When collecting my panda I was advised to check the rear No Plate and how it was fitted. I was also told that if it only had two screws then more than likely the dealer had not fitted them properly and drilled through the tailgate's metal panel. On collecting the Panda I spoke to the Sales manager who I know well and told him that I was conserned that the plate had not been fitted properly and that the tailgate may rust if they had screwed into the panel.
He told me not to worry as they were fitted using a special template and all panda's were done this way with no one ever complaining and that if it did rust then they would be at fault and have it fixed under waranty.
Well when chnging over the No Plates I found this......
Not only has the screw been forced into the tailgate causing a small dent to both sides, But as the hole was never treated when screwing into the bare metal it has started to rust (easilly seen if you zoom into the left screw hole)and on a car that is just over 7 months old
I will be returning the car to the sales manager soon with a told you so and asking that the tailgate be replaced. I can't believe that they used tape AND screwed into the metal :nutter:
The propper method of fitting the plates was strange to me but this is how they should be done........
On the tailgate Fiat fit 4 plastic inserts to attach the No plate as you can see on the above pic however if you try to screw into these they give way as if they are broken (they are not) it took a couple of minutes to figure out but the small plastic parts that give way are designed to be attached to the No plate first.
You need to remove the plastic square inserts (missing in the pic as they are attached to the No plate) this can be done by screwing into them and when they give way pull them out OR push them through. You will need to remove the lower part of the tailgate trim to retreive them.
Once you have the 4 square inserts attach them to the No plate by placing a screw through the No plate and whilst holding the square insert with a pair of pliers or grips tighten the screw till the plastic insert is tight against the No plate. Once all 4 are done the No plate is just pushed in. The round plastic piece on the tailgate grips onto the square plastic insert fixed to the plate. It's quite tight, a bit like a virgins first encounter, so you need to push with a little force till it clicks in place. Job done.
Be warned that the holes have to be exact so well worth making a template first.
It is a bit off a faff BUT it's how they should be afixed. To be honest double sided plate tape is 1000 times easier but as said if you want them done as Fiat intended at least you now know how....
He told me not to worry as they were fitted using a special template and all panda's were done this way with no one ever complaining and that if it did rust then they would be at fault and have it fixed under waranty.
Well when chnging over the No Plates I found this......
Not only has the screw been forced into the tailgate causing a small dent to both sides, But as the hole was never treated when screwing into the bare metal it has started to rust (easilly seen if you zoom into the left screw hole)and on a car that is just over 7 months old
I will be returning the car to the sales manager soon with a told you so and asking that the tailgate be replaced. I can't believe that they used tape AND screwed into the metal :nutter:
The propper method of fitting the plates was strange to me but this is how they should be done........
On the tailgate Fiat fit 4 plastic inserts to attach the No plate as you can see on the above pic however if you try to screw into these they give way as if they are broken (they are not) it took a couple of minutes to figure out but the small plastic parts that give way are designed to be attached to the No plate first.
You need to remove the plastic square inserts (missing in the pic as they are attached to the No plate) this can be done by screwing into them and when they give way pull them out OR push them through. You will need to remove the lower part of the tailgate trim to retreive them.
Once you have the 4 square inserts attach them to the No plate by placing a screw through the No plate and whilst holding the square insert with a pair of pliers or grips tighten the screw till the plastic insert is tight against the No plate. Once all 4 are done the No plate is just pushed in. The round plastic piece on the tailgate grips onto the square plastic insert fixed to the plate. It's quite tight, a bit like a virgins first encounter, so you need to push with a little force till it clicks in place. Job done.
Be warned that the holes have to be exact so well worth making a template first.
It is a bit off a faff BUT it's how they should be afixed. To be honest double sided plate tape is 1000 times easier but as said if you want them done as Fiat intended at least you now know how....
