Putting a license plate on a series

[Wander]

Is there an existing mounting plate to get USA plate on the back of a IIa? Mine has two holes fairly wide apart that look about right for UK MOT plates and then two screws in weld nuts set into the panel that look like they were an attempt to fit a USA plate. The problem is they are too far apart and not level. If there is something that I could mount using the MOT holes that will also hold my plate? If not I'll have to drill the panel or figure something else out-any suggestions welcome.

In case your wondering-yes this would be the first time I would have drill into my baby and the first cut is always the deepest! I know-get my panties straight and just do it but I figure the fewer the holes in the body the better.

 

[seanz0rz]

i would get some flat stock, drill it to fit your MOT holes, center your plate on it, drill some holes and use some button head screws to attach it all.

 

[GYM]

Don't drill additional holes in your IIa. Just buy a plastic license plate bracket (not frame) from an auto parts store and drill that to match the existing screw spacing in the IIa. Then, simply screw your plate on to the bracket. Voila.

 

[crusader]

Yeah--I wouldn't drill more holes through the aluminum tub! You can fabricate (or buy) some sort of bracket and mount it under the two bolts on one of the tabs on the rear crossmember (bumper) where it attaches to the tub. That's what the importer did on my 109.

 

[Wander]

Good ideas-I'm glad drilling isn't my only option-that would be painful!

I tried a universal mount but I think I know which one you are refering to as it is more of a plastic plate rather than a bar. The bar type placed the plate over the tailgate or onto the brake light. I'll try the other one.

 

[Antichrist]

I just drilled the rear panel next to the door and put in small aluminum rivnuts.
You can drill only one if you can use one of the existing holes.
Depending on what the law is in NC, don't forget the license plate light.

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/7539.cfm?gpf

They are retained with two small studs on the back, so you'll need a couple holes to mount it.

Don't get too bent out of shape drilling holes when needed. If no one ever drilled holes in their Land Rovers, all series Rovers would look the same. Boring indeed.

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Mine had AL rivnuts in it with I got it...that fit UK plates.

I just drilled extra holes in my Iowa license plate and screwed it on.

It always bothers me when the license plate rubs against the paint though...I usually put some rubber / nylon washers from the plumbing drawer between the paint and the license plate.

 

[Wander]

Thanks Tom,

I have the DL light question on my list to ask about when I get it inspected, I'm not sure if it will be required as vehicles over 35 years old are exempt from smog, safety check, and I'm not sure what else than the fee.

I was looking it over last night and as there are rivnuts in the holes that I tried to attach the plate too, I'm wondering if those weren't for the light. They are not level so maybe not-I'd think the factory would at least get them level -so I'm guessing they were done by a former owner.

I've got to get the new fuel filters in before I need to worry about the plate-one thing at time. I might also put a new pump on at the same time-might as well since I'll be doing a headstand through the hatch anyway.(for the filter before the elec fuel pump to protect it).

 

[Antichrist]

The studs for the license plate light I linked to are about 2-3" apart. If for the light they wouldn't be rivnuts because the light has studs that go through the panel and retained by nuts.

 

[Wander]

That's definitely not it then they are too far apart. It must have been a bad attempt at mounting a plate.

 

[stevenmd]

Oh, you mean I'm supposed to actually put the US plates on? I just threw it in the window sideways. I don't have a light either. Depending upon your state, if a vehicle did not come stock with a license plate light, you are not legally required to have one. I never put one on my '56 pickup. For the SIII I figure it's up to them to prove I need one.

 

[Antichrist]

Wander, here's something you may want to keep in mind.
https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/pio/releases/details.aspx?r=3104

Here is some more information specific to NC:
Looks like historic vehicles don't have to do the safety inspection.
http://www.garbee.net/~cabell/inspectionlaw.htm

One thing you probably want to check for NC is that in some states you can't take advantage of special historic vehicle rules unless you have it registered as such, which often limits how the vehicle can be used.