R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 English/European license plates

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  #1  
Old 09-20-2006, 08:26 AM
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English/European license plates

Hey everyone,

Since Minis are from England... Does anyone know of a seller here in America where I can buy a European license plate for the front of my car? I think that it would look cool!

Medic
 
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Old 09-20-2006, 08:38 AM
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From one of the NAM Vendors

Triple-C sells English plates.

http://www.triple-c.com/Store_Detail...41&SnipID=5332
 
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Old 09-20-2006, 08:41 AM
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The Triple-C site says that they're temporarily unavailable, but Griot's Garage has them as well:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10217

Scott
 
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Old 09-20-2006, 09:07 AM
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Why not have your own custom plate made? Check out the "MINI" borders and side graphics. Like a particular footy team/rock band? Have the crest/logo added to the side or border. I don't have any affiliaton with the company, but I was very impressed with their product quality and service. CDN$ 70 shipped to my door within 5 days including mounting hardware and a Euro frame that eliminates the need for the fugly front plate mount.

http://www.createmyplates.com/
Be sure to selct the "Showplates" option or else you're limited to plates that are street legal in the UK, i.e. E.U. flag graphic only and restricted spacing and lettering.
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 05:56 PM
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euro tag

I just bought one from www.licenseplates.tv
It is very nice, good quality and good service.
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 06:05 PM
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Luckly I use to live in England so I have an authentic British License plate for the front of my miini when it gets here in a few weeks
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 06:05 PM
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I contemplated this some time ago, but gave up due to issues of legality in Texas. My MINI is a daily driver...wasn't worth it.
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 06:09 PM
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Hey HAWG, maybe you will know this then. I bought the bmw part for a euro tag mount from the dealer. It came in but it doesnt seem to have any way to mount the tag to it. The dealer says it is the only part shown in the book for a euro tag mount. How does a real tag mount, with screws or is there a frame that holds it.
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 06:14 PM
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I dont have my Mini yet, just ordered it yesterday ( cant wait), so I cant really help, plus mine are a little smaller than the normal Euro plate. My dad was in the Airforce and we had the plates on a ford turaus so they are made for an american car
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 06:58 PM
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Or go authentic and order direct from England. It's where I got mine.

www.framptons.net

 
  #11  
Old 10-08-2006, 08:25 PM
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I purchased my plate from http://www.minicooperplates.com/index.htm

How appropriate, don't you think I just got new plates so I won't be using mine anymore... plus it's illegal in IL
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by gokartride
I contemplated this some time ago, but gave up due to issues of legality in Texas. My MINI is a daily driver...wasn't worth it.
Same here in Missouri. They won't let me put a cool plate on the front. We have to show the same Mo. plates, front and back.
 
  #13  
Old 10-08-2006, 08:36 PM
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Unfortunately here in California it is required to have CA plates on both the front and the rear. Although I don't think they enforce it too much.
 
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Old 10-08-2006, 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by madmike007
Or go authentic and order direct from England. It's where I got mine.

www.framptons.net

I absolutely LOVE your rear view mirror with the flag!! Awesome! Cute car too.
 
  #15  
Old 10-08-2006, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by BECOKA
Unfortunately here in California it is required to have CA plates on both the front and the rear. Although I don't think they enforce it too much.
Same in IL... they'll get you if you get pulled over for something else. I got a "fix-it" ticket when I was rear-ended. I got the ticket dropped by appearing in court with a pic showing my real plate, but I wasted a vacation day to do so...
 
  #16  
Old 10-09-2006, 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by jaxcoop
Hey HAWG, maybe you will know this then. I bought the bmw part for a euro tag mount from the dealer. It came in but it doesnt seem to have any way to mount the tag to it. The dealer says it is the only part shown in the book for a euro tag mount. How does a real tag mount, with screws or is there a frame that holds it.
My Euro Plate frame pops open and then the plate goes inside it. On the center of each side it pries open, then work across the top and bottom. Insert plate and close the tabs. (The frame is to be mounted on the vehicle using one of the combinations of screw holes before inserting the plate.)
 
  #17  
Old 10-09-2006, 11:28 AM
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Got mine here:

http://www.autogeek.net/europlates.html

Decoration for the office. Mine says "CHECKMATE."
 
  #18  
Old 10-09-2006, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Mishka
My Euro Plate frame pops open and then the plate goes inside it. On the center of each side it pries open, then work across the top and bottom. Insert plate and close the tabs. (The frame is to be mounted on the vehicle using one of the combinations of screw holes before inserting the plate.)
Ebay! This is what I had on my 2K Beetle. The guy I bought the frame from also made me a plate for it. I attatched it to the grill with coated copper wire 5 years ago and its still there. No screws to scratch it and no holes either!

Both were very inexpensive.



This is now...


Check out frame here....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Europ...40228397QQrdZ1
 
  #19  
Old 10-09-2006, 12:39 PM
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My Euro Plate frame pops open and then the plate goes inside it. On the center of each side it pries open, then work across the top and bottom. Insert plate and close the tabs. (The frame is to be mounted on the vehicle using one of the combinations of screw holes before inserting the plate.)
I have the same type of frame. I took the extra precaution of putting small screws through the frame near the tabs, just in case a bump in the road caused the frame to open up.
 
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Old 10-09-2006, 01:03 PM
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This is the best place I've yet found:

http://www.europeanplates.com/licenseplates.htm
 
  #21  
Old 10-10-2006, 07:38 PM
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Thanks. Next up for the appearance mods are checkers (vinyl graphics). I'm installing them myself tomorrow. Wish me luck! Peace. -m

Originally Posted by dix
I absolutely LOVE your rear view mirror with the flag!! Awesome! Cute car too.
 
  #22  
Old 10-10-2006, 11:46 PM
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not worth the hassle...here in CA cops would bust you every miles lol
 
  #23  
Old 10-11-2006, 01:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Jtrem
not worth the hassle...here in CA cops would bust you every miles lol
.. i know, seriously
 
  #24  
Old 10-11-2006, 02:14 AM
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Re: One or two plates on your MINI

"This is a very good question. The simple answer is "If your state DMV gives you two, you are required to use them both. If they only issue one plate, it goes on the back." With the use of photo radar, etc., it is even more important to use both plates. That is why the police are a little picky on that item."

Oh well...
 
  #25  
Old 10-11-2006, 05:35 AM
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Mine came from www.grtpl8s.com.
 


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