3K9
02-12-2015, 04:04 AM
Disclaimer: The following is provided as a GUIDE ONLY, and neither myself nor Ozhonda take any responsibility for the outcomes of someone else doing the following. You follow these steps at your own risk! Yo!
Introduction
This DIY guide is about how to install custom number plates without pre-drilled holes. There are really two methods:
A) Drill holes in plates
B) Use some kind of adhesive tape
Plan B doesn't sound too promising. I'll leave you to think about the reasons. So this guide is about how to drill holes in no. plates. Sounds simple? Maybe not so for some people. Hence, the reason for this guide.
What you will need
- Custom no. plate w/o pre-drilled holes
- Non permanent marker (Preferably a colour that can easily be seem against the colour of your number plate.)
- Ruler/measuring tape
- A piece of wood or some kind of surface suitable to drill on
- Power drill
- Drill bit suitable for metal use. Hondas are M6, so minimum size is 6mm bit. Don't choose a size too large otherwise there won't be a reasonable amount of surface area for the head of the bolt to grip on, unless you will be using washers between the head and the plate. I'll explain the benefit of using a slightly larger size than 6mm below.
- Centre punch and hammer (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Clamp(s)
- Screwdriver
- Work bench
- Dress code: As a DIYer, minimum safety glasses, if not at least sunnies.
Steps
1) Order and acquire your custom no. plates.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0k2swC46mP83YWePr7nyaMsGdkLGdzH2Q7MhnLu1l6aXWnlJwN c4Vfra0BSLp_YwnJwEMMWkxexkyZ_m60vz8Cw1p92Xjijy1Eeu E2T4FZYkUcPlYcRE-Quhr11JjN2wBGuqW35097mY5sNwaKG9slTtzcOzwF3zHLk5Yt6 HxgaaJRZmBYRFrQZJc3LyEyc-B-P3FSDdP0lDBC8qKvwOhe-OXoi6_-8TqOtdVDFS5FmRVYjjJMBxl7L9AwXyW3sGQcvLD5P2BV5L9LsR U3n9uFZAnQahfj8oPEkwZL4quvPRe_A7Z-lagl7gTRyqzrAdoCkO7T8gUkaq7PMGpk0GprnWLiboLOlNSTbd ViD6JG-gUm5F-_dlIWHdCI2_qdhZDi_dRYob4Dg-i6915buWZxFSZo8xXwMeh4v31rU3UkMJ-lDOZKMkIQ2gp8jLHw6c_1bYPLNH649I-ClcOEKjQm69n3FSP7mXOHjZJ0UBtGbtqTrjD6z9ixTX9BQvcLN p5ek_h5KQVJtGaUpadI-e5y0bVgEP7wpbs38jwivE-7s=w560-h389-no
Mine. Hehe. Jdm. Yo. JDM YO !
2) Remove your existing no. plates. I recommend washing the area behind, since the plates are off already.
Doesn't matter if you perform steps 3 or 4 first.
3) Holding together an existing no. plate with a custom no. plate on top, in front of the no. plate location, notice where abouts you would like to mount your new plates. For example, for me, I went for about 1cm higher front and back, so you will need to drill the holes 1cm lower than the normal location. With the desired position for the new plates while still holding both plates together, go to your bench and take notes of the measurement. If your desired position of the custom plates are the same, then ignore.
