Restoring license plates on Classic Ford Broncos
I found a vintage tag for my Early Bronco on Ebay. Anyone know the best type of sandpaper and paint to use to restore it? Got any idea what California state law says about using original license plates?
Replies
David- This is probably the most extensive answer someone could have given about the CA DMV requirements. Can't thank you enough!
I've got a buddy who can help me with the actual restore of the license plate, so awarding all points to you.
If you have the original blackplate in your possession and it's licensed to your vehicle, there are places online that will print useable reproductions. I've never used them myself, but apparently it's legal. Do a Google search to check it out.
I love black plate classics...it's even better when you have the original numbers for the car.
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Accepted Solution
by: DavidPosted on 2010-08-09 at 16:58:51ID: 33395782
I don't know about the paint but California and many other states have a “Year of Manufacture” (YOM) law that allows vintage cars to be registered to use vintage license plates. Here in California, the YOM law applies to 1969 and earlier cars or 1972 and earlier trucks. For Broncos, 1972 and earlier models can do this.
You can only use a plate that matches your model year. If you have a 1967 model year vehicle that was built and originally sold in 1966, you will need a set of 1967 plates. Both plates are required! Single, unmatched plates are not allowed.
The plates must be serviceable as determined by the DMV. I have heard that you can restore the plates but have not confirmed that. (I have also heard that in some states restored plates are not allowed.)
The numbers on the plates cannot currently be in use. New plates were issued every year for a while. If someone has already registered a number for their vehicle and your plates have the same number, then you are out of luck. Make sure your plates are “cleared” (i.e. not in use) by the DMV before you buy them.
You can contact the California DMV to see if a set of plates is clear. Their number is 1-800-777-0133 and make the selections to get an agent. The 800 number agents know of the YOM law and can quickly check to see if the number is in use.
When you are ready to license your vehicle, you must go to the DMV office and plan to spend some time. Most likely you will get a clerk who has never done this before and will have to take time to look up form number 352 and then to locate the procedure in their loose leaf binder.
Make sure you take the following items:
* Your currently registered plates.
* The plates you wish to register.
* Your current registration papers.
* Your ownership certificate (“pink slip”).
* Proof of current insurance.
* A check or cash totaling $45.
When you leave the DMV, you will have your YOM plates and a window sticker to show temporary registration. The DMV will keep your previously registered plates and your current registration and ownership paperwork.
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