Freelander number plate conundrum

Jul 11, 2004 7 Replies

A recurring problem with my Freelander is that I keep replacing number plates (3 times in the last 4 years) as it screws straight into the plastic bumper and this loosens over time. I used double sided foam tape with screws and last time it was in at the shop the repairman noticed it was



*still* coming loose. Any clever/simple solutions to getting this thing to stay secure without resorting to crazy glue?

Thanks, Gus


on my range rover i have resorted to no more nails.

Does the Job!!

Anything that holds it on. glue on the screw threads. On my series 3 the front number plate is currently tied to the grill with a couple of bits of wire, I suppose that is just about legal.

As for the rear one, that is held on with tape at the moment until I get round to using the araldite solution.

Thanks all the suggestions. I think with Sikaflex and Liquid Nails this essentially fuses the number plate to the bumper. Is there something out there that wouldn't (e.g. a screw that expands/locks) so it doesn't create problems when I try to sell the vehicle?

If you don't mind drilling larger holes in the bumper, and you have an inch or so of space behind, I think you could use Molly bolts. You slip these into the hole and tighten the screw down all the way. This causes the back part of the bolt to collapse against the inside surface and holds it in place. You can then turn out the machine screw and use it to fasten something. I don't know if you can get these in stainless steel. If not you will want to keep the screw well greased to prevent permanent rusting in-place. Have a look here:

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In message , Gus writes

Would one of the types of plug sold for use with cavity walls be of any use?

Button bashing in practice for another round of Daley Thompson's Decathlon, Gus left Shakespeare to the monkeys by typing...

Try those foam double-sided sticky tape strips available from all good automotive retailers (and some shabby ones too) (clean bumper with cellulose thinners or some other degreaser first)

Of course, the numberplate couldn't be trying to escape the sheer embarassment of being attached to such a fine vehicle could it?

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