4)
Measure the length of both existing and custom plates. Using a marker, mark the centre points on the top or bottom edges, as circled below.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w1PqjjJxXphNuLohqXS-Hgam3JZF7aKzY4NjN7mzbPoymLe3YZv3_tH-BqYShrcpZC9AEgFKb-H61k1SuqLGfFnbjMb7ztfthAwPulVfvnDWZIV2chxwfrto7Gop 2uCyJVZEFbNYSBXq0sEF4-fZofkdPJqCIT5DnmM5cpmiVdkBBVZBPuHKoIZPVSj2K1XI3FYI VnSVdfmlhcXduo5EytMIECt4p0IJd_m96Pt-2qF63G-1D0s5bv7KqOnWgsqOdGhSv5sQ2YRv3Sl2QALQLJ3Scw7LFXEMS D4_aX4H7vat8pSfK5JrbRWAjoQZon0YAfN8SG-ojdxzZ59o102D3_UTPQdl9cmJ82-zrwpBYjiHVsQgyGt-Wm_qchZwmiAd9sMCgnpIV20k1Hw06siQQnc2Ga1VWsvDPf0qpE 0ybaJC0pIV8wi_CahIdQk0e6c9-t5p64w9ysXSBiw1kxe99qF6a6ZuKFH50o3iRXZ3mb5R5Zue21E sg51z4j0wTN5LUT4uItJY9aDzmXjxLmF-mdR_1x2SyCKYHcjeSjB_gPs=w1243-h699-no
5)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tSfutbjr4ApzQ72DKPc5tQUJFuWX3sEO4K5mdIR-n0xJhv0GIMHQ_w98Vxy8BQ2ktUU3SmbkWtiqUFWH4qhN3bf_om 323ePjQVnaKbAuHPLSXd7Hm2Tt_xlqaAjnJ7mxnRx6CuTE5mQL CToOM7Blw_v5hC8aMBC7rZBZea88uK4mSBOOrRpdyBwYW0D2_y TXIb5TKylvWNbFzQ7euz3oAom22KpvUw4Ek7NpV7CdjwC5Fswq 0JbpQ5Q9wJQ97MxZjU1h4m9t8n04H4oE0EJV6JyCLgsuyn6Rei aIGDpmqDiDKwODjOR3SMOZE9qTwkwXhLI4Y20GFeuMT7PR-S-uimUK_b31BQgNrGtJ_aEhtDBWCP-EhLAOcqUXVNTBMVYNbkvgQ9DG6gYa0p-miYSWxGVv1N7GpCBVEIwvCmfZYqGqLKtiZKhpqrCPpJL8n-8IFHdjifKmuVtIifld_2ivpyRJ0VSdGi_z6ztmPCA7vxja_9aY vukP_snlx4k5bZjoMhbSJTsrzCUVcmDJVrxiL06IIm_nwsaX6u NTgu7FbAY=w1243-h699-no
With both plates centred together, with certainty of desired hole locations, with the marker or centre punch + hammer, mark the drilling holes.
I decided to drill from the front as there will be metal remnants around the circumference of the holes.
You may wish to clamp the plates together beforehand.
6)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Q-1ggzijLBNvujf0VsBWczJ__Wa3bXvzz4O3CSRgaFb8Tyo0Ni99 fj2kehoBeMEFj0R6VY4ZxTUryYNdnFYVzrdbKybCtu4Mtjgpjh npE8n_On3gZ5eX8e1R0lpkncrAms6tWS1_k3rsz22wJ49qtuwT RCXf_yaChuJdon8Q51iaxtGXWQDLS4Qo8TwegtPHR5PH7MAUgM bNkETTpWFCfD2SppReEL2wc501qO7SaE7eJJcln2YlfZwSDH9v ExoqQSBeKMJz6lw2IDSMUpZCtxTvSrxaIXGh1R5ltj5PI-vy7COBmikSpzgGZzvfjVeEqqaYBZ6xmfezf51Q49xcF1Erg5dR mQc-d14wn7hIeo3KYyIF_c-Oku5QaMwr-RgDlW3Y9z8W70un0ZHluorm-R6Gv-WzF4OSwtw8cj4TDGjAoFxwU_Pdb0EmsUhFcUGoFePfJBHyAF5m fIEfLPKgJfCoLMJuDkdrG1TI9M-m65dC5GoPJpRCnNfSviUaGL0riIRZJhamyaoPOYc9hloMPV7E4 mmOxQ7f9Rh4gV_fvpw=w1243-h699-no
With the custom plate clamped down onto a suitable surface, you may start drilling. I used a piece of cloth to protect the plate from the metal clamp.
