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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 138
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How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
In CA, you can't reassign old plates to your vehicle unless it's older than 1962. I want to paint the new plates on my truck to look like the cool yellow on black '69 plates.
I took a newer blue on white plate off my garage wall to try and make it look like a 69 plate, just for practice. Basically painted a thick yellow coat on there, then black, and rubbed the black off the letters. Here's the test plate pretty much done: ![]() I'm going to give it another shot with a mustard yellow, this one is too bright. The main problem is the new CA plates I have don't have the embossed state name. So I'd either have to try stenciling/masking it onto a flat surface, or maybe easier, cutting up some old plates and welding the top half onto my plates. Do you guys think I'm taking this too far? It seems like the only way to get black/yellow on my truck that it originally came with. I don't see how the cops would mind, if they even noticed. The only way they'd know is that it's a new numbering sequence.
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1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 04-25-2007 at 02:00 AM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 4,034
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
trust me as a former cop, they will notice. you will get pulled over and somewhere there will be some reg that allows them to either impound your ride, put you behind bars or in the very least harass you and make you walk.
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"Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!" |
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#3 |
Long Fleet Club
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Deer Park, TX
Posts: 5,666
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
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Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 138
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Quote:
May I ask why? That just seems like an awful dickhead thing to do to someone trying to make their classic truck look original. The vehicle code does prohibit you from covering the plate with anything, whether clear or not, obviously paint woudl fall into that category. I'll have to look up the penalty, but I think it's at most a fix it ticket. Is the purpose of reflective plates to make speed/laser targeting easier? I've always wondered this, as the front plates seem to serve no other purpose, especially on a sportscar. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
it is pretty risky, and i have thought about doing it myself because i like the block and gold plates more then the blue ones but im glad i have the blue ones since the newer white ones are everywhere and it is illegal
but you can find an old plate and have it registered to your truck if you really want the black and gold plate
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 138
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
As I said in my first post, you cannot do this for vehicles newer than 1962. Trust me, if it was that easy I would.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; 04-25-2007 at 02:36 AM. |
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#7 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Idaho
Posts: 4,034
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Has to do with the traffic code being a cops best friend and a crooks worst enemy. Gives police a hugh leash to pull over suspect vehicles, sniffing out what is not ordinary. The fact that the plate has way to many numbers for the model of plate will definately get someone to pull the vehicle over. Kind of like is that plate legal and is everything on the up and up or did they just not want to pay California taxes, stole the vehicle, etc. etc. etc.
I use to ask the following when I would as for permision to search a vehicle It is just to make sure that you don't have any weapons, drugs, knives, stolen nuclear weapons and stuff like that. What most people don't know is that you can say yes you may search my vehicle but only the glove box or only the top of the back seat. You are allowed to specify. Quote:
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"Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!" |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 138
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I don't have anything to hide, not a crook, so nothing to lose. But I see your point.
What about the front plate issue though? Next time I get pulled over I'll be sure to tell them to not search the hidden gun compartment, or the coke vial in my anus.
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1969 C10 Stepside, 350ci, 700R4 Last edited by CentralCoaster; 04-25-2007 at 03:01 AM. |
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#9 | |||
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
![]() i believe the front plate is for easier identification, both by eyes and with the traffic cams but im not 100% sure why theyre required
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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#10 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Basically,you can`t use common sense when it comes to the law.It iswhat it is and you are powerless if you`re outside of it.You don`t have bad intentions,but that`s beside the point here.With all the people a law governs,it has to be the best for all concerned.Generally what that means is the laws are about bad people,not peole like you.We suffer for the bad apple`s decay.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#11 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 155
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Gotta love California.
