License Plate Frames

[billpedalino]

I just mounted an original 1947 N.Y. license plate on my '47 FL. Noting that the plate mounts only from the bottom two holes (previously drilled by someone) and given the age of the steel, it seems apparent that mounting the plate in this manner will leave it prone to eventual cracking due to fatigue. I would love to rgister the bike with this plate. However, this plate was expensive and I don't want to damage it any more than the previous owner's drilled holes.

Therefore, it seems to make sense to mount the plate in a perior-correct accessory license plate frame to stiffen it up. Old license plate frames are an item way out of my knolwledge base. Can anyone offer information as to the existance and possible availability of old accessory license plate frames? Even the availability of a re-pop of a period frame for temporary use would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

[Chris Haynes]

Make a sheet metal plate the same size as the plate to mount behind it. Then add the frame and have bolts in all four corners. Paughco used to have these plates many years ago, I don't know if they still do. They were for modern sized plates.

[billpedalino]

Thanks Chris - I can surely make a frame with a backing plate - the plates are still available from several sources. I was just looking for an original. Looks like I'll have to make a temporary one until I find a period accessory.

[46EL]

I have a few old original frames here someplace. I do know they are for the early smaller 3 digit plates. If you do have a 3 digit plate send me your dimensions on center, up down and left to right. Chris's idea is exactly what we did back in the day. I have a 76 FX I bought new. With the sissy just forward of the plate it always got bent over when we strapped everything from jackets to beer kegs on board. Jp

[46EL]

Check out completed ebay auction number 2505 3004 9191

[Chris Haynes]

Check out completed ebay auction number 2505 3004 9191

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3D1&viewitem=
That is the one currently sold by Custom Chrome, ETC. It fits modern plates.

[D.Mac]

License frames

I've been running yom plates on my 2 and four wheel vehicles now for years. A period license frame really makes for a great finishing touch, so I am always on the look-out for interesting examples. One thing I've learned from this informal research is that if the frame is not from the same state and for the same year/type of plate, it may not fit at all, or it may cover some of the lettering on your plate (on some vintage plates even the little glass reflector-bolts partially cover year or state letters and will not bolt on properly). Therefore, it's best to do some carefull checking, especially at the prices some guys want!
Doug.

[Ohio-Rider]

Here in the Buckeye state, you must first register for a “historical” plate and then have your “yom” plate linked to it. Since one of the rules are that you must always have the historical plate with you, not displayed, but with you, many guys bolt it to the back of their “yom” plate to give it extra strength.
…..Steve

[billpedalino]

Thanks for your responses ....

I made a .050" steel backing plate yesterday and am in process of painting it black lacquer, like the other black parts on the bike. The backing plate is slightly larger than the license plate and should stiffen things up while not drawing attention to the back of black and yellow YOM plate.

In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for a period frame.