I touched on this (by nearly taking over the thread!) on chisgixer's For Sale ad.

Does anyone know of a hinged and sprung number plate, UK style...  ?

(I know this was partially discussed, but thought worthy of a proper discussion in the right area)

For info I picked this bracket up from my "approved" installer in Slough. He mentioned he got it at an LPG show, and thought it would come in handy, but he had it on the shelf for 8 years as he never had the opportunity to fit it, and hence completely forgot the suppliers name. I have asked him a couple of times if he has remembered the makers name, but no luck sadly.

I now need another one as I have sold this particular car... :'(
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/e41c6170.jpg

The homemade one on the MV6 opens the full 180 degrees, and the numberplate fits tightly between bracket and bumper at 180degrees, in effect, latching it open :y

Trouble is, the springs are definately weakening, and I reckon I'm relying on the magnets to hold closed, hence on lookout for a 'proper' one to replace my homemade jobbie.

Stress on the spring is key, suspect a spring with more coils/more width/longer will be needed to open 180 degrees and still hold torsional strength.

Wonder if the American cars have a bracket opening more than say 120 degrees? Suspect not  :-/

What about forgetting the spring idea and retaining it with a few press studs at the top of the plate instead of magnets?

Kevin

"Pimp my Ride" would`ve have that fitted with an electric, remote control linear-actuator in no-time! ;D

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 12:33:

... Does anyone know of a hinged and sprung number plate, UK style...  ? ....

You could always buy Guy's old Classic Capri ...... that has a hinged rear number plate  ::)  :y

Kevin Wood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 13:41:

What about forgetting the spring idea and retaining it with a few press studs at the top of the plate instead of magnets? Kevin

I thought about that, but could potential unpop whilst driving?  Thats why I have springs in addition to magnets

No point using hinged spring numberplate as asearch in google...  ...unless you want to buy an Omega ;D

And I thought this was going to be a thread about how to be a naughty boy and avoid GATSOs.. ;D ;D

Sprung letterbox - then adapted?? ;)

hotel21 wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 16:23:

Sprung letterbox - then adapted?? ;)

Yes, I did start going down that line last time, but its not possible - or at least I couldn't see a way....

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 16:26:

hotel21 wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 16:23: Sprung letterbox - then adapted?? ;) Yes, I did start going down that line last time, but its not possible - or at least I couldn't see a way....

You'll have people posting circulars into the rear of your motor :)

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 15:26:

No point using hinged spring numberplate as asearch in google...  ...unless you want to buy an Omega ;D

Yes, now sold though  ;D

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 16:26:

hotel21 wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 16:23: Sprung letterbox - then adapted?? ;) Yes, I did start going down that line last time, but its not possible - or at least I couldn't see a way....

Only three basic components - letterflap, housing and spring.  Of the three, its only really the spring that you want to retain working, after you affix the housing to the car and the flap to the numberplate?  All upside down, of course, so that the 'letterbox' opens upside down?   :-/

Plus, the design I had involved pulling on the number plate itself to open it. Too stiff a catch or spring may involve the number plate bending, deforming, or the bolt holes pulling through the plastic or the plastic deforming around the number plate holes, or distorting or obscuring the numbers over time.....if the plate bracket was the same size as the number plate then fine as fingers could pull on the metal behind instead.

As TB pointed out, his magnets where too stiff to open the bracket, so had to be spaced away, if applied to the design on my old car there is a risk of pulling the number plate off the bracket altogether. Poppers or Velcro catches may be either too stiff to pull off a flat surface, if you see what I mean. Poppers can be pulled off from one side at an angle, and Velcro pealed away from one corner. Magnets can slide of far easier than when pulled directly away.

Spring loaded seems simplest, although TB made his magnets work well it's in addition to the spring needed anyway.

But it's all by the by, been searching for most of the afternoon and only found my own car advert to be relevant  :D

Rather than springs, have you thought about using the Dzus fasterns like they use on race panels ?.

