i have 2 1936 license plate . one is on my 36 as florifa lets you do this.did the plates use reflective paint then . can i just go have the plate color matched and use auto. paint .any ideas welcome to best way to repaint them as one is onback of car it should be done right for sure. thanks

I have used a matching color of Krylon Spray can with good results. To do the numbers and letters I spray some on a sheet of rubber then press the plate face down on the rubber to transfer the paint on the raised portion. No, they did not use reflector paint back then. Hope this will help.

Down here in Aus repainting licence plates is not allowed and by rights should fail the annual inspection if they are faded or have not been painted by the DMV. It may be different there of course.
Tony

Florida plates in 1936 did not have reflective paint. You can use regular automotive paint but you have to send the plate to Tallahassee for authentication before it can go on your vehicle. I sent my 1936 FL plate to Mojo Artworks for painting then sent it to Tallahassee.

Mine was pretty crusty. I had it blasted & etch primed. I used auto primer/surfacer (called high build primer these days) to fill the rust pitting. I then used Ace rattle can paint to paint it. Masking for the numbers was challenging. I didn't use reflective paint.

your plate turned out very nice...good job

Hey Tiny,that plate almost looks as good as the beautiful car its attached to. Very nice.

A Hemming's editor took this photo of my 48 Fleetline license plate at the Hemming's Stratton Car Show in Vermont.



The plate is original with only a few scratches and cleaned up nicely with a shot of Meguiars cleaner/wax.

Thanks man. What a great find, an unmolested plate like that. I'm jealous.

Avoid the wood pile

Hey Tiny.....I've actually got a matching pair of the original plates, both in pretty decent shape. If the state of Vermont ever decides to let collector car people register thier cars with year of manufacture plates, I'll be all set.

And Chef Chevy, wood piles always scare me and my Aero since that collision in my garage......



We were out for a drive this Fall and the Aero started to pull to the left as we approached this pile, but I fought the wheel and got by safely

It almost looks like the pile is watching your approach

Fotunately in Connecticut,owners of antique vehicles can mount and use the year of manufacture plates-as long as you keep the modern antique plates in the vehicle.I found a pair on Ebay a year or so ago and I think it adds to the appearance of the car.Although it was restored 26 years ago,I wanted to add a little something to it and keep it period correct.Hopefully Vermont will allow YOM plates soon Ken! Here's a picture with the YOM CT plates at a cruise this summer.

In Washington State if your car is 25 years or older and it is not a daily driver you can register your original plates for a one time fee of $85.If I remember correctly You must have 2 plates to register but only need to display 1

How cool is it for Dave to have "original" plates that start with "53" on
his great looking 1953 Chevrolet!!
Way to go Dave!!!!

Hi Bill,the plates with the 53 right in the middle just turned out to be luck,didn't notice it until someone pointed it out.The plate on the rear of the car is a little weathered near the top,but,the bumpers' cross section hides it well enough.These plates are have a reflective paint on them that works marginally well.Perhaps I'll have them restored one day,but,for now I'll leave em as is.