Do like the Lexus license plate look but as mentioned previously - VW is a bitch when it comes to using LEDs and you'll need resistors to make them function properly.
Looked into this myself because I continously have to change one light after the other. The OEM lights keep fading after a few miles (always run with my lights on though).
How did you manage to get into the headlight to change the sidelights? Took the bumper off then?