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

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

Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration
 

Tomcarman,
Thank you sir. I will certainly follow up the information you have provided.
Regards

Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration
 

Man on the Hamb in st Louise does a great job on plates

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

Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration
 

Good job! ;)

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.

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.

Re: Could Use Some Help With License Plate Restoration
 

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!

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

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

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.