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Fasteners_&_Hose_Clips/Quick_Release_Fasteners/Dzus_Panex_Range_D_Ring_Fastener/1550/2340

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Fasteners_&_Hose_Clips/Quick_Release_Fasteners/Dzus_Fastener/1550/2273

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:09:

Plus, the design I had involved pulling on the number plate itself to open it. Too stiff a catch or spring may involve the number plate bending, deforming, or the bolt holes pulling through the plastic or the plastic deforming around the number plate holes, or distorting or obscuring the numbers over time.....if the plate bracket was the same size as the number plate then fine as fingers could pull on the metal behind instead. As TB pointed out, his magnets where too stiff to open the bracket, so had to be spaced away, if applied to the design on my old car there is a risk of pulling the number plate off the bracket altogether. Poppers or Velcro catches may be either too stiff to pull off a flat surface, if you see what I mean. Poppers can be pulled off from one side at an angle, and Velcro pealed away from one corner. Magnets can slide of far easier than when pulled directly away. Spring loaded seems simplest, although TB made his magnets work well it's in addition to the spring needed anyway. But it's all by the by, been searching for most of the afternoon and only found my own car advert to be relevant  :D

On mine, the magnets are the primary method of keeping it closed and rattle free, the spring is there to ensure it stays closed (if it gets jolted over a bump, enthusiastic 'handling tests' etc).

I am toying with a simple (unsprung) hinged flap, with some kind of twist-90degrees type catch...

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:21:

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:09: Plus, the design I had involved pulling on the number plate itself to open it. Too stiff a catch or spring may involve the number plate bending, deforming, or the bolt holes pulling through the plastic or the plastic deforming around the number plate holes, or distorting or obscuring the numbers over time.....if the plate bracket was the same size as the number plate then fine as fingers could pull on the metal behind instead. As TB pointed out, his magnets where too stiff to open the bracket, so had to be spaced away, if applied to the design on my old car there is a risk of pulling the number plate off the bracket altogether. Poppers or Velcro catches may be either too stiff to pull off a flat surface, if you see what I mean. Poppers can be pulled off from one side at an angle, and Velcro pealed away from one corner. Magnets can slide of far easier than when pulled directly away. Spring loaded seems simplest, although TB made his magnets work well it's in addition to the spring needed anyway. But it's all by the by, been searching for most of the afternoon and only found my own car advert to be relevant  :D On mine, the magnets are the primary method of keeping it closed and rattle free, the spring is there to ensure it stays closed (if it gets jolted over a bump, enthusiastic 'handling tests' etc). I am toying with a simple (unsprung) hinged flap, with some kind of twist-90degrees type catch...

Have a look into Dzus Fasteners, that sounds like precisely what you want - either screwdriver operated or via a built in D-ring:
http://www.motorcycletoystore.com/sport/shop.php/motorcycle-fasteners/dzus-fasteners/p_33.html

Come in two parts - the fastener plate and the fastener itself. Mount plate to bumper, mount fastener to numberplate et voila.

On the aircraft many panels require  "easy access" but MUST be very secure. This is done using DZUS fasteners.... several types exist from screwdriver types to handle (wing nut) types ..

http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation/14014/css/14014_109.htm

HTH

:)

aaronjb wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:24:

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:21: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:09: Plus, the design I had involved pulling on the number plate itself to open it. Too stiff a catch or spring may involve the number plate bending, deforming, or the bolt holes pulling through the plastic or the plastic deforming around the number plate holes, or distorting or obscuring the numbers over time.....if the plate bracket was the same size as the number plate then fine as fingers could pull on the metal behind instead. As TB pointed out, his magnets where too stiff to open the bracket, so had to be spaced away, if applied to the design on my old car there is a risk of pulling the number plate off the bracket altogether. Poppers or Velcro catches may be either too stiff to pull off a flat surface, if you see what I mean. Poppers can be pulled off from one side at an angle, and Velcro pealed away from one corner. Magnets can slide of far easier than when pulled directly away. Spring loaded seems simplest, although TB made his magnets work well it's in addition to the spring needed anyway. But it's all by the by, been searching for most of the afternoon and only found my own car advert to be relevant  :D On mine, the magnets are the primary method of keeping it closed and rattle free, the spring is there to ensure it stays closed (if it gets jolted over a bump, enthusiastic 'handling tests' etc). I am toying with a simple (unsprung) hinged flap, with some kind of twist-90degrees type catch... Have a look into Dzus Fasteners, that sounds like precisely what you want - either screwdriver operated or via a built in D-ring: http://www.motorcycletoystore.com/sport/shop.php/motorcycle-fasteners/dzus-fasteners/p_33.html Come in two parts - the fastener plate and the fastener itself. Mount plate to bumper, mount fastener to numberplate et voila.

How much :o

Another idea was those press to latch/unlatch fasteners, again on a hinged flap. Or use a couple of them along with the magnets, and no hinge.

