Drilling holes in rear valance for license plate

[Nate]

Hi,

When I had my car repainted the body shop filled the 2 holes in the rear valance for my license plate.  I want to get the placement of the holes dead-on correct to reinstall my California plate.  Has anyone created a template or knows the steps to accurately measure where the holes should be drilled?  Also, any suggestions on what equipment/drill bit to use to do this? 

I'm also considering buying the rear license plate bracket that Bud's Benz sells.  Are there any members out there that have purchased this?  Any suggestions on the best hardware to use to properly secure my license plate but also not scratch it up after spending a small fortune to have it restored?

Cheers,

Nate

[66andBlue]

If you have or buy the correct license plate frame then you can use its holes as a template.
This one fits perfectly: http://www.authenticclassics.com/License-Plate-Frame-with-Mercedes-Logo-Stainless-p/auth-003544.htm
There is no need for another holder/plate between the rear license plate with frame and the trunk chassis.
That is different for your front plate, here you need another intermediate holder on the bumper:
http://www.authenticclassics.com/License-Plate-Bracket-fits-108-111-113Ch-190S-p/auth-003470.htm

[Benz Dr.]

Remove the access panels from inside of the trunk and you should be able to see where the holes were from the back side of the panel. You will probably see where body filler oozed out through the holes and you should be able to carefully dig it out to reveal the original holes.

[Nate]

Thanks Dan!

[49er]

 Here is a picture of my rear plate. The holes were drilled through the plate on the sides and not the top. My 250SL had the plate mounted the same way.

John

[Benz Dr.]

Those mounting holes are for euro plates, I would think. Must be why they make an adapter for them.

[hauser]

I access mine through the trunk panels Dan mentioned.  To make things easier for myself I use butterfly nuts to secure the bolts.  In Florida we replace our plates every 4 years or so.  They have lengthened this time frame to ? so being able to easily change things out is a plus.

[Nate]

Good to know hauser.  I spent a small fortune having my 6 digit CA plate restored.  I think I'm going to try to find white or clear plastic washers to use as spacers between the bolts on both sides of the plate, so I dont scratch the plate and more importantly don't scratch the paint on the car.

[Tyler S]

On my 1968 USA Spec, the holes are in the center of the valance. Not the top. There are captive clips snapped into the holes. The holes/clips are spaced 11 inches apart.  There is a plate adapter/bracket that lets you mount the plate. See Pics
Something like this link should work well for those with either configuration.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Front-License-Plate-Mounting-Bracket-Chrome-Frame-For-MERCEDES-BENZ-/111548877768?nav=SEARCH