I had a private plate on my previous car that I haven't yet placed onto the vRS. I'm hoping to do the paperwork with the DVLA Friday afternoon as I have the afternoon off, but I have a few questions when it comes to the fitting/removal of plates.

My old Astra had screws front and back to hold the plates in place, but the vRS has tape holding them on. Does anybody know if there are screw holes on the Fabia (both front and back) or if it is a tape only jobby? Having screw holes would also save me a few bob as the plates I have are already drilled. If tape only, how can I take the existing plates off without breaking them, as I intend to keep them for when I one day sell the Fabia on (not in the foreseeable future though) .

Any help is appreciated

They will have holes behind the stuck on plates, however there is a 99.9% chance that they will not be in the correct place for where your current holes are, the only cheap solution is then to drill the car (not recommended as it will be a future rust spot).

ATEOTD if you can afford a private plate and the transfer fees, then is £20 - £30 for a new set of plates really going to break the bank?

This is the reason you should never drill private plates unless you intend to replace them each time.

If you tape them they can be removed pretty easily by gently prising them back off the car. Possibly use some cotton etc.... to pull through the sticky pads. The plates on mine were screwed on back and front but my private plates i stuck on with sticky pads. I then removed them again to fit the plate surrounds. Once i get my papoerwork back from the DVLA the original plates will get screwed back on later this week..... Hopefully!!!

Cheers

Dave.

Just use tape, and glue the coloured screw-head caps over the holes...

Thanks for your answers guys.

I think the suggestion of taping them on and gluing the caps on seems like a good idea. It's not that I'm too tight to pay for new plates, I just see it a waste that they are sat around not being used, and also the last thing I want is that I throw them away and someone tries using them on their own car and I get fines and etc dropping on my doorstep. I know they should be broken up before disposed but people are desperate enough to stick them back together

I've a highly recommended guy through eBay who'll make you up a fresh set to your requirements for £13 delivered - let me know if you want details.

I'd never, ever drill plates. Eventually the water will get in around the drill holes and then start to separate the layers of the plate. Ends up looking rubbish. Adhesive pads every time. Or what I do is use a set of plate holders and the pre-existing drill holes the car has. Job done

Cheers,

Steve

I agree, always use double-sided pads to put plates on whereever possible.

Like most cars the Fabia has no sighting holes from new so it's whoever fitted the first plates so-to-speak but they usually look rubbish. I take off the drilled plates, seal up the holes with silicone and usually buy a new set and pads afterwards. Inexpensive and keeps the plate looking clean.

That said, different on the Fabia's front plate as it has a holder/surround already!

For the benefits of others, here's the seller I've used before and would recommend:

eBay Link

Cheers,

Steve

Or what I do is use a set of plate holders and the pre-existing drill holes the car has. Job done

Cheers,

Steve

Me too

I'm getting pressed steel plates made up at the moment, and that's how I'm going to attach the rear one. Just going to use sticky pads for the front one though, don't want my new vRS front end to look too cluttered when it's done

Sounds good. I did debate about the front of the Fabia with a holder too. As you say, it's already on a holder really!

But I thought it looked fine. Will dig out a pic if I can.

Steve

FWIW, the Fabia Mk 1 DOES have holes for the numberplates front and rear - proper grommeted ones into the metal at the back, and pre-drilled holes in the plastic at the front. Or at least mine did, despite the originals being held on with adhesive pads...

Yep, the three I've had have been the same

Here's one that hopefully shows what it looks like the a plate holder on the front...

Plate holders fitted to front and rear.....

Cheers

Dave.

I'd never, ever drill plates. Eventually the water will get in around the drill holes and then start to separate the layers of the plate. Ends up looking rubbish. Adhesive pads every time. Or what I do is use a set of plate holders and the pre-existing drill holes the car has. Job done

Yup ... if the OP has a word with their local dealer, they may find they can scrounge some holders for free (I did!) ... after all, free advertising and so on ...

To remove stuck on reg Plates, use a 24" length of nylon fishing line at the back of the plate, hold each end and use a sawing action by pulling up and down to saw through the adhesive pads.

DB.

Yup ... if the OP has a word with their local dealer, they may find they can scrounge some holders for free (I did!) ... after all, free advertising and so on ...

I'd never give them free advertising, but maybe that's just me! It is another solution though :yes:

Cheers,

Steve

When I bought my 2004vRS new I asked the dealer to stick the plates on. He accepted this for the rear but he recommended screwing the front ones on because they have to be curved and they'd had problems with front plates dropping off Fabias.

When I bought my SE I forgot to ask the dealer to stick the rear plate on - and he screwed it. However it was also damaged so I asked for the replacement to be stuck on - it was.

Whatever you do and whatever number you have I'd recommend getting an over-large 150mm high plate for the rear - this fills the space available to perfection, and being bigger emphasises the shortness of the number (if relevant):

good idea!!! /\

When I bought my 2004vRS new I asked the dealer to stick the plates on. He accepted this for the rear but he recommended screwing the front ones on because they have to be curved and they'd had problems with front plates dropping off Fabias.

When I bought my SE I forgot to ask the dealer to stick the rear plate on - and he screwed it. However it was also damaged so I asked for the replacement to be stuck on - it was.

Whatever you do and whatever number you have I'd recommend getting an over-large 150mm high plate for the rear - this fills the space available to perfection, and being bigger emphasises the shortness of the number (if relevant):

You can stick the front plates on with sticky pads no probs.... Mine were on for around two years with no issues before i fitted the plate surrounds.

Can't say i'm a fan of the larger plate on the Furby. I think the car's too small for the larger plate and think it suits larger cars better etc....

Cheers

Dave.

Edited 2 November, 201015 yr by WaveyDavey