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:29:

..... Another idea was those press to latch/unlatch fasteners, again on a hinged flap. Or use a couple of them along with the magnets, and no hinge.

Velco would be your cheapest!  :y  :y

Andy B wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:31:

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:29: ..... Another idea was those press to latch/unlatch fasteners, again on a hinged flap. Or use a couple of them along with the magnets, and no hinge. Velco would be your cheapest!  :y  :y

I doubt that would pass an MOT. Also, when the velcro gets wet over time, the adhesive is likely to go off...

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:29:

aaronjb wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:24: TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:21: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:09: Plus, the design I had involved pulling on the number plate itself to open it. Too stiff a catch or spring may involve the number plate bending, deforming, or the bolt holes pulling through the plastic or the plastic deforming around the number plate holes, or distorting or obscuring the numbers over time.....if the plate bracket was the same size as the number plate then fine as fingers could pull on the metal behind instead. As TB pointed out, his magnets where too stiff to open the bracket, so had to be spaced away, if applied to the design on my old car there is a risk of pulling the number plate off the bracket altogether. Poppers or Velcro catches may be either too stiff to pull off a flat surface, if you see what I mean. Poppers can be pulled off from one side at an angle, and Velcro pealed away from one corner. Magnets can slide of far easier than when pulled directly away. Spring loaded seems simplest, although TB made his magnets work well it's in addition to the spring needed anyway. But it's all by the by, been searching for most of the afternoon and only found my own car advert to be relevant  :D On mine, the magnets are the primary method of keeping it closed and rattle free, the spring is there to ensure it stays closed (if it gets jolted over a bump, enthusiastic 'handling tests' etc). I am toying with a simple (unsprung) hinged flap, with some kind of twist-90degrees type catch... Have a look into Dzus Fasteners, that sounds like precisely what you want - either screwdriver operated or via a built in D-ring: http://www.motorcycletoystore.com/sport/shop.php/motorcycle-fasteners/dzus-fasteners/p_33.html Come in two parts - the fastener plate and the fastener itself. Mount plate to bumper, mount fastener to numberplate et voila. How much :o Another idea was those press to latch/unlatch fasteners, again on a hinged flap. Or use a couple of them along with the magnets, and no hinge.

£18 for 4..
http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catref=516293&tier1url=Bodywork&tier2url=Fasteners&tier3url=Mr-Fastner

TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:32:

.... I doubt that would pass an MOT.

I can't see why, mine are both fixed to the car with the double sided sticky tabs, ie no visible fasteners, Mr MOT Man doesn't grab hold to see how well fixed they are (mine doesn't).


TheBoy wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 17:32:

Also, when the velcro gets wet over time, the adhesive is likely to go off...

If both bits are properly cleaned, I can't see the glue holding any less well than the way my number plates are held ...... the Velco won't be taking the weight of the plate & hinge.  :-/

Or you could try from the usual place if you don't want to pay too much !

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DZUS-FASTENERS-FAIRING-PANEL-FASTENERS-4-PACK-/270655937981?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3f0459ddbd

Before I fitted the bracket, I was happy just to unscrew the existing number plate screw on one side and let the number plate tilt down to reveal the filler, just keep the screw driver in the boot.

But I think the bracket is more appealing,more convenient. if only we could find the maker   :'(

Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y

http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf

Just emailed them for a price.

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10:

Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf

Page 53 / 154  last item .. :)

As an alternative TB, how about a sprung hinge?

http://www.andersonlock.com/hinge_section/BommerHinge.htm

unless someone has already mentioned this idea.....

And how about hinging it at the top rather than bottom.

Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55:

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :)

Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs!

I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...?

Might be worth a post on one of the LPG forums? Lots of fitters hang around on those, and might know of a supplier?

Kevin

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:07:

Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :) Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs! I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...?

but some people only care about whether it works & not what it looks like. That's why you see fill points in rear quarters, not even colour co-ordinated. Same as some are OK with a towbar modelled on the Forth Bridge, others have detachables.

As said, I have a length of stainless hinge in my garage doing nothing  :y  :y  :y

Andy B wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:51:

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:07: Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :) Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs! I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...? but some people only care about whether it works & not what it looks like. That's why you see fill points in rear quarters, not even colour co-ordinated. Same as some are OK with a towbar modelled on the Forth Bridge, others have detachables. As said, I have a length of stainless hinge in my garage doing nothing  :y  :y  :y

Thanks Andy, stick our name on it if you don't mind? But as I'm sure we all appreciate, got more enough on with these cars without making number plate brackets, although it looks like it may well come to that.