Measure the two drilled holes. Are they to measurement?
This is where using a drill bit slightly larger than 6mm comes handy. Say you choose to use a size 8mm bit, if you are a mm or two off, then you have 4mm of adjustability to level the no. plate.
The other way to correct the unevenness of the two holes, on one or both holes, with the drill bit through the hole, drill on the spot relative in height, then push the side of the hole you wanna trim.
Gently sand off the metal remnants at the back, so you don't scratch your car!
Repeats steps 5 and 6, or if you wish to kill two birds with one stone, then do it once together, if the locations front and back are the same.
7) Put on them plates.
Enjoy!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gxaRpCrRwJcToXuZMuV7UlbBMDMVLLaAKaxOyaWyvIP4HJJJic i6EkpAiaQYkPiIZZ2R9vF3YHllTl9bjxGFNcFOx8Q0ei2XU6_Y etjACGckxn0JRMO_WdQZ5IA_3y-0Gr0YyEWe91o_JKYMjW7IZfYEEfAPSjA_P5Pr2OTy4W4GOLipK u_ePe9EmVa6LFzR-JBuvCgYp5PWTR1ltZX5e0GzS1fOTdPtdqWBJTJt-Sv6Vt1sk6KzojGGxVrj9OVmINs81P88nDBJ57Ql3RYljgDnbEZ XkAGdlZUl3XqMsPCLfpIMKfFaI9YomlFruS9KqspSgyC9-VXk7t1lQ8k7ABNtcRmqNvGAMIHorn8ioY5-zqRliDSthhmOARv6JKL1GYIUTnziEdw7MA9qn4gJiGdN5fIRMl 4uNSoTNghD90woZqiEGGWhSD_OTjC2vrtzT9b4kvaib9v4-7D9AbDiy3EXwDtyceQSN4ohMEuYHPqgT-_sT4jgN2RaGQIw5UGc-rgtBSoAj3aNOH9lysCvdlc3s-IKexfEHnprweic3Bo=w1034-h699-no
If you have any other suggestions or improvements, feel free to comment.
Introduction
This DIY guide is about how to install custom number plates without pre-drilled holes. There are really two methods:
A) Drill holes in plates
B) Use some kind of adhesive tape
Plan B doesn't sound too promising. I'll leave you to think about the reasons. So this guide is about how to drill holes in no. plates. Sounds simple? Maybe not so for some people. Hence, the reason for this guide.
What you will need
- Custom no. plate w/o pre-drilled holes
- Non permanent marker (Preferably a colour that can easily be seem against the colour of your number plate.)
- Ruler/measuring tape
- A piece of wood or some kind of surface suitable to drill on
- Power drill
- Drill bit suitable for metal use. Hondas are M6, so minimum size is 6mm bit. Don't choose a size too large otherwise there won't be a reasonable amount of surface area for the head of the bolt to grip on, unless you will be using washers between the head and the plate. I'll explain the benefit of using a slightly larger size than 6mm below.
- Centre punch and hammer (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Clamp(s)
- Screwdriver
- Work bench
- Dress code: As a DIYer, minimum safety glasses, if not at least sunnies.
Steps
1) Order and acquire your custom no. plates.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0k2swC46mP83YWePr7nyaMsGdkLGdzH2Q7MhnLu1l6aXWnlJwN c4Vfra0BSLp_YwnJwEMMWkxexkyZ_m60vz8Cw1p92Xjijy1Eeu E2T4FZYkUcPlYcRE-Quhr11JjN2wBGuqW35097mY5sNwaKG9slTtzcOzwF3zHLk5Yt6 HxgaaJRZmBYRFrQZJc3LyEyc-B-P3FSDdP0lDBC8qKvwOhe-OXoi6_-8TqOtdVDFS5FmRVYjjJMBxl7L9AwXyW3sGQcvLD5P2BV5L9LsR U3n9uFZAnQahfj8oPEkwZL4quvPRe_A7Z-lagl7gTRyqzrAdoCkO7T8gUkaq7PMGpk0GprnWLiboLOlNSTbd ViD6JG-gUm5F-_dlIWHdCI2_qdhZDi_dRYob4Dg-i6915buWZxFSZo8xXwMeh4v31rU3UkMJ-lDOZKMkIQ2gp8jLHw6c_1bYPLNH649I-ClcOEKjQm69n3FSP7mXOHjZJ0UBtGbtqTrjD6z9ixTX9BQvcLN p5ek_h5KQVJtGaUpadI-e5y0bVgEP7wpbs38jwivE-7s=w560-h389-no
Mine. Hehe. Jdm. Yo. JDM YO !
