I replaced the original US spec plastic rear license plate carbunkel with the European style license plate lights and trunk release mounted in the correct space under the trunk lid edge on my 2005 DB9. I got the European style license plate lights + trunk release mechanism from the UK bits web site.
Dismantled the US spec structure by loosening trunk lid inner lining, and unbolting all the parts, disconnecting the wiring plug. The European unit uses the exact same plug. Leaves several large holes, six of which are not covered by a US license plate. I had these filled and painted by a local body shop (perfect color match btw).
Up inside the trunk lid is a plate held by three cross-head screws that serves not much purpose in US spec, but is a mounting plate for the European style unit. However the original openings in that plate do not match up to the new unit and I had to drill out four holes for the mounting bolts, and two larger holes for the license plate light bayonet bulb fitments. Mounting the new unit was then simple, though I needed to caulk it in as no gasket provided.
See attached pics.
Dismantled the US spec structure by loosening trunk lid inner lining, and unbolting all the parts, disconnecting the wiring plug. The European unit uses the exact same plug. Leaves several large holes, six of which are not covered by a US license plate. I had these filled and painted by a local body shop (perfect color match btw).
Up inside the trunk lid is a plate held by three cross-head screws that serves not much purpose in US spec, but is a mounting plate for the European style unit. However the original openings in that plate do not match up to the new unit and I had to drill out four holes for the mounting bolts, and two larger holes for the license plate light bayonet bulb fitments. Mounting the new unit was then simple, though I needed to caulk it in as no gasket provided.
See attached pics.
