A tale of woe! Yesterday I visited the local Halfrauds (who despite the recent survey putting them bottom of UK businesses) have always been excellent help

.

I had the OK from the nice DVLA in Swansea to put my personal plate on Gladys, (the Silver Yeti, not the Missus!). So off I went to the local Halfrauds to do the job.

I chose the type of letter I wanted (3D) and went back 20 minutes later for the nice man to fit them. (I am hopeless at things like this BUT as it turned out it was the best thing to do - read on).

When he put the back plate on I could see that the letters were just the ordinary ones, not 3D. He said he would go and make new plates - another 20 minutes & coffee in Morrisons!

Plates all fitted front and back by the sticky tape method so off I drove home, 7 miles away. I got out at home to admire the plates and the front one was missing!

I phoned the store, the manger said. Oh yes it fell off just after you drove away, I have it here! Back 7 miles to the shop where it was fitted again - by sticky pads. I went to the Doctors, (yes it was planned, not as a result of the mornings fun) 1.3 miles away. I got out in the car park at the surgery, no front plate!

Rang the manager, he said he would make up a new plate. So for the second time driving round illegally with no front number plate back to Halfrauds. The manager said that the front bumper was quite curved and the plates were not bending enough to take the curve and stay with the sticky pads, so he would fix it this time with screws, which he did. So the front plate is screwed (literally!) and the back plate is stuck.

This morning they are both still there - any bets for how long.

So if anyone was around Haverfordwest yesterday afternoon (unlikely) and found a front number plate it is mine!

How do the rest of you have yours fixed I wonder and are they still there?

screwed on, original from new 9 years ago

There's nothing like a good screw......................................

for both of my plates

All my cars(and that's been a lot)have been screwed.

There's nothing like a good screw......................................

for both of my plates

Naughty corner, now!

I'm sure bob will make room for ya.

As for number plates, mine are both held on by screws. (note careful phrasing to avoid a Graham moment)

Both front and rear stuck on.

Both front & rear stuck on - but with proper bodyshop double sided tape!

Never a problem since 1989 on several cars fixing this way - to remove heat gently with hairdryer.

I think the issue with Halfords is that they use minimal sticky pads and the sticky surface area just isn't enough?

How long do I have to stay in this corner?

If you get the workshop double sided tape on a roll you can cover the back of each plate with two rows of tape, so that just 5mm round the edges does not contact the tape.

It sets very well, even on curved mounts (bending the plate a bit in the process) and is also rather difficult to take off.

That's what I do, but the Yeti's already had the plates screwed on. I prefer not to have the plastic lugs sticking out myself though, so would stick new ones on if these needed to come off.

I have just checked some photos of mine and found they are stuck on the front and screwed on the back (from the dealer).

Whenever I have done plates myself I have always screwed them up - I remember one day drilling and affixing plates in Halfords's car park when I got a personal reg through.

How long do I have to stay in this corner?

I'd better let you out now...

Don't want that train to be late.

MikeWales, what do you think of Halford's 3D plates ? Their website is woefully lacking in information on the options. I'd been pondering some Euro/3D plates plus some Skoda holders (and will give them a good sticky screw front and back.

OK. Naughty corner again.

MikeWales, what do you think of Halford's 3D plates ? Their website is woefully lacking in information on the options. I'd been pondering some Euro/3D plates plus some Skoda holders (and will give them a good sticky screw front and back.

OK. Naughty corner again.

The Halfords 3D look pretty good at the moment. I had used them on my last car as well, the look is subtle though. Usually you get to look at a sample in store to see which of their 3 letter options you prefer.

But with fitting (3 times on this occasion!) they were over £40!

Cheers Mike

Ive been

My Yeti is screwed as well

I have to borrow my parents caravan in July. Last time I just used gaffer tape to hold the number plate on - I think in a loop to make it double sided, to cover up their number plate, but I seem to remember it falling off at the caravan site due to the heat.

What is the best method for a temporary fit? I don't want it falling off on the way there or back.

Velcro

but will that self adhesive side stay on in hot direct sunlight?

OK. Naughty corner again.

I've kept it warm for you!!

RH, well velcro works for the Police and Special Branch!

Not wishing to be a stick in the mud but 3D font is illegal for road use, believe results in a fine and loss of personal plate plus is also an MOT failure.

Ive been

My Yeti is screwed as well

I have to borrow my parents caravan in July. Last time I just used gaffer tape to hold the number plate on - I think in a loop to make it double sided, to cover up their number plate, but I seem to remember it falling off at the caravan site due to the heat.

What is the best method for a temporary fit? I don't want it falling off on the way there or back.

If it's a frequent occurrence, and M&D are OK with it, I'd go with (good quality) self-adhesive velcro on the 'van, and same on their plate and yours. Easy swap over then. If you're concerned about lowlifes fancying a rear plate to facilitate their nefarious activities, a lockable show plate holder might be more secure. Here's a Skoda example. Something similar might suit both towcars.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200426837598&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_9736wt_1270

Not sure how mine are affixed, but they are as from the factory :yes:

Not wishing to be a stick in the mud but 3D font is illegal for road use, believe results in a fine and loss of personal plate plus is also an MOT failure.

Not sure why are they on sale in the UK at Halfords.

Not wishing to be a stick in the mud but 3D font is illegal for road use, believe results in a fine and loss of personal plate plus is also an MOT failure.

Umm, there's 3D effect font, and 3D gel (i.e raised) font. I'd assumed the OP had gone for the gel ones, but might be wrong. I've seen several statements that both are legal. I'd be surprised if Halfords were making up plates not legal for road use.

Actually, found this:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/PersonalisedRegAndNumberPlates/DG_181503

which says

"Characters on a number plate can be 3D, providing they meet all the other requirements"

Anyone know if "3D" covers both "effect" and "gel" type ?

Ok guys, Velcro it is then. I can always remove it once at site and put back on when towing the 'van.

Not sure why are they on sale in the UK at Halfords.

Ah I knew I should have checked the wonder web before replying. From direct.gov.uk

Characters on a number plate can be 3D, providing they meet all the other requirements, but honeycomb or other background patterns are not allowed.

Ah that's good,a s I didnt want to go to all the hassle of replacing them and having them fall off - again!