2) Remove your existing no. plates. I recommend washing the area behind, since the plates are off already.
Doesn't matter if you perform steps 3 or 4 first.
3) Holding together an existing no. plate with a custom no. plate on top, in front of the no. plate location, notice where abouts you would like to mount your new plates. For example, for me, I went for about 1cm higher front and back, so you will need to drill the holes 1cm lower than the normal location. With the desired position for the new plates while still holding both plates together, go to your bench and take notes of the measurement. If your desired position of the custom plates are the same, then ignore.
4)
Measure the length of both existing and custom plates. Using a marker, mark the centre points on the top or bottom edges, as circled below.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w1PqjjJxXphNuLohqXS-Hgam3JZF7aKzY4NjN7mzbPoymLe3YZv3_tH-BqYShrcpZC9AEgFKb-H61k1SuqLGfFnbjMb7ztfthAwPulVfvnDWZIV2chxwfrto7Gop 2uCyJVZEFbNYSBXq0sEF4-fZofkdPJqCIT5DnmM5cpmiVdkBBVZBPuHKoIZPVSj2K1XI3FYI VnSVdfmlhcXduo5EytMIECt4p0IJd_m96Pt-2qF63G-1D0s5bv7KqOnWgsqOdGhSv5sQ2YRv3Sl2QALQLJ3Scw7LFXEMS D4_aX4H7vat8pSfK5JrbRWAjoQZon0YAfN8SG-ojdxzZ59o102D3_UTPQdl9cmJ82-zrwpBYjiHVsQgyGt-Wm_qchZwmiAd9sMCgnpIV20k1Hw06siQQnc2Ga1VWsvDPf0qpE 0ybaJC0pIV8wi_CahIdQk0e6c9-t5p64w9ysXSBiw1kxe99qF6a6ZuKFH50o3iRXZ3mb5R5Zue21E sg51z4j0wTN5LUT4uItJY9aDzmXjxLmF-mdR_1x2SyCKYHcjeSjB_gPs=w1243-h699-no
5)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tSfutbjr4ApzQ72DKPc5tQUJFuWX3sEO4K5mdIR-n0xJhv0GIMHQ_w98Vxy8BQ2ktUU3SmbkWtiqUFWH4qhN3bf_om 323ePjQVnaKbAuHPLSXd7Hm2Tt_xlqaAjnJ7mxnRx6CuTE5mQL CToOM7Blw_v5hC8aMBC7rZBZea88uK4mSBOOrRpdyBwYW0D2_y TXIb5TKylvWNbFzQ7euz3oAom22KpvUw4Ek7NpV7CdjwC5Fswq 0JbpQ5Q9wJQ97MxZjU1h4m9t8n04H4oE0EJV6JyCLgsuyn6Rei aIGDpmqDiDKwODjOR3SMOZE9qTwkwXhLI4Y20GFeuMT7PR-S-uimUK_b31BQgNrGtJ_aEhtDBWCP-EhLAOcqUXVNTBMVYNbkvgQ9DG6gYa0p-miYSWxGVv1N7GpCBVEIwvCmfZYqGqLKtiZKhpqrCPpJL8n-8IFHdjifKmuVtIifld_2ivpyRJ0VSdGi_z6ztmPCA7vxja_9aY vukP_snlx4k5bZjoMhbSJTsrzCUVcmDJVrxiL06IIm_nwsaX6u NTgu7FbAY=w1243-h699-no
With both plates centred together, with certainty of desired hole locations, with the marker or centre punch + hammer, mark the drilling holes.
