Riveted number plates

[Splat]

Please forgive me for asking such a seemingly trivial question, but.............

I've just received the paperwork from my local DVLA office to allow me to transfer "my" reg. onto my Vee. I've had the plates made up and gone to remove the old ones only to find that they've been riveted on. And not just any old rivets, but large headed ones with plastic caps just like number-plate screws. It's occurred to me even as I type this that they're probably an anti-theft device. What's my best plan of attack? Drill them out and expect to find large (3-4mm) holes in both bumpers, too big to accept the more normal self-tappers. Although they'd be hidden by the new plates, I'd prefer not to be drilling new holes in the bumpers.

 

[Brembov6]

Not sure on this but I will be putting fresh plates on mine soon and although mine screwed out as expected I will be putting my new ones on with velcro.

 

[Ali]

Mine also has gaping great holes under the plate...Unfortunately i've just had to stick the plate on top...

I'd image you'll need to drill them out and follow suit.

 

[Brett]

Could always insert a thread in the old rivet holes. I've got a piece of kit in the garage that looks similar to a rivet gun but allows you to fix 8mm threaded bullets to thin surfaces with out the need of get to the rear. Basically a quicker and easier way than welding a nut to make a threaded hole.

 

[Missing Link]

I got some number plate surrounds with Renault-Sports Dieppe address and phone number on them looks well smart............

 

[Splat]

I did wonder when I bought the car why the dealer had a set of plates made up with their logo on the bottom, but then left them in the boot, opting instead to leave the original main-dealer plates on the car. That Rawlings Renault had riveted the plates on explains why West Sussex Specialist Cars didn't fit their own.

Anyway........... The rear plates were secured with 4mm rivets installed through the usual number plate plastic caps. The front plate had 5mm rivets (anodised black), probably to spread the load of the tightening rivet better through the fiberglass bumper. They were simple enough to drill out and I've replaced like with like. AV05 UXZ has now become................. 4321 GO!

 

[pturner3]

Could always insert a thread in the old rivet holes. I've got a piece of kit in the garage that looks similar to a rivet gun but allows you to fix 8mm threaded bullets to thin surfaces with out the need of get to the rear. Basically a quicker and easier way than welding a nut to make a threaded hole.

These are known as Blind Nuts. Search for 'Facom Y.M46' in Google Images.....

 

[Splat]

Or Rivnuts (A trademark, I think).

 

[Brett]

Rivnut! It was on the end of my tongue but couldn't remember for the life of me. Not sure if they are ok for fibreglass or carbon though. Could possibly be a good solution to plate fixing.



By the way, love the reg!

 

[Brembov6]

I got some number plate surrounds with Renault-Sports Dieppe address and phone number on them looks well smart............

That does sound smart! How did you get these?

 

[Missing Link]

Good old E-Bay

Not the best pic but you get the idea.

 

[FunkyMunky]

Awesome plate Pics of it fitted!

 

[Missing Link]

Thats mine above fella, The holder mounts to the car using the original holes and the plate then slides in and locks in place.

Check out Ebay, There were two Renault Sport styles available......