(Home) Number plate size/position affects cooling

I've read a few comments on AA about swapping the front no.plate for a square m/bike type,with the idea of increasing airflow,if only marginally,to the rad. Is this legal,and could it also be fitted off-centre so as to leave more of the front open?

- (#14767) Martin Perry, 4 Jan 05 17:19

The square type number plates are legal on import vehicles although I've heard of some people having run-ins with the law over this in some parts of the UK. Certainly I've never had a problem with either of my two imports which both have the square type plates. I think there is something on the DVLA website to confirm this.

- (#14767) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 5 Jan 05 01:55

I had a read of the website and I think it says that if you have room for a standard plate then it is to be fitted, if not you could be subject to fines and refusal to issue a MoT!
- (#14767) Clive (Bristol), 5 Jan 05 02:16

In four years I have never had a problem or comment re my standard import square plates and,when meeting the Police on a non motoring matter, an officer most intrigued to see that the plate is illuminated via internal bulbs.
Don't Alfa Romeo fit their plates off centre and, have I seen that some of them are square?

- (#14767) John Davis (Leics), 5 Jan 05 03:01

Martin originally specified "square M/BIKE type". I wonder if that means a smaller "square" than usually fitted to import cars.

My 'Ace came with the usual import square plates front and rear but I believe Jap front plates are small rectangles and I wanted maximum front airflow to be on the safe side - though I know it's debatable whether that makes much difference.

So I have a UK normal, long plate screwed on to the front of the front bumper where it doesn't obscure at all either the grill below or the slot above (front bumper/grill arrangements differ on the various Aces).

So if you already have a "long" plate this may be an attractive solution - especially given the hassle of getting plates made now.

- (#14767) Dave Mason (Sussex), 5 Jan 05 04:01

Thanks for the advice.The plate I was thinking of would be big enough to accomodate full size letters,not the tiny ones used on bikes.Anyway,for now I'll try a different position for the existing plate.

- (#14767) Martin Perry, 5 Jan 05 14:01

Got standard USA sized plates on my Ace front and rear and never had problems. USA plates are smaller than the import plates that are usually fitted.

- (#14767) Bill, 5 Jan 05 18:55

I have done the same thing as Dave M
the grill is left a bit ugly, but full flow to the rad overides that no problem.
[you could put those sad little blue lights in the old plate holes....er........no.]

Paul :-)

- (#14767) paul, 6 Jan 05 06:10

My grille is damaged and ugly anyway - looks as though someone stuck a heavy boot in it towards one side. By warming the plastic with hot air I've managed to get it back into roughly the right shape. I have thought of sawing away some of the old number-plate platform to make it more like the rest of the grille, less ugly and letting even more air through.

- (#14767) Dave Mason (Sussex), 6 Jan 05 06:46