Best number plate / plate holder style

For what its worth, the plate covers which are provided by Lakin Plates are in fact approved for use in QLD, although the letter is a bit old.
In addition, the plate covers have a neoprene seal which presses around the raised rim of the number plates. So installed correctly in conjunction with the Lakin brackets, there should not be any possibility of moisture getting in. As for heat... I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue if there is no moisture. Numberplates in direct sunlight get pretty damn warm anyway. Behind a UV treated plastic, they're unlikely to get as hot - although sure, they'd take longer to cool after they've been heated up by direct sunlight.

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Originally Posted by coreying

Alright man... time to get technical (so I can record all this down for my order, lol).
So with the bracket purchases:
Did you get the "Standard Allen Head Screws (inc key)" or the "SECURITY Head Screws (inc Special Tool) ( +$12.65 )"?
Did you get the "Natural Satin Aluminium Finish" or the "Black Powder Coated Finish ( +$6.60 )"?

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Okay, technical overload time. ;)

My bracket is physically the same as that supplied to moonblade87 - see this post. It's designed for a 371x83mm "Premium Slim" plate (NSW quote 372x84mm - it's the same size as SA however). It has the Black Powder Coated Finish (which is recommended for high-visibility applications such as on the front of our Golfs).

However the screws are slightly different to moonblade87's, for technical reasons: his are plastic and fit into 10mm lugs in the bumper; mine are steel (phillips head) with aluminium powder-coated washers to match the bracket, and fit into 8mm lugs - the correct size for the holes left in my GTI bumper by the stock adapter. (Moonblade87 pushed his 10mm lugs into the 8mm holes with a bit of elbow grease I believe, hehe.) There is a chance that the type of lug VW uses for the R varies to that of the GTI, and it's also possible that VW will change the GTI lug over time, so there may be a small amount of trial and error involved. Philip ordered replacement GTI lugs from VW, to measure them up before making our brackets, and was supplied with 10mm non-removable steel lugs, so... hmmm. :confused:

You may be able to go with a security screw type for the bracket, but it may need to be custom-made due to the size and finish.

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Originally Posted by coreying

The actual covers are then a separate purchase and not included in the bracket purchases, correct?
"Prestige Number Plate Cover (Sold as single units) Clear Lens - Model: Kingpin Prestige - Clear"
If these are the covers you used, did you need to select the "Form cover to special shape ( +$16.50 )" for the front one so it matches the curve of the plate backet (which is to match the curve of the bumper)? Or was it simply a case of attaching the two screws is enough to make the cover take the curved shape of the bracket?

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I ordered the clear Kingpin Prestige covers, front and rear. Personally, I think they really compliment the bracket well, and finish off the look just right. It'd look unfinished without them IMO.

No, I didn't need the covers to be formed to a special shape - these are very well made covers, and they will flex to the curvature of the bumper/bracket without splitting, although you do need to be careful. I removed and fitted mine many times on cold winter nights in the garage (worst conditions for it), and my front cover eventually developed a very small hairline crack in the far corner near the screw fitting as a result. Philip kindly offered to replace it free of charge.

The covers themselves are attached by custom-sized security screws, and come with a special little tool to do them up.

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Originally Posted by coreying

In my notes from way back, I have a code of VW-Watercooled which entitles us to a 5% discount. Is that still valid and did you use it?

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I wasn't actually aware of it, and so didn't use it myself. Because I ordered another bracket some months ago (remember this?), my second bracket, covers etc have all been at a discounted rate. Just mention VWWatercooled if/when you order, and if there's still a discount available, I'm sure he'll give it to you straight away.

All my dealings with Philip have been via email or phone, and I never actually ordered anything directly via his site. Because of the complexity of the solution, and the various options available, Philip called me on several occasions to go over the details and discuss my options. I know he likes to speak to his customers directly in these circumstances, to make sure you're getting exactly what you want. Because every bracket is custom-made, you can specify alterations (and it may cost no more). He's a great guy to deal with, and very helpful.

