Digital cert tag alternative locations

[v8e36]

Hi there

Regarding the new LVVTA data tags, I see these are commonly drilled and riveted in place in the engine bay or the door jams

In my situation I have an immaculate vintage BMW where putting those tags in visible places in the engine bay or door jam would ruin the originality of the vehicle and also be an ugly look when taking the vehicle to concours events for competition purposes. There is also the risk of rusting when drilling into these exposed locations, furthermore if the cert tag is ever removed (for whatever reason) would require welding and painting of the area so avoiding damaging the engine bay or door jam steel with a hole drilled would be best avoided.

What are other acceptable places these could be mounted? I understand they have to be solid mounted chassis parts, not parts that can be unbolted.

I think there is space inside the boot of the car for it to be mounted on fixed parts of the car. At least that way it can have the tag but wont spoil the OEM condition of the vehicle with a non original looking part in an exposed, photographed area.

What are places that will be acceptable?

Does the tag have to be riveted or can it be installed with high quality double sided tape? (some are extremely strong)

[Chris]

Aug 18, 2022 21:45:11 GMT 12 v8e36 said:

Hi there

Regarding the new LVVTA data tags, I see these are commonly drilled and riveted in place in the engine bay or the door jams

In my situation I have an immaculate vintage BMW where putting those tags in visible places in the engine bay or door jam would ruin the originality of the vehicle and also be an ugly look when taking the vehicle to concours events for competition purposes. There is also the risk of rusting when drilling into these exposed locations, furthermore if the cert tag is ever removed (for whatever reason) would require welding and painting of the area so avoiding damaging the engine bay or door jam steel with a hole drilled would be best avoided.

What are other acceptable places these could be mounted? I understand they have to be solid mounted chassis parts, not parts that can be unbolted.

I think there is space inside the boot of the car for it to be mounted on fixed parts of the car. At least that way it can have the tag but wont spoil the OEM condition of the vehicle with a non original looking part in an exposed, photographed area.

What are places that will be acceptable?

Does the tag have to be riveted or can it be installed with high quality double sided tape? (some are extremely strong)

Hi Mike

I understand your concerns and we are asked this question occasionally, but there is no leeway for show cars to "hide" the EDP as the tag must always be installed in a visible location, the suggested location is in the left hand side door opening. This is so they are easily found by a vehicle inspector and safe for the police to inspect when on the side of the road. We have also allowed them to be installed on the firewall next to the VIN number.

Regarding the installation of the tag, unfortunately we have no alternative to securing it with a rivet. There may be an existing hole in the door opening that can be utilised providing it is a suitable size. 

Cheers

Chris

[v8e36]

Aug 19, 2022 8:19:42 GMT 12 Chris said:

Aug 18, 2022 21:45:11 GMT 12 v8e36 said:

Hi there

Regarding the new LVVTA data tags, I see these are commonly drilled and riveted in place in the engine bay or the door jams

In my situation I have an immaculate vintage BMW where putting those tags in visible places in the engine bay or door jam would ruin the originality of the vehicle and also be an ugly look when taking the vehicle to concours events for competition purposes. There is also the risk of rusting when drilling into these exposed locations, furthermore if the cert tag is ever removed (for whatever reason) would require welding and painting of the area so avoiding damaging the engine bay or door jam steel with a hole drilled would be best avoided.

What are other acceptable places these could be mounted? I understand they have to be solid mounted chassis parts, not parts that can be unbolted.

I think there is space inside the boot of the car for it to be mounted on fixed parts of the car. At least that way it can have the tag but wont spoil the OEM condition of the vehicle with a non original looking part in an exposed, photographed area.

What are places that will be acceptable?

Does the tag have to be riveted or can it be installed with high quality double sided tape? (some are extremely strong)

Hi Mike

I understand your concerns and we are asked this question occasionally, but there is no leeway for show cars to "hide" the EDP as the tag must always be installed in a visible location, the suggested location is in the left hand side door opening. This is so they are easily found by a vehicle inspector and safe for the police to inspect when on the side of the road. We have also allowed them to be installed on the firewall next to the VIN number.

Regarding the installation of the tag, unfortunately we have no alternative to securing it with a rivet. There may be an existing hole in the door opening that can be utilised providing it is a suitable size. 

Cheers

Chris

From my perspective door jam seems the worst area because of the rusting potential, granted its a wet area.

Drilling into the firewall is difficult as there is a thick layer of insulation across it, there are no bare steel gaps. It also seems like a risk because you dont know what is behind it (wires, a/c equipment, insulation)

In the boot of my vehicle there are two easily visible locations direct to steel where the tag could be mounted on the left or right side, instantly visible as soon as the boot is opened. No carpet would cover it as the carpet actually has notches around the area which would not obscure it in anyway. It would just need the thin carpet notched in this area circled in yellow so the tag can sit flush with the fixed steel work. Surely this is acceptable?

[Chris]

Hi Mike

If you are concerned with rust, you can provide the certifier with an anti-rust coating for the holes and I am sure the certifier will dab some on if you ask them nicely. Also the certifier appreciates that there is always the potential for wiring behind where they need to drill, and they will take this into account as they are professional tradesmen.

FWIW - my experience of the holes rusting from fitting a cert plate is nil concern. I had my vehicle certified 10 years ago and recently had the cert plate removed to repaint the engine bay and rust around the holes was absolutely zero.

You can see in the picture below that there are 4 holes on the right hand side under the strut tower from where the cert plate was fitted and this area is subject to far more water than any door jam. Water sprays directly off the tyres onto the underside of this area. Unfortunately, the rest of the engine bay has rusted much worse than the cert plate holes  .  But the good news is it is much better and less rusty now  .

Cheers 

Chris

[v8e36]

I hear what you're saying.

Sounds like the easiest least troublesome place will be next to the original BMW vin plate tag on the inside wall of the engine bay on the drivers side, would the tag be suitable riveted next to this plate location?

This photo is not from my car but the same layout.

[Chris]

I cannot see the relative location to the rest of the vehicle, so can't confirm if it would be suitable, but if it is an easily accessible and visible location on a part of the engine bay that cannot be unbolted, it is probably acceptable.


Also I found a more recent photo with much less rust... 

[v8e36]

Is that a VK Commodore? Beautiful colour. Could appreciate that all day.

Here is a photo of the BMW build plate tag, its on a fixed remember next to the airbox.

[Chris]

Aug 19, 2022 15:25:31 GMT 12 v8e36 said:

Is that a VK Commodore? Beautiful colour. Could appreciate that all day.

Here is a photo of the BMW build plate tag, its on a fixed remember next to the airbox.

Close, it's a VH and yes that location looks suitable.