Calif. BLACK license plate - yellow/orange color?

[DougVieyra]

The original BLACK California license plate that came with my Model A when I took over ownership back in 1965 or so, is finally becoming difficult to read, as the letters/numbers are all turning (like the black plate itself) an indiscernible brownish color (rust).

I have no wish to 'restore' the plate to its 'new-like' original condition, but I would like to repaint the letters/numbers again, so as to escape being 'pulled over' by the CHP/police, for a non-readable license plate.

Are there any California 'Black Plate' owners who have painted their numbers/letters the yellow-orange color? If so, what do you recommend as the paint / color that would best to the job?

[J Franklin]

Most colors can be found in spray cans, certainly black. model enamel orange might work also, best for the letters.

[4port]

One Shot lettering enamel. 134L Chrome Yellow

[DougVieyra]

Thanks "4Port", that is exactly the information I am looking for. I appreciate the time and effort you put into your response - the photo really helped.

[Russ B]

I looked at a couple plates and my One Shot color chart. The 134-L chrome yellow matched my "restored" CA 1929 plates, but the 132-L Lemon Yellow was a better match for my near mint original 1963 CA black plates. I would probably add a bit of 191-L imitation gold for an even better match.

[Terry, NJ]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Go to my profile and you will see my attempt at lettering a license plate. It's a 1930 Pa. plate but that orange color seems to have been used by every state. Pa used it as a background color in one year and reversed it the next. I used Caterpillar orange in a rattle can.
Terry

[DougVieyra]

Re: RussB, Post #6:

Thanks for that input, Russ. That is exactly my situation. The California black plate on my '28 Phaeton went on my car in 1963, when I brought it back to California; so I needed a color match to the newer black plate of the 1960's, rather than the black plate of the 1930's - and, as you state, there is a slight difference.