You could do what you're talking about for a show only car. If you modify your plate colors on a new plate, in nearly any state, you're asking for trouble. Lots of the police are car guys, nice people, etc..probably most. It only takes 1 that's having a bad day to start asking legal questions about your plate, you, your truck, etc. In TX you can assign proper year plates to your vehicle, so for say..a 1972, you can get 1972 plates and can legally have them after going through a mild amount of paperwork/hassle. |
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#12 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Crystal City, MO
Posts: 106
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I put the original 1968 plate that my Grandfather had on the front of the truck. Asked local Police if this was OK and they said as long as my back plate is legal that it is OK to run the old '68 plate. I keep the legal front plate under the seat just in case though. Ask your local Police, but I'd put your legal plate back the way it was and look on evil bay for a plate of the year you are looking for.
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#13 |
Dave's not here, man
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Winder, Georgia
Posts: 2,000
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I pulled this from the California DMV site:
Altered License Plates 4464. No person shall display upon a vehicle a license plate altered from its original markings. Added Ch. 1478, Stats. 1959. Effective September 18, 1959. Wonder how much that would set you back?
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- 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250 |
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#14 | |
R.I.P. E.S.L.L.
![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA.
Posts: 11,419
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Quote:
I would not run altered plates or anything else that would get me pulled over. Not worth the hassle or expence. I get enough of that just being married.
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1971 Custom C/20 ![]() 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God. |
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#15 | |
MOVE OVER
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Warrensburg, MO
Posts: 5,470
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Quote:
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No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 138
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I'll ask a San Diego cop first.
In the meantime, I'm going to put a scrolling marquee across the tailgate that displays my speed at all times. This will make it easier for cops to arrest me for speeding. I'll reflectorize the entire front of the truck and print my social security number on the hood to help them out with their red light cameras. Keep in mind in CA, it's illegal to even put clear license plates covers on. |
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#17 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Crystal City, MO
Posts: 106
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
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#18 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 246
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
in texas, they used to ahve cool black plates you could get for classic vehicles, but now they are crappy.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/...nbr=73&type=AC seems all the DMVs are getting away from the quality looking stamped plates these days. ![]() |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 3,728
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
In Oregon, you can refinish an old plate to the original color, but not change the color.
I remember my brother repainted his plate in California and got hassled a lot. It was the original colors, but because it was hand painted (looked great though) it was another reason to get pulled over on site. He had other issues though ![]()
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New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210 |
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#20 | |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Quote:
If you *do* choose to do this, the paint needs to be reflective like the original. I would skip it though - there are a couple of reputable websites online that make replicas of original classic license plates with all of the reflective material, etc. I would assume they could make one so close to the real thing for Kalifornia classic plate that even a LEO couldn't tell. I see one of them that frequently posts (I think) on Craigslist here in ATL. I've seen the repop plates, they are nice...can't provide more info than that. you'll need to hunt on your own.
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If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 04-25-2007 at 11:22 AM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Alabama
Posts: 120
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I'm a criminal justice grad. Here in Alabama you can't have anything on your tag. Even a tag holder(like in 68wip's pic above) . Now people have them of course, and no one gets a ticket , except when the officer suspects you are under the influence , but you haven't broken any traffic laws . The tag holder gives him enough cause to pull you over.
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#22 |
Active Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Marysville, OH
Posts: 667
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
I always thought the front license plate rule was kind of goofy for custom cars (before red light cameras and such). I always think to myself "If you need to see the front license plate number on the front of my large, turquoise, lowered 57 GMC AMBULANCE to radio another officer to be able to tell them what to pull over, maybe you shouldn't be a cop".
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1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab *FOR SALE* 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed *SOLD* 1996 C3500 Dually *SOLD* |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Canton, TX
Posts: 210
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
Move to Texas!!
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
:rulz: I'm not running a license plate on the front of my wife's car - it's one of those things in Callifornia that you usually can get away with. At the dealer they make you sign a form that says they gave you the bracket for the plate, so you can't blame them. Maybe I'll rethink that one.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD ![]() Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Posts: 310
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Re: How illegal is this? Modifying license plates to look original...
In kansas it is legal to registar your antique vehicles with a dated tag doesn't even have to be from that vehicle as long as the year on tag matches the year of the ride.
I bought an original never issued 1972 kansas plate for my truck.
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72 ![]() Last edited by 2nd_wnd; 04-25-2007 at 05:44 PM. |
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