How to fit a magnetic number plate on a steel tailgate using the Plateless Steel The Show Kit. Four extra-strong pads stick to your plate, which grips directly to the steel — no holder, no drilling.
A clean rear plate for vans, pickups, and steel tailgates
If your vehicle has a steel tailgate — common on vans, pickups, and 4x4s — fitting a rear number plate the traditional way means drilling into metal or using adhesive pads that can leave marks. The Plateless Steel The Show Kit is designed specifically for steel tailgates. It uses four extra-strong magnetic pads that stick directly to the back of your number plate — the plate then grips straight onto your steel tailgate. No holder, no drilling, no adhesive on your vehicle.
Which vehicles is this for?
The Steel The Show Kit works on any vehicle with a steel rear tailgate or barn door, including:
- Vans (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro)
- Pickup trucks (Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Isuzu D-Max)
- 4x4s and SUVs with steel tailgates (Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser)
- Classic cars and kit cars with steel rear panels
If your tailgate is plastic or fibreglass, see our Multi Plate Kit – Plastic Bumper instead.
What's in the kit
- 4 x extra-strong Plateless magnetic pads
- Everything needed for a tool-free fit — no holder, no brackets
Step 1 — Clean your number plate
Wipe down the back of your rear number plate to remove any dust or grease. A clean surface ensures the pads bond properly and stay put.
Step 2 — Stick the pads to your plate
Peel the backing from each of the four magnetic pads and press them firmly onto the back of your number plate — one in each corner. Hold each pad for 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
Step 3 — Mount the plate to your tailgate
Hold your plate up to the steel tailgate in your desired position. The magnets will grip the metal surface immediately. Adjust the position before pressing firmly. That's it — your plate is fitted, secure, and ready to go.
Tip: The four-pad layout spreads the magnetic force evenly across the plate, keeping it level and stable even at motorway speeds.
Removing the plate
Pull the plate away from the tailgate by hand — it releases cleanly with no tools and no marks left on your vehicle. Perfect for track days, shows, or simply keeping your rear end clean.
Is it road legal?
Yes. UK law regulates the number plate itself (font, size, and reflectivity to BSAU 145e standard) — not the method of attachment. Magnetic fitting is fully compliant and widely used across the UK.
Why magnetic over drilled?
Drilling into a steel tailgate creates rust entry points over time, especially on working vehicles exposed to the elements. A magnetic fit avoids this entirely — and if you ever sell the vehicle or want to swap plates, removal takes seconds with zero trace.
Get yours
The Steel The Show – Steel Tailgate Plate Kit is available now at Plateless. Four extra-strong pads, no drilling, no damage — built for vehicles that work as hard as you do.