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Originally Posted by coreying

Since I've already asked 5,000 questions, you may as well add any other useful information we'll need to know!
(You did a great job over in the LED thread of providing a "how to" guide/summary, so figured you're the best person to ask all this stuff to! hehe).

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The only other thing I can think of is that, for GTI owners, you could go with the no-visible-screws option I mentioned in my post here - mount the bracket using the lower/inner holes obscured by the plate, and have the outer edges of the plate reinforced by backing material and some double-sided waterproof 3M tape. It'd look completely clean, and will be just as firmly attached. That option won't be available for the R guys (based on the photos I've seen of the adapter, and assuming a Premium Slimline-sized plate), but you could still go with just two screws holding the bracket in place.

If there's anything else I can help with, just ask! ;)

Thanks for the detailed responses AdamD :)

i have the custom euro style plates (WA) full size - it seems as though the car was designed for them they look that good - dont go slim as ull have three black gaps on the front bumper (in the gti licence holder) due to the licence being smaller than the holder... doesnt look neat to me...

my bro got the normal licence plates and he is now buying euro plates for his golf

It's nice if you can purchase the Euro plates and their colour suits your car.
But some states DO NOT have the European plates available. In other states, the European plate colour which suits your colour car may ONLY be available in the slim front version. Other states have a "annual fee" on European plates, meaning the cost PER YEAR is around the same as getting the Lakin brackets and covers (front and rear) and purchasing a standard plate set. Plus there are then people who already own personalised plates which cannot be adapted to European styles for various reasons including the above.

So if you're lucky enough that none of the numerous conditions above prevent you from going with full-sized European plates, then great. But for the majority of the Australian population, the stock VW plate holder is a PAIN IN THE A$@# !!! The Lakin plate holder, or the "GTI bumper plug trick" are the only options :)

My car is a Candy White model. I chose the black font over white background, plain look. Simple, neat and matching. :)

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Originally Posted by coreying

For what its worth, the plate covers which are provided by Lakin Plates are in fact approved for use in QLD, although the letter is a bit old.
In addition, the plate covers have a neoprene seal which presses around the raised rim of the number plates. So installed correctly in conjunction with the Lakin brackets, there should not be any possibility of moisture getting in. As for heat... I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue if there is no moisture. Numberplates in direct sunlight get pretty damn warm anyway. Behind a UV treated plastic, they're unlikely to get as hot - although sure, they'd take longer to cool after they've been heated up by direct sunlight.

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Thanks for that coreying. On the basis of that info I re-read the bits of this thread about replacing the factory-fitted bracket and have now ordered the full front and rear Lakin kit. Philip kindly gave me the VWWatercooled discount, so I'm set. Now my car just has to arrive.:yumyum:

I am looking at another solution ..... Having the identical WA prestige plates made in the UK ... & using 3m double-sided. I envisage they will be same as 'normal' UK plates i.e similar in material & weight & will mean I can obtain a clean look without using brackest & covers. I'm going to get some made & see what they look like! If they do the job I'll attach & put the 'legit' plates in a drawer until plod tells me otherwise!

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Originally Posted by DAL344

I am looking at another solution ..... Having the identical WA prestige plates made in the UK ... & using 3m double-sided. I envisage they will be same as 'normal' UK plates i.e similar in material & weight & will mean I can obtain a clean look without using brackest & covers. I'm going to get some made & see what they look like! If they do the job I'll attach & put the 'legit' plates in a drawer until plod tells me otherwise!

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That can't be legal, surely? Here in SA all plates must be supplied by the department of transport, and I would expect there'd be big fines for using non-legal plates (perhaps akin to having no plates at all). I'd suggest a quick call to your motor registry to check.

Yeah... I was thinking that too AdamD.

Over in the Eastern States (NSW and VIC) "Fraudulently altering a number plate - $1,000 fine or imprisonment for 2 months", and if the plate is determined to be "incompatible" with fixed and police speed cameras, you could also be up for "Sell, use or possess an anti-speed measuring device - $2, 000 fine.".

I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't be risking $3,000 and 2 months in prison just to make my number plates look better...