Crash Dummy

Jeff(no radio) mentioned in another thread about registering cars as antiques and going with the license plate year that you might own. I'd like to put a set of '71 plates on the one I just got and read how some of you paid $50+ for a set. Are the auctions on E-bay not realistic plates or is there something specific to look for when looking for a set of plates? I really don't feel like showing up at the DMV and having them try to arrest me for fake plates.

Here are a couple of auctions. Run for the hills?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=14040
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=14040
(This one claims some had the *19* while most did not)

Tom73

To use the year of manf plates in Texas on your car it must be registered as an Antique or as a Classic. (Must be 25 years old or older). Before you can use the plates you must take them to your regional DMV office and have them approved. Once approved, about two weeks, they will send notice to your county tax office and you can then register your car using the plates.

I have three registered that way. For the first one I bought some NOS plates for about $60. The other two got plates off of ebay at about $30 each.

Dwayne 76

Isn't there a driving restriction with Antique plates?

WPEDirect

According to the DMV - Antique plates are...

"Issued for passenger cars or light trucks that are at least 25 years old and collector's items. The vehicle must be used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, or other functions of public interest and in no case for regular transportation."

Check this link for more information - http://www.dot.state.tx.us/vtr/sppla...ate.htm?nbr=70
:eek:


[Modified by WPEDirect, 10:51 PM 7/25/2003]

Crash Dummy

You beat me to it WPEDirect. All I want to know is.... "Can I get away with buying plates like above on E-bay?"

And Jeff made the note that you don't have to go through yearly inspections as an antique. True?


[Modified by bgrice, 10:54 PM 7/25/2003]

Dwayne 76

Thats what I thought :eek:

Tom73

But Classic registration does not have any restrictions other then the car must be 25 years old or older.

tom...

Dwayne 76

Really? Ok.

Crash Dummy

What's the advantage of having the car registered as a *classic* if anything? I noticed Texas had special plates for such thing. Can I assume you can register the car as a classic and still use the plates for that year? And yes... if I can get around paying Texas $48 for a yearly stupid sticker and another sum to have it inspected by some fictitious rules I will look into it.

Dwayne 76

Question: Do you have to pass an emmsions test in Texas for a car over 25 years?

Crash Dummy

We are exempt at 25 years, but I don't even want those zeroes making decisions as to what they think is acceptable even before that time. How many of you who never let anyone except the wife drive your vette enjoy having someone joyride it while you are not in it? I guarantee you that the average IQ in Pearland tripled when I moved in and the automotive part had it in negative territory. Proud to say it's at least a *3* now. :cheers:


[Modified by bgrice, 11:17 PM 7/25/2003]

WA 2 FST

Re: inspections in TX

Just get to know a decent local shop owner. Most of these people just drool over a nice clean "hot-rod". Over 25 years, like you said you don't have to worry about it, and the place I get it inspected...they just look and go "wow, a big-block. Cool!" and proceed to slap a sticker on it. :)

You do not want to register the thing as an Antique. Yeah, maybe it will save you a few $$, but then technically you cannot drive the car wherever/whenever. What is the fun in that?

I have personalized plates on both my Vettes, but I do think the old plates are cool. Good luck in your search!

Dwayne 76

Old Plates? Are these Old plates like novelty plates?

Tom73

As far as I can tell there is no advantage, you still pay the standard registration fee plus an additional $15 and you must have the annual safety inspection. For this they will give you special "Classic Plates" (Pictured below). But it will allow you to run the year of manf plates.



With "Antique" there is no inspections and the registration is good for 5 years. But you have limits on the use.

By the way, those are some nice looking plates on ebay. But the first one only shows one of the plates. I would ask for a pic of both plates before bidding on that one.

tom...


[Modified by Tom73, 11:46 PM 7/25/2003]

Dwayne 76

Oh I see, thats why you search for the plates on eBay, got it now.

flynhi

I have a new set of 71 plates - never installed, still in plastic sleeve with Texas prison rodeo paper insert.
$60 plus shipping.
will_shepherd@hotmail.com

rrent

Hey, flynhi - did you ever use that set you got from me?

I didn't read each post carefully, but if no one mentioned it - you will need to take the plates you hope to use down to the DMV, so they can check to be sure they correct and in good shape and they mail paperwork to your county tax accessors office - where you go pay your regestration plus a lttle extra.

I keep a set current even on my '52 Studebaker and 67 ElCamino which I don't ahve on the road currently -cause if they expire its a little bit of a chore just to get them reinstated. Don't ask how I handle the "proof of insurance" questions on these.

good luck
Ronnie

flynhi

rrent - Yes, I'm using them now.

Crash Dummy

flynhi....

You have mail!

carbster09

bgrice,

I have been trying to figure out the plate question for my 71 LS-5. I am in Houston. I have been to the tax office and they helped. Just looking for a 71 plate. I might take up one of the offers here.

Funny thing I just started this issue a few days a ago here.

I am going the classic route when I find a plate number that I like. :)

carbster