Hi, Minnesota DMV (where I live) allows year of manufacture plates on vintage cars. I'm looking for a 1929, but don't see anything for sale that I really like. I've heard of companies that custom make vintage plates, but an on line search din't turn up any 1929 Minnesota listing. Does anyone have experience with this, or have a recommendation? Thanks, Joel
Every state is different but in California you must use original plates for YOM registration. Are you sure you can use reproductions in Minnesota? Charlie Stephens
There are several sites on line that will make a custom reproduction of any year or state out of aluminum. Washington State allows original plates to be used but they require them to be inspected for authenticity before you can use them. In other words, no aluminum plates.
Washington used aluminum for their plates at least back to 1947 (and I'm pretty sure even further) so plate material isn't an issue. But repo plates are verboten, and generally are in most states. You'll have to check your local laws to see, and they usually get pretty excited if you try to pass off repos as vintage. They're generally OK for 'display only' though... Up until the mid-50s, not all plates were the same size from state-to-state either (which is why the plate mounts used to be adjustable), but the feds finally stepped in and standardized them in their current size.
Not all of these are exact duplicates (at least the Washington ones offered), show up with those and they'll get confiscated and you may get a stay at the barred hotel...
I just need 1 for this car. MN requires 2 plates, except on collectors, 1 will be accepted. I was hoping to get a combination or letters and numbers that I like. Not sure what yet, but maybe work the cars name (L29) or the year into the plate.
MN does not inspect the plate. The law just says needs to be in good condition, and not already be in use.
If you go to the web site you will noticed they no longer make repro California plates,,, I think they got a 'talk to' from the state.
That's interesting, in Mo you have to get an original plate and confirm the number sequence is not in use. Mn. actually let's you makeup your own set of number's on a repop plate?
Oh Boy... I see this heading for a train wreck somewhere down the line. I see this as being well received as using repo vin tags, open unsigned titles, etc.
I'm not saying they let you make up your own. It is supposed to be an original y o m plate in good condition. But they don't require you to bring it to the DMV, or inspect it. So if i make one, and it dosen't look like a vanity plate, it should fly.
This car is a Cord L29, So if I would do something like ACD L29, and that is not in use, I think they would accept it. I could cut up some original plates and weld them back in the order I wanted and paint it. But buying one would be a lot easier!
Joel; You need to take a good look at post 7 again, and realize that what's being pictured is the only structure you can get by with. Three numbers, a dot, and three numbers. IF Minnesota had a an "L" in that left margin, in place of the "B" that's shown, that's all you can hope for. If you go mucking around and build your own, with the alpha-numeric structure that you propose, you run the risk of getting stopped by some state trooper that knows what he's looking at, and having him confiscate the whole car just on principal. That being said, you could check with Ron Hargrave, down in Webster City, IA, and see what he might have. No website on his business card, but his phone number is 515-832-5344. He's been restoring plates since '97, and I got my '23 Iowa plate from him. Just my opinion.....Roger
Minnesota plates for 1929 are going to start with an A , B ,T or X. ACD L29 never existed and i doubt would fly if you made one yes, the state doesn't inspect it , but every on one i have used they wanted a photocopy of it i had to look long and hard for this one:
Most states seem to prefer to manufacture them "in house" by a carefully "vetted" fabrication crew... jus' saying...
SC lets you use "vintage plates" IF its an un-used number and it original! They can be "touched-up" but the numbers/color/letters need to be original. In years past SC required two plates......now they just require one. Sooooo what about that poor smooow that has an old FRONT plate and Bubba has the same number REAR plate?! Owwwwwwww...I got a headache! 6sally6
My Washington plates, 1935,1942 and 1945 are steel and can be picked up with a magnet. Washington didn't make a plate in 1946 which is why I can use a 1945 plate on my 46 Caddy.
Its seems like a bunch of risk to get a plate like ACD L29. That no one but the owner will know the meaning, or a sharp state trooper. My2c just find a mint clear 1929 set and rest easy.
This guy makes custom leather license plates. He will be st the 2019 Bakersfield Swap Meet. http://leatherplates.com Jim
As mentioned earlier you can't just make something like that up. If that combination of letters and numbers was not used in your state in 1929 then step away from your welder and step away from your repro licence plate maker, do not pass go and do not collect $200. Actually your hair brained scheme could end up costing you considerably more than $200
If it's for display only, go for any custom plate you want. If you plan on licensing and driving the vehicle on the street, the only way I'd go is a real, original plate. Just not worth the risk.
I don't know what the law is in Minnesota, call your local DMV and find out the REAL answer. If they don't know at the local level ask if there is an office in the state capital that could answer the question. Charlie Stephens
Thanks for all the help guys. Some you worry a lot more about being 100% legal than I do. In old cars, and especially hot rodding, 75% legal sometimes has to do.