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Painting old license plates

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TR6oldtimer

TR6oldtimer

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I just pulled out my original plates, CA Blue with gold letters, and they are rusty. Is any one in California aware a law against restoring the paint?


Seems like a shame to put those back on the car next year after all the work I will have in it.
 
The blue and gold California plates are soon to be included in the yar of manufacture law.

There is a guy here in Fresno who restores old plates. I can get his name if you want, or you can select from some of his unused old plates.
 
Larry, that's a great site you posted, thanks!
 
one time back in the '80's I decided to clean the oil and grime off the rear license plate of my corvair. I used oven cleaner and took off all the paint (that was unexpected!!), but I repainted it myself and nobody ever complained.
 
SCguy said:
You can order reproduction originals. https://www.cr8apl8.com/
Click to expand...

Thanks for this site link. If I just skip a couple of pizzas, I will have new ones.

I wonder what state institution provided their training?
 
Doubt it's legal in WA. Here they ship new plates every 5-7 years because the Reflective paint wears off and charge us a nice tax of ,I think,$25.
 
CA law prohibits 'tampering' with the plates in any way, which I've heard includes repainting them, removing dents, etc. However, as long as it's not obvious, I doubt you'd ever get hassled over it; and it should only be a "fix it" ticket if you do.
 
New York is the same way in use of "YOM" (Year of Manufacture) plates; they don't allow repainting. But they're not terribly strict about it, since I've seen at least a few restored NY plates that had better finish than many show cars. :wink:

Also, to get approval to use YOM plates on a historical vehicle, one need only send a photo of same to DMV's Special Registrations office, and it might be difficult at best to judge restored v. original in a photo.
 
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