My personal list of jobs just tripled with another omega to service, convert, irmscher up, fit traffic master, harmen car den, telematics loom, swap interiors about, fit rear blind etc, and that's just on the black car.  :'( should be worth it though  ;)

Kevin Wood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:29:

Might be worth a post on one of the LPG forums? Lots of fitters hang around on those, and might know of a supplier? Kevin

Sound like an idea  :y

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:00:

Andy B wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:51: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:07: Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :) Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs! I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...? but some people only care about whether it works & not what it looks like. That's why you see fill points in rear quarters, not even colour co-ordinated. Same as some are OK with a towbar modelled on the Forth Bridge, others have detachables. As said, I have a length of stainless hinge in my garage doing nothing  :y  :y  :y Thanks Andy, stick our name on it if you don't mind? But as I'm sure we all appreciate, got more enough on with these cars without making number plate brackets, although it looks like it may well come to that. My personal list of jobs just tripled with another omega to service, convert, irmscher up, fit traffic master, harmen car den, telematics loom, swap interiors about, fit rear blind etc, and that's just on the black car.  :'( should be worth it though  ;)

Some kind of garage?  :-?  ;) ;D

aaronjb wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:05:

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:00: Andy B wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:51: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:07: Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :) Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs! I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...? but some people only care about whether it works & not what it looks like. That's why you see fill points in rear quarters, not even colour co-ordinated. Same as some are OK with a towbar modelled on the Forth Bridge, others have detachables. As said, I have a length of stainless hinge in my garage doing nothing  :y  :y  :y Thanks Andy, stick our name on it if you don't mind? But as I'm sure we all appreciate, got more enough on with these cars without making number plate brackets, although it looks like it may well come to that. My personal list of jobs just tripled with another omega to service, convert, irmscher up, fit traffic master, harmen car den, telematics loom, swap interiors about, fit rear blind etc, and that's just on the black car.  :'( should be worth it though  ;) Some kind of garage?  :-?  ;) ;D

House  ;D

Debs. wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 14:37:

"Pimp my Ride" would`ve have that fitted with an electric, remote control linear-actuator in no-time! ;D

(aka... blu tack)

chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:30:

aaronjb wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:05: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 21:00: Andy B wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:51: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 20:07: Entwood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:55: chrisgixer wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 18:10: Found it, PDF catalogue third of the way down, described as "number plate hinge system"  ::) silly me not googling that  ::). Anyway, looks exactly as mine, sorry, my old one. :y http://www.fesautogas.co.uk/catstp2009.pdf Page 53 / 154  last item .. :) Their supplier no longer makes them, not enough numbers, well it's hardly suprising considering how well it's been advertised, ffs! I'm guessing two of us are interested? If they could find another supplier...? but some people only care about whether it works & not what it looks like. That's why you see fill points in rear quarters, not even colour co-ordinated. Same as some are OK with a towbar modelled on the Forth Bridge, others have detachables. As said, I have a length of stainless hinge in my garage doing nothing  :y  :y  :y Thanks Andy, stick our name on it if you don't mind? But as I'm sure we all appreciate, got more enough on with these cars without making number plate brackets, although it looks like it may well come to that. My personal list of jobs just tripled with another omega to service, convert, irmscher up, fit traffic master, harmen car den, telematics loom, swap interiors about, fit rear blind etc, and that's just on the black car.  :'( should be worth it though  ;) Some kind of garage?  :-?  ;) ;D House  ;D

Over excited VW fanatic?

Oh, wait, that's a Karmann Hardon. ::)

Kevin

Kevin Wood wrote on 14. Nov 2010 at 23:07:

Over excited VW fanatic? Oh, wait, that's a Karmann Hardon. ::) Kevin

;D ;D ;D That was a genuine LOL .. ;D

I think I have just ordered one of these, not sure as it's in German  :-/

http://www.autogasparts.eu/webshop/docs/webshop.asp?act=catalog&keywords=Number+plate

See if it turns up  :-/

chrisgixer wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 13:08:

I think I have just ordered one of these, not sure as it's in German  :-/ http://www.autogasparts.eu/webshop/docs/webshop.asp?act=catalog&keywords=Number+plate See if it turns up  :-/

Plus it's a bit steep...  :'(

chrisgixer wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 13:08:

I think I have just ordered one of these, not sure as it's in German  :-/ http://www.autogasparts.eu/webshop/docs/webshop.asp?act=catalog&keywords=Number+plate See if it turns up  :-/

Let me know when it turns up :y


What was postage like?

