painting a new lic plate OG black and yellow??

[caddyhack]

I live in California and im getting new white with blue lettering lic plates..as everyone knows it adds 10 more cool points to any ride that has the OG black with yellow plates. I was wondering if it would be illegal to paint the new lic plate black and yellow?
I know theres a guy at pamona swapmeet that repairs or remakes your old beatup plate but i belive he only does it to your origional plate not ant new plates..
Any help would be appreciated thanks
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[jonathan-m]

I would be very leery of modifying a license plate in any way.....

[chevyrestoguy]

Black plates are too cool

Here's the issue, though. The original black plates were usually 6 digits (3digits, then a space between, then three digits) and the word "California" was stamped into the plate, and they were steel. The new plates are 7 digits, the word "California" is a reflective decal, and they are aluminum.

If you have a cop that knows what he's looking at, he can spot it from 50ft away, and that would be a bad thing. I think it's considered a felony(?) to tamper with a license plate.

I have thought of every scenario to have black plates on all my old stuff, and there are ways, but you've got to do it when the vehicle has been out of the DMV system for over 6 years and is off the records. You can re-license black (or blue) plates but you have to act like they were on the vehicle "back in the day" and the hoops you have to jump through will cost you a bit of money.

It can be done, though.

[socaljess]

dont risk it not worth it find some og plates
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[caddyhack]

I know that you guys have been to pamona swapmeet if you live in california.. Ive seen a guy there every show that does something to plates, Does he only remake your old bent and rusted plates?
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[chevyrestoguy]

That guy at Pomona will sell you a matching set of plates, either restored or unrestored. He also has a service to restore your old plates.

If he's the guy I'm thinking of, he's always on the end of the row by the concession stand. His plates are really nice, but he's real proud of his stuff ($$$).

If you really want black plates, start looking at ebay and Craigslist and try to find a matched set. Then go to your DMV or AAA and start the process. It's always better to walk in and ask questions first. Don't bring your plates in until you make darn sure you've got your ducks in a row. The DMV used to always demand that you surrender your black plates if you were re-licensing your old car. That's why it's worth every penny to get a AAA membership. Those ladies that work at the DMV are not very nice or helpful. They changed the law in California 2 years ago to allow the old black plates on collector cars. Our trucks qualify as collector vehicles.

Don't overlook the blue plates, either. Those things are cool, too. And, you could personalize your blue plates starting in the late '70s.

[Surfdaddy]

There is a guy at Pamona that sells used clean title plates. You can take that plate to the DMV and have is reissued to the truck. I did something simular to that on my VW last year. The car fell off the DMV (been sitting since 84)but still had the blue / yellow plates. Since it was off the list the plates were clean. The DMV issued me new plates (White) and I filled out a form requesting that the old plates be issued. I think it cost me 20 bucks in fees. Other than waiting in line for the DMV it was pretty painless. Even for the Ca DMV.

[61_FL_Apache]

I dont know about CA, here in FL we can re-register old plates like this. I have one coming back from the state with a new decal on it making it legal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[Surfdaddy]

I agree, try and find a set of plates. Go to the DMV website and run the plates to see if they are on the list or not. Then start the process. Once you get the plates it should be pretty painless

[61_FL_Apache]

Here is a set from 63. I dont know what years CA used decals on their tags.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1963-VINTAGE-CAL...item3a64300201

A set from 64-66?

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-1964-1966-C...item3365e7eb77

I know in FL we cant use a tag 76 and newer. 1976 was the first year for the decals.

