Re: YOM License plate frame

Posted by BH On 2009/10/24 14:08:12

Bob -

Though, I don't mean to speak for everyone, I haven't been able to check in daily in some time. That said, let me offer a perspective from afar.

Your custom frame looks nice, but I'm not sure how well it would be received out here, as I believe PA state law requires annual renewal stickers to be affixed to the plate - not a detachable frame. PA antique plates, however, are issued for the life of ownership and don't get any sticker. While PA hasn't approved use of YOM plates, not everyone may go that route even if it becomes available.

As for price, I understand that a lot of time goes into design and that the equipment and craftsmanship needed to produce an item like this doesn't come cheaply, but I'd personally rather put that kind of money into other parts that my cars need. You have to consider pricing of other frames available out there.

I have a couple of the adjustable, die-cast, chrome-plated, S-P accessory license plate frames for my V8s that were run back in the 1990s from original tooling for $63 then, but those may be NLA, now. Mounted up front, those frames looks awkward, but PA only issues plates for the rear. While I now have a novelty plate mounted up front on the Carib, I used a plain frame that's commonly available in the aftermarket.

For earlier years, Packard offered a multi-piece, chrome-plated frame made of formed sheet metal (tubular in cross-section); IIRC, it was spring-loaded and self-sizing. That feature was important because license plates came in different sizes from various states and over the years, and that may come into play with owners that are using YOM plates. That adjustable frame was not exclusive to Packard, but also offered by other brands. I believe Kanter had them in NOS, decades ago, but I believe these have since been repro'd by others. I've seen them offered in recent years for about $35-40.

Hopefully, we'll hear some additional opinions from others, in due time.