfer]

It’s hardly a ‘back to dealer’ job….
Easily fixed with more tape and/or some drilling.
It is amazing how bad dealers are at attaching plates though, squint ones in particular really trigger my OCD.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

A poor install, pure and simple !.
Why run the two sided tape horizontally for a start, and only in two staggered positions, what’s that all about ?.
School boy error.
Four strips of good quality two sided number plate tape evenly spaced vertically and then applied to a pre degreased number plate backing and the predegreased body surface contact points.
It’s not rocket ? science really ?.
If this simple method is followed, they will stick without any issues.
Have you ever tried removing a set of plates, that have been stuck in place for a couple of years ?.
OMG - You will be lucky NOT to break the plates, they are stuck that securely.
Usually requiring the help of a hair dryer or a heat gun set on low, to help soften the glue on this tape.
When it sticks, wow does it stick.
Like with all adhesive's the secret is in the prep !.
If you want something doing correctly, then do it yourself my Dad use to say ?.

Once the glue is softened, some recommend "sawing" through the adhesive with dental floss.

 

[Cocijo]

I’m surprised that no one has advised to reject the car….

 

[tsedge]

I’m surprised that no one has advised to reject the car….

Absolutely, a defective number plate installation is the last straw! Would never happen with (insert favourite make) and more evidence of MG's appalling quality etc.... blah de blah ???

 

[stevegus]

A few years ago I needed to replace one plate. I found a company on ebay happy to make "show" plates (that were, nonetheless, just bog standard plates) without all the rigmarole and inflated prices. I did like being able to put my own message on them instead of being an advertising board for the garage I bought the car from. Not sure if this is still a thing or how legal it is/was.

I'm (mildly) intrigued why you have to replace both plates if you just damage one - it doesn't seem to be a very environmentally friendly law/direction. Anyone know what that's all about?

It’s hardly a ‘back to dealer’ job….
Easily fixed with more tape and/or some drilling.
It is amazing how bad dealers are at attaching plates though, squint ones in particular really trigger my OCD.

I’m surprised that no one has advised to reject the car….

i thought it was just me that was feeling jaded at the level of trivial issues on this forum

 

[Ayoull]

Mine is screwed

I’m surprised that no one has advised to reject the car….

For a Renault Megane.... ?

 

[Cocijo]

At least they put masking tape over the mounting holes.

Mine is screwed

For a Renault Megane.... ?

You’ll be in trouble when he sees that!

I don’t know why all number plates are not stuck on - drilling holes etc must add to cost. If they are stuck properly it’s far better than drilling and screwing…

 

[Deleted member 9692]

I don’t know why all number plates are not stuck on - drilling holes etc must add to cost. If they are stuck properly it’s far better than drilling and screwing…

I disagree, mine were screwed on by the dealer and this allows me to remove them easily and wax the whole back of the car, not that I am obsessive about this you understand ?

 

[bowfer]

I agree tape is better if possible.
We all change cars in our house quite regularly and all have private plates, so changing plates is something I do a lot.
If drilling, I just use the existing plates as a template.
But then you sometimes get that horrible scenario where the drill hole is halfway on a letter and halfway on the background.
So no colour of screw will be right.
Shudder…..

 

[Cocijo]

I’ve moved to 3D and 4D plates - love the look of raised digits.

 

[Simler51]

I got my MG4 from GH Chelmsford as well - front plate screwed on and back stuck with tape. Tried to budge it but it's fixed tight. I reckon you got a Friday afternoon job done hastily. GH have been very good to me and I think they would sort it out very quick for you

 

[Eber]

But then you sometimes get that horrible scenario where the drill hole is halfway on a letter and halfway on the background.
So no colour of screw will be right.
Shudder…..

Look, my dealership even went out of their way and had the apprentice paint the screw cover!