As I'm slowly restoring my Mustang...I want to do something about my black and yellows, although they are pretty straight and rust free...they are faded and dull...would love for them to look like new...I want everything on my ride to look good, lol.

Many say it's illegal to restore California license plates...but then I read this, from out of all places...ehow.com...

"There are laws on the books in California regarding how to properly display license plates as well as the proper size of plates, but no laws specifically cover license plate paint jobs. There's no regulations on the books in California against repainting a vehicle's license plate. Refurbishments are completely legal as long the the paint job does not disguise or modify the license's raised numbers and letters, or the word "California" that's printed on the plate."

http://www.ehow.com/how_7568975_repa...nse-plate.html


I've been searching for the best prices...many charge an arm and a leg...but I found this one through another Mustang forum...$70 per plate...which will include:

Chemical bath - paint removal
Media blast - removes rust
Metal work - straighten frame; repair holes,pits,dents
Prime- 2 coats of automotive catalysed primer
Base coat - 2 coats of automotive paint in the correct historic color (Faux reflective--white only--can be done at no extra cost.)
Hand lettering - lettering enamel in the correct historic color
Clear coat- high gloss or satin (your choice)

http://www.vintageplaterestoration.com/Home_Page.html

http://www.vintageplaterestoration.com/Services.html


Anybody else thinking of doing this?

Or have already done this?

Anyone dealt with that particular restoration service?

My plates (last three digits covered to protect the innocent, lol)...








I have the new registration tag...but have not placed it yet...in case I go through the restoration first.

If I have them restored, I wonder what's to be done with the tag on the left (OCT)...since that one is not issued by DMV...only the tag on the right (CA 2013).


Thanks for reading!

 

I'd check with the state rather than take ehow's word for it before I put any money in restoring them.

 

The month tag is issued by DMV. If you take in your registration paper and tell them the old one in no longer legible, you can get a new one. Don't remember if there is a small charge or not.

If you want to try doing them yourself before you send them off (I did my front one, the back was good enough), the yellow is chrome yellow (school bus yellow). I bought a spray can. Sprayed a little in the lid and used a small bush to paint. The spray paint isn't very thick, so it took several coats.

 

Thanks about the info regarding the month tag, I'll do that.

...and yeah...just to make sure, I'll go to the DMV...and clear things up.

Thanks for the painting instructions as well, but I'll hold off until I settle the legalities, lol.

 

I'm going to send them a letter regarding this matter...

Driver License Inquires
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

I also downloaded the PDF form to request a replacement Month tag.

Thanks, hopefully I'll get some answers.

 

I have seen this repair done in a video on-line, I am sure you can find it. They painted the plate the color of the numbers, then used heavy clearcoat. Then they lightly scuffed the clear everywhere but the numbers and did the main color all over and allowed it to dry. Then, they wet sanded the numbers until the number color came through, the clear protected against burn through past the number color and into the primer.

Once the numbers are exposed and clean looking they covered the plate in clear and had a plate that looked original.

 

First, I hope they answer you. Second, I hope it is by someone who actually knows what they are talking about. You can access the Calif. Vehicle Code on line. There are rules about reflectorized plates, mounting location, number of plates, etc. I can't find anything that prohibits you from repainting the old non-reflector plates back to the original colors. If you hear different back from them, I'd be interested in hearing the authority (which vehicle code section) they quote.

 

mailed two separate letters today, one requesting the Month sticker, and the other about license restoration, I'll keep you guys updated.

 

I think half the coolness of YOM plates is that they are original. Personally, I wouldn't restore yours. They look pretty good.

 

Thanks!

Still thinking about it, waiting for a response from the DMV.