How about one of these?  Looks like you'd need to 'come before you go' so to speak!  :D ::) ;D

http://www.kewego.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftI9L.html

PhilRich wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 13:15:

How about one of these?  Looks like you'd need to 'come before you go' so to speak!  :D ::) ;D http://www.kewego.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftI9L.html

Yeah, saw that last time you posted it  ::)

chrisgixer wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 13:08:

I think I have just ordered one of these, not sure as it's in German  :-/ http://www.autogasparts.eu/webshop/docs/webshop.asp?act=catalog&keywords=Number+plate See if it turns up  :-/

;D ;D ;D It's Dutch   ;D ;D

Kneepad wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 15:31:

chrisgixer wrote on 22. Nov 2010 at 13:08: I think I have just ordered one of these, not sure as it's in German  :-/ http://www.autogasparts.eu/webshop/docs/webshop.asp?act=catalog&keywords=Number+plate See if it turns up  :-/ ;D ;D ;D It's Dutch   ;D ;D

Oh sh!t, sincere and unreserved appologies to the Dutch.  :-[ how rude is that?  :-/  ;D


Just received an email alert/order confirmation, will be shipped today. Fingers crossed.  :)

Postage was about 6 euros iirc, plus the bank will want an exchange rate no doubt  :'(

Arived today.  :y

chrisgixer wrote on 01. Dec 2010 at 23:53:

Arived today.  :y

And?

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 19:58:

chrisgixer wrote on 01. Dec 2010 at 23:53: Arived today.  :y And?

And what?  :-/

chrisgixer wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 20:50:

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 19:58: chrisgixer wrote on 01. Dec 2010 at 23:53: Arived today.  :y And? And what?  :-/

Worth me getting one?  Any good?  How far does it open?

Hi res pics! Now!

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:05:

chrisgixer wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 20:50: TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 19:58: chrisgixer wrote on 01. Dec 2010 at 23:53: Arived today.  :y And? And what?  :-/ Worth me getting one?  Any good?  How far does it open? Hi res pics! Now!

It's the same, exact same. Opens to same angle...as it's, er, the same......as the old one....yep.  :)

So opens to about 120 degrees, and no way of latching open?

How do you hold it open whilst trying to ram a bloody nozzle in, twisting handles etc etc (I can see the latching trigger type bing easy, but the more common (this way) type where you have to twist the handle before pulling it back)?

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:11:

So opens to about 120 degrees, and no way of latching open? How do you hold it open whilst trying to ram a bloody nozzle in, twisting handles etc etc (I can see the latching trigger type bing easy, but the more common (this way) type where you have to twist the handle before pulling it back)?

Trigger type wedge it open with the filler cap...and hold the nozzle sideways, I have a tow bar so any further is pointless, but the twist lever type nozzle does go on with a fiddle.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/e41c6170.jpg

So you wedge open with the LPG cap?

I can see the awkard type being a PITA with that...  ...mind you, it opens wider than that photo (assuming I'm not a pikey)?

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:22:

So you wedge open with the LPG cap? I can see the awkard type being a PITA with that...  ...mind you, it opens wider than that photo (assuming I'm not a pikey)?

I suspect some nibbling away of the metal surrounding the spring ends will allow further opening, but don't want to do too far or the spring might weaken...?

chrisgixer wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:28:

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:22: So you wedge open with the LPG cap? I can see the awkard type being a PITA with that...  ...mind you, it opens wider than that photo (assuming I'm not a pikey)? I suspect some nibbling away of the metal surrounding the spring ends will allow further opening, but don't want to do too far or the spring might weaken...?

Think I might need a gander at yours, when are you next passing ;D

TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:32:

chrisgixer wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:28: TheBoy wrote on 02. Dec 2010 at 21:22: So you wedge open with the LPG cap? I can see the awkard type being a PITA with that...  ...mind you, it opens wider than that photo (assuming I'm not a pikey)? I suspect some nibbling away of the metal surrounding the spring ends will allow further opening, but don't want to do too far or the spring might weaken...? Think I might need a gander at yours, when are you next passing ;D

When you set the date for the oxford meet ....?