Another Great MOD: Custom Number Plate Surround
 

Hi everyone,

OK, if you liked Chrome Door Pins mod you'll like this one: Proper German number plates in Proper German frames. Zee German quality :)

1. Order high quality German metal pressed number plates (embossed or whatever they are called). These plates are road legal in the UK.

2. Order custom made stainless steel number plate surround from German company called CarSign. This stuff is of very very hiqh quality.

The front plate frame is custom bend for A8 D2 font bumper profile. It feels heavy and reliable. I ordered stainless steel, matching texture of material used on facelift A8 D2s on bumper mouldings and around windows. Chromed stainless steel is also available if you want to match grill chrome. They actually supply a variety of finishes, including carbon or plain black. Engraving on the frame or any custom color is also available. Oh well, whatever you want for your money :)

Enough words -- Pictures!!!

This thing is very difficult to photograph since it shines. I used dimmed light conditions and iPhone 3GS :)
You better go to CarSign web site to appreciate professional pictures.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296739931

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296739931

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296739931


Note 1: CarSign manufacture surrounds for D3 or any other car. I just don't know how to copy this thread to D3 part of the forum.

Note 2: Don't try these number plate surrounds with your UK plastic plates, since these surrounds are manufactured with great precison specifically for EU metal pressed plates. Yes you can trim a bit your plastic plates and insert them, but you'll lose the beauty. I tried.

Note 3: CarSign can manufacture your customised "inlay" at the bottom of the frame, just like the one below :)

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296739931

I am impressed. Added to the wish list. +++

How are these mounted? Do look nice :D

yes look great and i like the flexibility of different finishes - can we see pics of the back too? +++

Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W57O9DoRoCE

and even more detailed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPG9SxGy6Yg

+++

If you just love sticky tape, that will work too. Frames are supplied with plastic undertrays / bowls. I'd suggest buying 3M VHB (Very High Bond) sticky tape.

But personally I'd prefer stainless steel screws like shown on video. Old school :)

I love this one for all you james bond fans!! :D

That's very cool - especially on a black car...

Very cool I agree. Their Selection Guide recommends dark frames for light colors. I have light color car, but there's a lot of chrome on it :)

I'll post pictures how they look on my car as soon as I install them.

Some pictures of installed number plates.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846366

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846366

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846366

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846366

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846366

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296846962

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296848760

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1296848791

Surprisingly, iPhone makes much better pictures outdoors.

Front number plate came perfectly bended. I had to bend rear number plate just a bit because the "bottom" of FL D2 number plate niche is a bit curved.

CarSign provides a version of their frame with "inlay". This won't fit rear number plate niche of D2 since it's too tight vertically.

I used stainless steel screws from Halfords 4.8mm x 13mm to mount the plates. They fit perfectly.

Notice I dismantled the bottom center grill, removed chrome U-shape element from it, removed chrome, painted satin black and put everything back again. I just like how the car looks without that chrome element.

P.S. S8 number plate on A8 Sport -- this is not because I'm S8 wanna be :) It is because my initials DSV where not available in A8 space. If someone of you guys owns A8 DSV number plate I'm willing to swap! :)

nice mod - and thanks for sharing the pics on the car - makes a huge difference to see what it looks like in situ with things like this +++
Car is looking great. . . . :)