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Old 07-13-2021, 09:33 PM   #1
Slopey1939
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Default Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

So many years ago (about 2002) I located a prince of a guy that did license plate restoration in Walnut Creek, CA. He did the two 39 plates and they were beautiful and still are. $85. Then he retired a few years ago. I know, it was a long time ago but now from what I have seen restoration of plates is running $300 to $400! My second set of plates are in VG good condition but not quite good enough to complement the second car.

Any referrals or information regarding plate restoration would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you.
Dave
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Old 07-13-2021, 11:30 PM   #2
tomcarman
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Here's a link I used. Plate came out nice and accepted by DMV. Also there are several restorers listed in Hemmings.
https://www.oldlicensefarm.com/contact.html

Thread you might be interested in,
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ate+nice+legal
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Old 07-13-2021, 11:42 PM   #3
Slopey1939
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Tomcarman,
Thank you sir. I will certainly follow up the information you have provided.
Regards
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Old 07-14-2021, 08:00 AM   #4
325w
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Man on the Hamb in st Louise does a great job on plates
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Old 07-14-2021, 08:43 AM   #5
richard crow
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

some states like new york will not except restored plats. you have to restore them after you reegster them. check with your state
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Old 07-14-2021, 09:21 AM   #6
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

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If you are a Early Ford V-8 Club member, check the last issue of the V-8 TIMES. A very nice gentleman in Michigan does them for about the same price as you stated you paid for the first pair of plates.
Dont have the information with me -- check him out. (maybe some V-8 member will help me out here) Fast, correct service. He also has color descriptions for most states for most years.
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Old 07-14-2021, 09:40 AM   #7
Zax40
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

How bad of plates can they fix?

My '40 plate has a bullet hole in it. DMV did not care though and it kind of adds to the character.
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Old 07-14-2021, 09:47 AM   #8
TJ
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Contact Duane Wells in Michigan. He advertises in the V-8 Times magazine in the "services" section. Ph# 517-371-3225. He has done two sets of plates for me and a great job. He's also very reasonable.
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Old 07-14-2021, 01:22 PM   #9
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Another plug for Bjorn Larson at The Old License Farm. He fixed me up with a plate for my '46 pickup, when nobody else could.
It's a beauty and I had no problems getting it registered. Due to it being a scarce plate (only trucks got a plate in Washington in '46), it wasn't cheap but, it was well worth it to me. Very pleased with his customer service and communication also.
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Old 07-14-2021, 03:18 PM   #10
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

I've never used him for restoration but I have bought CA YOM plates from him and was very happy with the plates I bought. He is in Pasadena, CA and on the HAMB.

http://www.oldpl8s.com/
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Old 07-15-2021, 05:33 PM   #11
52flthed
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

I used Brian Mabry (423) 716-8094

[email protected]

What I found was amazing is the process he uses is exactly like the state uses or used back then; the paint or ink is printed on. Its not painted on with a brush -the difference is night and day. Use him if you are looking for a very high quality restoration at a reasonable price point.
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Old 07-15-2021, 06:00 PM   #12
Dan McEachern
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Larry Hoeft has done a great job for me on several sets, and he won't break your piggy bank.
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Old 07-16-2021, 02:55 PM   #13
corvette8n
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

I did this one myself, painted the red first, then masked the numbers and carefully cut around the numbers with a razor knife. This plate is for display at car shows as I have some YOM NY plates the car is registered with.
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Old 07-16-2021, 03:31 PM   #14
Anteek29
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Quote:
Originally Posted by corvette8n View Post
I did this one myself, painted the red first, then masked the numbers and carefully cut around the numbers with a razor knife. This plate is for display at car shows as I have some YOM NY plates the car is registered with.
Good job!
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Old 07-16-2021, 04:43 PM   #15
nelsb01
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

TJ supplied the person I was talking about. You can find others, but Duane knows his stuff and like I said, if you have a year plate with not paint on it, he has the manuals to find the correct colors to restore it.
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Old 07-17-2021, 04:40 PM   #16
std1940
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

If you want the absolute best check Restore A Tag.
Warning very pricey!
WWW.RestoreATag.com
The topper and plate pictured in this post is his work.
Tom.
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Old 07-18-2021, 09:25 PM   #17
52flthed
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Quote:
Originally Posted by std1940 View Post
If you want the absolute best check Restore A Tag.
Warning very pricey!
WWW.RestoreATag.com
The topper and plate pictured in this post is his work.
Tom.
Tom- was that some kind of special VIP original issued plate from 1940 or a new one Shaun made for you? A 1940 plate that reads 1-940 that’s pretty unique if it’s from back in that time. Also the topper what’s the story behind that? Thanks for sharing!
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Old 07-20-2021, 08:10 AM   #18
Pat/Ohio
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Duane Wells just restored a single Ohio 1947 plate for me. He did a fantastic job on it. Fast turn-around also.

Stay Safe,
Pat
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Old 07-26-2021, 10:20 PM   #19
Slopey1939
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

Thank you all for your input. Much appreciated. It will certainly help with the project. Oh, the plates are already registered.
Dave
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Old 07-27-2021, 07:19 PM   #20
woodiewagon46
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Default Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration

What I would suggest is to do your research on all the companies that have been mentioned. I have a friend that sent his plates to one of the companies mentioned and his plates are a work of art. BUT, do you really need two coats of clear after the plate has been painted and rubbed out? I prefer plates that look original, the way they were issued. You can over restore a car and you can over restore license plates.
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