[dolebludger]

Does anybody know where I can buy a METAL, chrome plated Euro license plate frame or holder? All that I can find are plastic, and not very durable. On the chrome plated plastic ones, the plating seems to come off too easily. So I am looking for a metal one, and would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Richard

 

[DOUGLAS MARTIN]

If you find one let me know. I could use one also...

 

[dolebludger]

Finally, I contacted Tom Hanson, who now works at the MB Classic Center and who I know from MBCA. Tom is a real expert "parts guy." He recommended MB part number 1108850081 for this application. After checking with several sources of MB parts, I ordered one for $43. It isn't here yet, so I can't say much for sure. But a basic description of this plate frame is that is like a "tray" with raised and rolled edges. You set the plate in the front of this part, and the rolled edges form the "frame". I am not totally sure how I will secure the plate, but I do have some good adhesives. Supposedly, it isn't hard to form this part to fit bumpers that curve. There are holes in the "tray" part of the frame behind the plate for securing it to what ever kind of bumper mounting you have ---- or it wouldn't be hard to drill additional holes if needed. I'll keep you posted after the part arrives.

Thanks,
Richard

 

[dolebludger]

This part worked great. It is basically a "tray" with raised edges around it. The Euro plate sits in the "tray". The whole part is stainless steel, that looks like chrome. The plate holder has a slight "V" bend in the center to accomodate curved bumpers. For my installation, I used some clamps to pull a bit of the "V" out, and then shaped a curve in it by pulling it on the edge of my bench (easy to do). Then, I had to drill two holes to accomodate bolting on my "L" brackets that allow me to screw in on the bottom surface of the bumper to aviod holes in the front. I had to use a grinder to grind down the heads of the bolts that would attach to the "L" brackets, to avoid "lumps" beneith the plate. The same grinder helped me reduce the length of the bolts so they would not mar the bumper. Then I mounted the holder with the "L" brackets to holes drilled underneath the bumper. I attached the top of the frame to the top of the bumper using 3M double sided adhesive tape. After shaping the plate to the curvature of the holder, I attached the plate to the holder using the same tape.

After inststalation, it looks just like those European cars in those car mags where the tests are done "over there", and they show those neatly mounted, shiny metal surrounded Euro front plates.

Thanks,
Richard [][][]

 

[DOUGLAS MARTIN]

Where did you order the part from? Would like to get one for my W123.

 

[dolebludger]

Douglas:

Ordered mine by MB part munber from Star Quality Parts, 1 800 782 7199. It was $43 plus $16 shipping (!). As this is a genuine MB part, you can have any MB dealer order you one.

Thanks,
Richard[][][]

 

[DOUGLAS MARTIN]

Thanks.