24 replies to this topic

[Ben NA]

So I've recently bought a personalised plate and need to get some new plates made up. I've never heard anyone mention the 3D lettering on plates before but apparently it's legal. Has anyone done this on their VX? I'm wondering whether this will look tacky or not. I'm thinking probably the former! Anyone got those legal metal "pressed" plates? Decisions, decisions...

[vocky]

I have 3D letters on my number plates, they look ok metal pressed plates are illegal from a certain month/year, think it's 1st march 2001 >, my 03 plate cannot have them legally

Edited by vocky, 16 March 2011 - 06:23 PM.

[FLD]

I thought the pressed metal plates were the old colours which makes the illegal post dec 73. All plates post dec 73 have to be white / yellow and reflective afaik. I'm sure Liz will be along to put us all straight.

[Ben NA]

Oh I didn't realise that Vocky. FLD, you can buy pressed plates in the modern colours. i.e. white background for front and yellow background for rear. Any pics of 3D lettering on a Vx?

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Assuming you mean the non raised 3D style then yes they are legal, I am not keen on them personally just looks a bit to fussy IMO. If going fully legal I prefer the minimal clean look.

Another type of 3D is the standard font but domed where you can physically feel the letters coming out of the plate. I think these look great but technically they are not legal as unfortunatlythey confuse ANPR cameras. If your prepared to take the minimal risk of running with a non legal plate as many do then you have alot more options to making your personal plate look even better whilst still loosely conforming to the standards as to not make it too obvious.

[Ben NA]

Assuming you mean the non raised 3D style then yes they are legal, I am not keen on them personally just looks a bit to fussy IMO. If going fully legal I prefer the minimal clean look.

Another type of 3D is the standard font but domed where you can physically feel the letters coming out of the plate. I think these look great but technically they are not legal as unfortunatlythey confuse ANPR cameras. If your prepared to take the minimal risk of running with a non legal plate as many do then you have alot more options to making your personal plate look even better whilst still loosely conforming to the standards as to not make it too obvious.

Yes the non raised 3D style. I'll probably keep it completely legal as I live almost next to a police station! Cops everywhere! I will trim down the front plate so there is only 11mm either side of it though.

Cheers for the help!

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

I trimmed and fitted my new private plate to the front just yesterday. With having two less digits (L3 VXT) than standard it spans the bumper mount perfectly and looks alot more visually appealing with it being smaller. I rounded the corners off and it looks good but obviously you can't really replicate the bevelled top and bottom with the cut sides. Also if your being really anal cutting down will probably lose you the british standard mark on the far right edge which is technically a MOT fail.

[ghand]

I trimmed and fitted my new private plate to the front just yesterday. With having two less digits (L3 VXT) than standard it spans the bumper mount perfectly and looks alot more visually appealing with it being smaller.

I rounded the corners off and it looks good but obviously you can't really replicate the bevelled top and bottom with the cut sides.

Also if your being really anal cutting down will probably lose you the british standard mark on the far right edge which is technically a MOT fail.

Not if you analy right it back on in tiny print with a fine permanant marker.My mate did get a warning for this in his van,how sad is that.Oh and you can do bevelled edge with a file no prob.I did the 11 mm trim on mine ,cut 50 odd mm off each side looks much better and not as much sticking out.

[GiGo]

Also if your being really anal cutting down will probably lose you the british standard mark on the far right edge which is technically a MOT fail.

My back plate has no BSU number on the back, MOT station didn't even notice, they did notice the front 3/4 size tho

[Ben NA]

Tough MOT station!

[Bumblebee]

My 3D Number plate,standard size letters and spacing but 2 iches shorter and still has bs mark in the corner.

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

[quote name='ghand' timestamp='1300317450' post='1158899'Oh and you can do bevelled edge with a file no prob.[/quote]

It would not have matched the top and bottom though due to that being perfectly clear and smooth you would never be able to re-create that.

Here's my cut down plate on the front, I just used the basic ones I had to buy from the transfer company for now I may get a more fancy one in the future.

[Ben NA]

Cheers for the pics Aimy and "Dab-of-oppo" I'm also awaiting the custard test Aimy! In fact, I think you should prove your identity by pouring custard on your car and then writing my name in it. Otherwise I will assume you are a 50 year old man looking for some attention Edit: I've just realised your car is custard coloured. My plan has been foiled!

Edited by Ben NA, 17 March 2011 - 07:55 PM.

[Ben NA]

I also failed to mention that you need to be donning the same outfit whilst next to your car, which is now covered in custard!

[ElizP987]

I make aluminium pressed plates, with the legal british (charles wright) font. I provide small clear stickers with black text on the bottom with my manufacturers details and BS standard, so technically they are legal The black/silver metal were upto 1973 and then white/yellow thereafter with the old charles wright font which was in use until 2001 when the GB Euro badge was brought out

[slindborg]

I make aluminium pressed plates, with the legal british (charles wright) font. I provide small clear stickers with black text on the bottom with my manufacturers details and BS standard, so technically they are legal
The black/silver metal were upto 1973 and then white/yellow thereafter with the old charles wright font which was in use until 2001 when the GB Euro badge was brought out

Is there a minimum size for the makers info and BS crap?

I love totally plain plates that are legal size/spaced/fonted but hate the rest of the sh** on them thesedays With the vx and astra is was easy as they were pre 01 registered cars so could use unmarked 'show plates' but now both cars are well into the new numbering setup.

[ElizP987]

no set size, as long as its readable. I tend to do them 2-3mm

[slindborg]

no set size, as long as its readable. I tend to do them 2-3mm

Can you go smaller? Readable with a magnifying glass
Or can it be 'opaque'/etched into the plate?

[Ben NA]

I make aluminium pressed plates, with the legal british (charles wright) font. I provide small clear stickers with black text on the bottom with my manufacturers details and BS standard, so technically they are legal
The black/silver metal were upto 1973 and then white/yellow thereafter with the old charles wright font which was in use until 2001 when the GB Euro badge was brought out

Hi Eliz. Thanks for the info. So are the yellow and white aluminium pressed plates legal on post 2001 cars? Also is there any chance of making the front plate the minimum legal size(aluminium style plate)? i.e. only 11mm from the edge of the plate to the edge of the lettering? I don't want loads of space either side of my number plate if possible.

[jameso]

Bit off topic and prolly covered before but I went past a 458 italia today and he'd taken his front plate off and just had it on the dash (proper plate not a dealer red one and it had a proper rear plate)... Likely consequences if I do this? If a cop pulls me over is it just a telling off and fine? Or points? Cheers experts