Rear number plate attachment

Hi, I need to swap the rear number plate, but it's stuck on! ie. there's no screw holes and appears to be glued to the car. This is as it was supplied new by the OPC. The only way I can seem to be able to get it off is to stick a screwdriver under it and try to prise it off. This seems mad to me and I am likely to damage the paintwork! So can anyone please advise the correct way to: a) Remove the number plate b) How to re-attach the new number plate (ie. glue? what type?) My new number plate has pilot holes, so I'm tempted to drill some holes in the bumper and attach via screws. If I go for this method, does anyone know which screw kit I need?...and do I need anything behind it (eg. a plastic mount)? Cheers.

Hi GD - when I bought my car I had to take off the existing number plate in order to put a private plate on. However, the old plate was screwed on to the car but I did have to make some new holes to fit the replacement registration. Making new holes is easy enough as the rear bumper is polyurethane - just use a small drill to do so and align the holes to the ones on your number plate. I don't have a rear plastic mount on mine. Can't advise you on the glue I'm afraid but can't think of anything else but to prise off, albeit slowly. ~ Maxie

The stick-on ones are usually attached with either double sided tape or a complete stick back to the plate.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll take a trip down to the OPC to get some screws/ caps and drill it on....after carefully prising the current one off!!!

If they dont stock them, then your local car shop should have some. Look for the ones that also make the plates..

I use my wife's pallet knive from the kitchen drawer to remove stuck-on number plates. It has a very thin and flexible metal blade about 12" long, 1 1/2" wide with a serrated edge. I just bend it slightly as I slip it behind and use a small sawing action while easing one side away. You might want to put some tape on the paintwork near the plate as a precaution.

OK, job done. Decided not to screw it on (but probably would have if I hadn't already bought the sticky pads). My method: With your fingers, pull the top and bottom of the number plate to work out where the sticky pads are already located. Once found, use a piece of cardboard and wedge it under the number plate, close (to the right) to the first sticker (I went from left to right)...make sure the cardboard pops out the top of the number plate Get a thin screwdriver and put between the number plate and cardboard and gently prise the plate away...with a bit of effort, it lifts off quite easily. Just repeat this until the plate is off. I was then left with adhessive on the bumper, which was an absolute sod to clean off (plus some of the sticky pad as well)....I'm sure a general cleaner from Tesco's would have made this part much easier. Then use a spirit level to stick your number plate back on with, making sure you don't stick the plate over your rear tow clip section. I found it easier to stick the pads onto the back of the plate first. You can get the pads and screws from your local OPC, but they will charge you!!!! £2 for 4 stickers or 29p for each screw!!! If you are going for the "screw" option, check your number plate to see if you need black, white or yellow plastic screw caps (depending on whether the hole is in a letter, or the backing of the front or rear plate respectively) before you venture out. As a note: My car already had pre-drilled holes in the bumper, but no plastic screw inserts. (you can get behind the bumper, but it would be extremely difficult to get the plastic inserts in place due to the exhaust system being right up against the bumper on the inside...I'm sure with a bit of poking around it could be done though).

Or another way, is too pull fishing wire from on end to the other !