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License plate scratching paint concern

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Old 08-31-2019, 10:22 AM
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Default License plate scratching paint concern

Just got my rear license plate and it lays directly on the paint; do you guys have any concerns of scratching or recommendations to prevent scratching? Maybe rubber buffers over the screw to keep space between the car paint and license plate?

I couldn’t find any related threads on this; if there are, I can certainly delete this new one.
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 10:51 AM
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Use foam tape to seal window cracks
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 11:13 AM
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I have used the plush side of self adhesive velcro to keep my license from banging into the paint. Just a couple of inches will pull it away enough so that there's no issue any longer.
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by tberg
I have used the plush side of self adhesive velcro to keep my license from banging into the paint. Just a couple of inches will pull it away enough so that there's no issue any longer.
The problem with that is the loop side of Velcro will capture dirt and grit to act like fine sand paper. I found small self adhesive rubber dots (1/4-3/8” dia.) work best for this purpose. The weatherstripping mentioned above works well to as long as it’s a very dense foam.
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by LaCroix
Just got my rear license plate and it lays directly on the paint; do you guys have any concerns of scratching or recommendations to prevent scratching? Maybe rubber buffers over the screw to keep space between the car paint and license plate?

I couldn’t find any related threads on this; if there are, I can certainly delete this new one.
This might be a case of over-thinking things. For close to 5 years I’ve had my plate on with no bracket, no tape, no adhesive, no “dots”, no nothing and haven’t looked back since. Concerns? None.
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 05:32 PM
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I use rubber dots from the hardware store, but had to gently bend the plate and frame so they didn't touch across the top and bottom.
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 08:05 PM
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I use 4 Round stick on velt pads stuck to each corner of the plate. Works perfect
 
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Old 08-31-2019, 08:28 PM
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I use double sided adhesive tape and have done for years.
Four pieces, all around the outer edges, nothing else and zero ugly damaging screws. Stick the tape to the back of the plate first, duh!
Sticks like **** to a blanket, sits dead flat on the trunk/boot but with a tiny gap so the plate doesn't touch the paintwork, the plate does not move without a really serious attempt to get it off and it's a totally clean install with nothing visible.
Then if/when it comes time to change the plate it will come off fairly easily with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive and a length of fishing line behind to saw one strip off then some levering with a plastic trim removal tool, just like removing a badge.
Then clean up the adhesive residue with the remover of your choice.
The only minor hassle is you need to very accurately measure and mark where you want to place the plate - no different really from if you were screwing it on - and verrrry carefully and gently put it in place before pressing it flat.
One tip - at least on the F-Type the trunk/boot is not dead flat it has a slight convex curve, so if you are using an alooooooominum plate like we have here in South Oz you should gently bend the plate to shape first, either before applying any tape at all or before peeling the backing off the tape.
 

Last edited by OzXFR; 08-31-2019 at 08:32 PM.
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Old 09-02-2019, 11:07 AM
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I use a rubber edge license plate frame. I did get scratches prior to putting this on.
Amazon Amazon
 
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Old 09-02-2019, 11:36 AM
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Great ideas, thanks guys! I happen to have some of those rubber dots already, so will give those a shot.
 
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Old 10-15-2019, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by RickyJay52
This might be a case of over-thinking things. For close to 5 years I’ve had my plate on with no bracket, no tape, no adhesive, no “dots”, no nothing and haven’t looked back since. Concerns? None.
Same here.... No issues, no scratches
 
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