I just got hold of a 1929 Florida tag to use on my 29' model a sedan. I went down to the DMV to find out what needs done to use this plate to register my sedan. The lady looked at me with the deer-in-the-headlights look when I asked what I need to do. After she went and found a supervisor she came back with a form that I must mail to the state dmv with a few requirements: 1. My info(name, dl #, etc) 2. My vehicle vin # and ***le # 3. The license plate itself to verify its a real tag My questions(which they couldn't answer) are this. My ***le is a 1929 model a ***le, but its not in my name yet, and its a ***le from a different state. Of course I can't get the ***le switched into my name without a tag. Kind of a catch 22................. Do I just send in the ***le information as it sits and explain my predicament in the letter?? And lastly, the tag itself is very restorable, but covered in surface rust as it sits. You can't even tell the colors on the tag. If I send the tag like this, are they likey to deny using it because of its current condition, even though it can be restored easily? Sorry for the novel, just wondering what other Hamb'ers have done even in different states with their similar situation. Thanks for any help! Dan
I don't understand, how can you have a tag before switching ***les? In michigan, you take in the old ***le, get a new one in your name. Then photocopy the vintage plate send it, a copy of the new ***le, insurance, and form to the S.O.S. and they send out the new registration. Just photo copy in black and white, all they want to do is verify the plate hasn't been reissued yet.
All states are different. Ca requires the car to be registered as the the year of vehicle and in current owners name, one other requirement is it has to be before 1966 after that CA went to one style plates. I took my plates to the powder coat people they blasted and coated to the era color, than took to a pinstriper and he striped the numerals and letters to era matching colors. Its best to have a sample plate in good condition for color samples, I was lucky I took mine to people who have been in hot rodding for ages and they new and the end result is you can't tell the difference in colors.
Yeah, you're right. I started thinking about this too after I posted this, and I can't get a tag without the ***le being switched into my name. I called dmv and got a decent lady on the phone. She told me I have to first switch the ***le into my name first. This I can do without a plate. Then once the ***le is in my name, I send the ***le info and tag in for evaluation. I still do wonder if they will reject the plate because of its current condition, even though I can have it redone? The dmv gives me a headache....... Thanks for the input guys
Well, it's bad news and more bad news I'm afraid, at least here in Florida. I've done four year of manufacture plates so far. The vehicle does have to be ***led in your name, and have proof of insurance. You have to fill out all the little forms, add a letter requesting the tag be authenticated in your name for your car. The BIG catch is the plate must be in really good shape, it has to be original, not restored to p*** their requirements. If your 29 plate is not a 9 on a scale of 10 they won't approve it. If you restore it before sending it in, they will reject it. One thing you can do is restore the plate and put it up on the roof for a few months and let the new wear off of it and it may fly. The other catch is if the plate is rejected, you don't get a refund. I can point you to a guy with a couple of good 29 plates, but don't know if they are for sale, but it's worth a try.
Tried to edit my last post did not work, my computer illiteracy. Sorry I reread your post after reading Aaron51 and realized a different side of your question. So I take it you have a vehicle ***led in another state and got the tag of the state that you currently reside. You have to get the car ***led into your name in the state you reside in first. Take your ***le and registration ( do not take your tags at this time) to DMV they will guide you thru the process, also ask them about the laws governing using plates for the correct year. Like I said before every state is different. When the vehicle is in your name and in the state you reside take your refurbished tags in, I waited approx 6 mos. These tags you should have them cleared before you go in and be fore you spend anything. Its time consuming try doing this in CA
Man, thats what I was afraid of......On a scale of 1-10, my plate is maybe a 2.8 The lady at the dmv looked at it and said "why would you want to use the tag, its so rusty?". I told her the car looked about the same as the tag Well sh*t, I'm not sure this tag is even worth sending in. Its never easy....... Thanks for the info man P.S. If you could ask your friend about his plates that would be great. You can pm me whenever you can-Thanks again Dan
No problem Gerry. Well I can get the ***le switched over first, that should be easy enough.?.... But now I'm not sure they'll approve the plate because of its current condition. I've heard they can be fussy about the condition, like olddaddy said. Hmmm Now all I need is for my ***le to be unusable to complete the deal.........
I have sold multiple OLD plates to guys that cut them up and s***ched them for there own personalized units .. they were okayed
might see if your state has a vehicle code book. here in california the book is a thick as a phone book, reads like radio instructions but is really usefull on stuff like this....plus it's only about $3 or sometimes you can get the previous year for free. also here in cal you need to have 2 plates (one during wartime) and have to be sorta clean looking. i've done 4 cars so far big key here is to find a dmv to work with you or try another one.
Dodgerodder, you will have to buy a NICE plate. Florida usually will not accept a restored plate. I have a really nice plate on my 49 chevy. Go to www.flpl8s.com This is the cat who I got my plate from. He has nice stuff! Gonna be pricey for a 29 plate but much better than that stupid blue antique Fl. plate. Insure it when you send it in (with return reciept requested) When you get it back throw a little bit of clear on it or in no time it will look like the one you have now Been watching your progress on here and your car kicks ***!!!
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