MTFCA Forum

I just acquired a 1926 Va plate in good condition, just surface rust. I want to get it restored. Does anyone know who can restore plates? Thanks

Google: mtfca license plate restoration

Brian Mabry.
He does beautiful work.
https://finishyourplates.com/
I’ve had several sets done and they are perfect.

Lee Lawson in Arkansas has done several for me, and lots of other folks. He also does repair if they need it. His work is impeccable. leelawson1374@att.net

Looks like you have options. Here is who I use.

Before:


After:


Larry Scott:


That was $95 plus shipping. I sand blast the plates before I send them to him. He is in Denver, but I think he does all states.

Good Luck!

Rich

Apparently some states won't let you use refinished plates, even if they exactly match the original colors. I haven't done it, but I often thought the solution to that was to get approval for the plates first (if needed), then have them refinished. I think the chances of being stopped for having nice clean plates is pretty minimal.

Yes, at least one state says you may not use a restored plate. Another state says it must be restored. In either case, how do they know whether it's restored or NOS?

Massachusetts does not allow a year-of-manufacture plate to be restored, but prior to my moving south I had seen several YOM plates that were obviously restored. I have never heard a story about either a cop or a state vehicle inspector being enough of an AH to say anything about it. Here in Florida the process is to visit the local tax collector's office (they handle registrations) to have the number cleared. This is usually not a problem because Model T era plates use a different numbering system. You then have the plate restored and send it to the DMV in Tallahassee to have the restoration approved. They then return the plate with your registration and an expiration sticker that is the same as the ones that they give to modern vehicle registrations. I didn't want it on my plate so I made an aluminum "topper" that uses the top right license plate bolt. I put the sticker on that and so far in five and a half years, nobody has said anything about it.

Brent Mize wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 07, 2022 6:54 pm

Brian Mabry.
He does beautiful work.
https://finishyourplates.com/
I’ve had several sets done and they are perfect.

Got a quote from Brian today for $395 plus $15 s/h to restore my two 1925 Michigan plates. I’m going to pass for now. The state has approved them for use as is, so that’s what I’m going to do.

If your state does not allow yom plates, buy personalized plates with the same numbers and or letters as the restored yom plates and now you are legal. If ever stopped, just pull out the modern plate with the same numbers and letters from under the seat. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/antique.html

...
If you are providing vintage license plates, then the year embossed on the license plate must match the model year of the vehicle. In addition, DMV must inspect and approve the physical condition of the vintage plates.

To register your vehicle with antique or permanent vintage license plates, DMV charges a one-time $50 registration fee.
...