Packard Forum Index » General

I recently purchased a '39 Packard and I am looking for a 1939 Georgia license plate. (I've been looking locally at antique stores and close but no cigar so far.) I've also seen only a few plates online (ebay and tagdrstore). I am guessing there may be some other places I haven't stumbled upon so any direction is appreciated.

Also, curious to get some opinions as well. The car itself is a survivor (i.e. original paint with noticeable age) and so the plate option begs the question (1) old and showing age or (2) restored like new? (I have my leaning but also interesting to hear other's thoughts on the matter.)

Thanks.

Some of it might be a matter of your state's laws governing YOM (Year of Manufacture) plates. I know that here in California and unless buying the reproductions directly from the DMV, any plates used must be originals. While they don't explicitly prohibit restored plates as far as I know, they will get extra scrutiny to be sure they are originals and not reproductions!

That said, whether to restore or not is a personal decision so it will probably depend on the condition of the plate once you locate it. If its wear matches the car, then I would leave it alone but if it's mangled, then some restoration would probably have to be done.

EBay currently has this pair which would obviously need at least some restoration.

Attach file:

---

  s-l1600.jpg (400.42 KB)

There were plates a plenty in Hershey. Lots of plate dealers. I bought a set of 42 Illinois plates in decent shape for $25.

Quote:

I don't think those are passenger car plates.

I would be cautious about putting rusty plates on a car with good paint. I would get some pretty good plates.

Also like Don said, make sure you don't buy a repro by accident. A good pair of plates from 39 will probably be around $60.

Still a "noob" but maybe I'll make it to Hershey or some other shows in the future. I have seen these that are aged as an option (pair). The car's paint has age so super "clean" may look out of place.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334058715218?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28

I found some on eBay for my car/state (37/Idaho) that I thought might be too rusty to use. I used a guy in Virginia - I'll look for his contact info this weekend - and they came out looking brand new.

This link also has some recommendations for restorers, but I don't have any personal knowledge of any of these guys:

alpca.org/faq/restorers/

Corey,
for including your '39 Six 4 Door Touring Sedan in the Packard Vehicle Registry. YOM plate looks good on the vehicle!