Author Topic: License Plate Help  (Read 4645 times)

Brad_Ayer

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License Plate Help
« on: June 05, 2011, 17:08:38 »
Help-

I have attached a photo of the rear of my 1969' 280sl.  Does anyone have a suggestion on where I can get a license plate holder that fit this car?  I need to attach a US license.  The holes are approximately 13 1/8'' inches a apart.  Also, does anyone know what size screws fit into these holes?

Thanks,
Brad

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2011, 19:06:44 »
 Not sure what type of licence frame would fit that hole pattern. It was up to the dealer/owner to mount the plates on the back of the car as there were no pre drilled holes. The attached photo shows my car with the original licence plate held in place by two common sheet metal screws. The Licence plate frame has two short screws with nuts with and a "pad" of electrical tape to keep the nuts from marring the paint.

John
« Last Edit: June 05, 2011, 19:12:54 by 49er »
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

pj

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2011, 19:43:51 »
Hi John, Brad.
So you decided to give up that lovely touch of chrome trim that "connects" the left and right rear bumpers? I've been scratching my head about how to mount a standard North American licence plate without ruining that look. It seems not to be mentioned in the Tech Manual.
« Last Edit: June 05, 2011, 20:50:22 by pj »
Peter J
1965 230SL #09474 named Dagny
2018 B250 4matic named Rigel

49er

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2011, 20:19:22 »
 I don't remember too many SL's with that chrome strip here in North America when the cars were new. Were they mostly found on the European models?
Also was plate affixed to that chrome strip?

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

Kopie

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2011, 22:45:23 »
I bought one of Buds Benz license plate holders and while it may not be for everyone, I like the way it lifts the license plate away from the body by about a half inch.
http://www.budsbenz.com/data/catalog/200-n235-116-lg.jpg

ejboyd5

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2011, 14:37:52 »
With some sheet aluminum and a little time you can make any sort of mounting to fit any size of license plate or previously drilled hole spacings and can even include space for club badges, mileage awards, etc.  Let your imagination be your guide.  Rubber or plastic washers serve well to position the mounting plate proud of the body thus preventing rattles and water/dirt accumulations.

« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 14:40:47 by ejboyd5 »

pj

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2011, 15:32:22 »
Hi John,
this is what I  meant. Not sure I like having the plate & holder cover up the chrome trim.
Peter J
1965 230SL #09474 named Dagny
2018 B250 4matic named Rigel

badali

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2011, 21:42:44 »
I have one from a parts car you could have to try.  I'll have to measure the distance of the holes to see if it will match your holes.  Free to the right buyer.  If it is the correct size I would pad the part that touches the paint.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL
2019 E 450 4 Matic
2022 GLC 300 4 Matic

badali

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Re: License Plate Help
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2011, 22:19:31 »
I just checked. holes are 10 1/2" apart.  Still free to someone if they need it.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL
2019 E 450 4 Matic
2022 GLC 300 4 Matic