I decided to drill from the front as there will be metal remnants around the circumference of the holes.
You may wish to clamp the plates together beforehand.
6)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Q-1ggzijLBNvujf0VsBWczJ__Wa3bXvzz4O3CSRgaFb8Tyo0Ni99 fj2kehoBeMEFj0R6VY4ZxTUryYNdnFYVzrdbKybCtu4Mtjgpjh npE8n_On3gZ5eX8e1R0lpkncrAms6tWS1_k3rsz22wJ49qtuwT RCXf_yaChuJdon8Q51iaxtGXWQDLS4Qo8TwegtPHR5PH7MAUgM bNkETTpWFCfD2SppReEL2wc501qO7SaE7eJJcln2YlfZwSDH9v ExoqQSBeKMJz6lw2IDSMUpZCtxTvSrxaIXGh1R5ltj5PI-vy7COBmikSpzgGZzvfjVeEqqaYBZ6xmfezf51Q49xcF1Erg5dR mQc-d14wn7hIeo3KYyIF_c-Oku5QaMwr-RgDlW3Y9z8W70un0ZHluorm-R6Gv-WzF4OSwtw8cj4TDGjAoFxwU_Pdb0EmsUhFcUGoFePfJBHyAF5m fIEfLPKgJfCoLMJuDkdrG1TI9M-m65dC5GoPJpRCnNfSviUaGL0riIRZJhamyaoPOYc9hloMPV7E4 mmOxQ7f9Rh4gV_fvpw=w1243-h699-no
With the custom plate clamped down onto a suitable surface, you may start drilling. I used a piece of cloth to protect the plate from the metal clamp.
Measure the two drilled holes. Are they to measurement?
This is where using a drill bit slightly larger than 6mm comes handy. Say you choose to use a size 8mm bit, if you are a mm or two off, then you have 4mm of adjustability to level the no. plate.
The other way to correct the unevenness of the two holes, on one or both holes, with the drill bit through the hole, drill on the spot relative in height, then push the side of the hole you wanna trim.
Gently sand off the metal remnants at the back, so you don't scratch your car!
Repeats steps 5 and 6, or if you wish to kill two birds with one stone, then do it once together, if the locations front and back are the same.
7) Put on them plates.
Enjoy!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gxaRpCrRwJcToXuZMuV7UlbBMDMVLLaAKaxOyaWyvIP4HJJJic i6EkpAiaQYkPiIZZ2R9vF3YHllTl9bjxGFNcFOx8Q0ei2XU6_Y etjACGckxn0JRMO_WdQZ5IA_3y-0Gr0YyEWe91o_JKYMjW7IZfYEEfAPSjA_P5Pr2OTy4W4GOLipK u_ePe9EmVa6LFzR-JBuvCgYp5PWTR1ltZX5e0GzS1fOTdPtdqWBJTJt-Sv6Vt1sk6KzojGGxVrj9OVmINs81P88nDBJ57Ql3RYljgDnbEZ XkAGdlZUl3XqMsPCLfpIMKfFaI9YomlFruS9KqspSgyC9-VXk7t1lQ8k7ABNtcRmqNvGAMIHorn8ioY5-zqRliDSthhmOARv6JKL1GYIUTnziEdw7MA9qn4gJiGdN5fIRMl 4uNSoTNghD90woZqiEGGWhSD_OTjC2vrtzT9b4kvaib9v4-7D9AbDiy3EXwDtyceQSN4ohMEuYHPqgT-_sT4jgN2RaGQIw5UGc-rgtBSoAj3aNOH9lysCvdlc3s-IKexfEHnprweic3Bo=w1034-h699-no
If you have any other suggestions or improvements, feel free to comment.