Forum:
I am contemplating modifying the rear number plate assembly on my F78 i.e. attaching the bulb holder directly to the door and changing the number plate for a square one and using double sided tape to stick this to the door. I find the present set up a bit fussy and I like things simple!
I have looked on the mods pages for something similar but it appears that no one has done this type of mod. am I missing something here or am I going to do something illegal? 
Shouldn't be a prob. Though
Shouldn't be a prob. Though why change it if it's working? The only legality problem might be that the plate has to be within a certain distance of the rear most part of the car (but don't know what that disstance is), and clearly visible. Putting it further in under the spare wheel may contravien this. However I can't see you getting stopped for it unless you push your luck too fare. I got pulled for a stick on rear number plate on the back door of a Suzuki, but that was becouse the last 2 letters where obscured by the spare wheel. Totaly inocent mistake. No, really. No hastle, just had to remove the sare befor they'd let me leave.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
I also have thought about
I also have thought about doing this, mine is pretty rusty where it bolts in so thought about removing it, sorting out the rust then fixing it straigh onto the door. might have a go at it soon.
Number Plate Mod
'92 Fourtrtak 2.8 TDX
Hi'
My number plate mod, required replacement due to internals rusting away, also added a reversing light.
http://www.daihatsu-drivers.co.uk/node/3971
Edward (ews)
Edward (ews) '92 Fourtrak 2.8 TDX
Legalities
Nev.K had highlighted the problem, the number plate has to be visible from certain angles in certain countries, this is why it is stepped out from the body on European models.
Many people have problems with corrosion on the number plate light, bulb holders and reflectors rust; to counter this i used white LED lighting, these were wired in and the resistors attached. Being only 3mm in diameter, they are not obvious and having a number of them meant thay if one was defective the rest would work. LED's used were suitable for outdoor use and fully sealed, nothing to corrode and no changing bulbs as thet were rated for 100,000 hours minimum use. A totally integrated unit.
Rear Number Plate
I agrree the current set up on the Sportrak is a bit fussy and I had thought about removing it and attaching it to the rear door. You can get Chrome rear number plate lamps for an older Mini(new) that would be adequte to light up a square number plate either from below or above. In the case of the Mini it is stuck to the boot so I can't see it being a problem. As a matter of interest I removed the rear spare and mount from the rear door at the weekend. Rust was beginning to start on the door but luckily not enough to worry about. I hammerited the huge mount but have to admit that I prefer it off the rear door. It looks less fussy and saves the hinges which do wear with the weight of the wheel. Where to place the spare is the problem. On one it is fine as the back seats are out but the other we still use as a 4 seater. Perhaps the bonnet like a Landy although it makes the bonnet a bugger to lift? or on a roofrack perhaps?
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young
Rear Number Plate
I have thought about the same and am thinking of changing the whole set up to that of a Shogun. There was an optional extra done on these models that had a light and number plate mount that sits on the door and looks alot smarter than the standard Sportrak/Fourtrak unit. Any good 4x4 breaker will have one.
Radarears
You could fabricat a swing
You could fabricat a swing away, or swing down, wheel carrier. Won't look any neater, but will stop the hinge ware. The swing down one also has the advantage of making a good step / seat when in the 'down' position.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.
Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.