[oem4me]

Here's the deal, I know because I've done it. You can now register a set of black and yellow plates to your age appropriate car or truck if the vintage plates you have are in good shape and are not similar to any plates currently registered. This is commonly referred to as being DMV clear.
Never pay big bucks for a set of plates unless they are guaranteed clear. Anyone can call the DMV in Sacramento and request a search on up to three sets of plates at a time to see if they are clear/usable.
Your current registration or lack of registration has nothing to do with being able to do this (unless you owe back fees or something). Also, the AAA is an outstanding value for the benefit of most DMV type stuff, but they DO NOT do special registration stuff like this. You MUST go to the DMV.
Another useful tidbit, if you can show an old outdated registration proving that your vehicle once wore the black and yellow plates that you still have, then re-registering with those plates is easy.
Now, if you find a set of black and yellows that are clear, and want to put them on your 66 truck, you are going to need a 1966 sticker to go on the rear plate covering the 1963 that is stamped into it. Either NOS or good reproduction stickers will work.
Like I said, I know because I've done it.

[caddyhack]

Why would you need a "1965" sticker to cover the year "65" thats stamped into the plate.. because thats where the current registration sticker goes and it would cover it up anyways??? Right??
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[oem4me]

Originally Posted by caddyhack

Why would you need a "1965" sticker to cover the year "65" thats stamped into the plate.. because thats where the current registration sticker goes and it would cover it up anyways??? Right??
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The black and yellow plates that would be correct for our trucks (actually just 63-66) all have "63" stamped into the recess in the upper right. You will need the correct sticker that corresponds to the year of the vehicle that you want to register. A 1965 truck needs a 65 sticker, get it?
When you register a YOM plate, (or Year of Manufacture, which is the correct legal term) the DMV sends you two little metal tabs or extensions that attach to your rear plate. You are supposed to put all current stickers on those tabs and leave the vintage plates alone. Of course, when you get home with the stuff, you can do what you want.

[Surfdaddy]

I found this guy on Craigslist. maybe he has comercial plates for your truck



http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...269467685.html

[61_FL_Apache]

In my expierence in FL, if its stamped you dont need a sticker.

[62ShortStep]

oem4me has it right on the money. I've done it too.

[blackmopar]

i mighta lost something stated above - i often do!

i have black/yellow plates on my 64 but they are ROUGH - I thought if I evenhinted to DMV that they are bad they would make you surrender for current white/blue

how do I get new black/yellows?

[62ShortStep]

There was a recent post about restoring your own plates. Clever, low cost, and they looked great.

Or you can buy another set and register them under the YOM program.

[C/10 King]

Don't try this at home kids!

[oem4me]

sweet! nice work. how long you been using the plate and have you ever been questioned by the law?

[C/10 King]

Originally Posted by oem4me

sweet! nice work. how long you been using the plate and have you ever been questioned by the law?

Thanks, my wife does nails for a living and painted my first plate and frame about ten years ago, so far no problems. Here's a couple more.

[rcrahn]

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Don't try this at home kids!

In my best Sgt Schultz impersonation....I see nothing, I know nothing!!!!!!

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Don't try this at home kids!

That's a slick idea!

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Don't try this at home kids!

Slick idea, but you have to be really careful. Especially if you get pulled over by a cop who is versed on the numbers and digit sequencing of black plates.

Here's a simple breakdown:
Black Plates 1963-1969: 3 letters, then a space, 3 numbers (i.e: ABC 111), unless it was a Commercial plate (truck), then it was 5 numbers and a single letter (i.e: I55 123). Also, you could get a black Commercial plate up until early 1972.

Blue Plates 1969-1982: 3 numbers, then a space, then 3 letters (i.e: 111 ABC). In 1980, they went to 7 digit plates. In 1982, they eliminated the blue plates and went to white reflective plates.

If a cop really knows what he's looking at, you can get ticketed for having a truck with a non-commercial plate on it.

So, if you want to put a black plate on your truck, make sure you find a commercial plate to start with. It'll be easy to spot....all numbers and one letter at the beginning.

A little trivia: the current commercial plates have all letters and one number!

[caddyhack]

Wow all of those plates look *****in.. i wasnt planning on grafting the top from another plate i was just going to paint the california in yellow at the top of the plate and see if i could make it pass.. i think being on an older car most people/cops arent going to question it??? Even though it has 7 numbers it doeznt look out of place to me
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