Thread: license frame for early plates

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Does anyone know of a source for license frames, preferably lighted, for early large format license plates? I'm using a 5 5/8" X 13 1/2" 1932 Washington plate on my '32. So-Cal has a 6 X 14 frame for CA plates, but the hole spacing is too narrow (7 1/2" compared to the 9" I need). I have 2 pair of mint plates with sequential numbers - which must be somewhat rare.

new 32 roadster,
If you find out, let me know because my 1932 Texas plates for my roadster are about the same size and hole spacing.
Thanks,
Jim

There's a guy in the Vancouver, Wa area who mills some from aluminum. He's usually at the swap meets, but they're over until the fall. He has been at the GG deal in Puyallup, but haven't seen him there the last couple years. I'll contact a buddy who lives down there and see if he has a number for the guy.

As for lighting, you'll probably have to use the lighted plate bolts that a company named DEI (Design Engineering Inc.) make. They're called Lite'n Boltz, P/N 030301, available at Summit and many other hot rod part dealers. Or any other kind of light you like.

Here ya go, I guess he's in Portland. Jim Mannthey.....503-669-0943

Uncle Bob,
Thanks for the info. I think I may look around at the parts stores and swap meets and maybe I can find some matching frames and make my own. I have a friend in the welding/fabrication business who is a semi-old school car guy. He has a tig and super good.
Jim

Generally speaking, hot rods from the good ol daze didn't have license plate frames.
Not in my SoCal town anyway.

I run my present day cars the same way except I make an 18 gage stainless backing plate for them.
Same size as the plate and it helps keep them from getting bent up.

Not much detail to be seen, but here's a pic of the frameless plate on the front of my 32 roadster.

California requires a front plate and Arizona - where I now live - doesn't.
The plate shown is from the yearly spring Route 66 Fun Run.
Law enforcement doesn't seem to have a problem with a non-official front plate and most folks around here run one.
They usually say Ford, Dodge, team names, Arizona and things like that.

Thanks,
Another great idea and I agree that around here there weren't many plate frames unless they given as a freeby.
Jim

Bob - thanks for the tip. I will try Jim and report back.

Reporting back - great tip! Jim Mannthey at Jim's Vintage Parts had exactly what I needed. He has two types, with or without bottom bolt holes, and also said he has some NOS adjustable frames. Cost was $37 including postage.
BTW this was my second inquiry to CHR and both times I quickly got exactly the info I needed. A great resource, muchly appreciated.

Darryl T.