C2-California Black Plates

[Tony Reilly]

Hi Guys,
Since I've gotten such good info from all of you in the past I think I'll keep doing it--THANKS MUCHLY!!
I've seen several ads for C2's that say "California black plate" like it's supposed to mean something. What's this all about?
Thanks-Tony

[Michael S.]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

That's supposed to mean that you can pay more money for the car because it has black California license plates??? Never have understood that line of thought.

Actually, it means the car has been in California (registered) since the 60's/early 70's. California quit using the black plates and went to the blue/yellow plates in the early/mid 70's. It also means this car if perfect/rust free/damage free/nice/runs great/best thing since slice bread and my price is cheap because it's a black plate California.

All in all, just another selling gimmick.

[Wayne C.]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

May not mean anything. If you find a set of CA black plates and the plate number is not currently in use, you can go to the DMV and register your car (assuming you're a California resident) using the old plates. There are flea market dealers who specialize in old plates and can tell you if a particular plate number is in use (there's a DMV website where anyone can check).

It'd kinda neat to see the old Corvettes with their original-style black plates.

But a "California" car needs to be checked just as carefully as any other, as it may have just come in from Wisconsin (or wherever) last month.

[Rod R.]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

California changed from the black plate to the blue plate in 1970.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

I have completely dissmantled 66 and 67's. Those that have California, original black plates and in fact spent their life in the state are MUCH cleaner in every respect and easier to restore. In some cases, parts only have to be cleaned with as little as 409 cleaner. Sandblasting or glassbeading would of course be needed for show quality repainting. Cast iron parts can be cleaned and show their original texture and color. Areas that are in poor condition from being back east are remarkably clean on original California cars. Even the bolts can simply be reconditioned and plated, rather than having to buy incorrect headmark bolts to replace them. There simply is nothing nicer than working on a car that has stayed in California. Regarding the black plates, the DMV in California now will only allow them on a car if they were at one time originally registered to the vehicle. They are for sale all the time at swap meets, however, if you go to register themat the DMV, you are in for a surprise for the reason I have given. I recently finished working on a 67 that spent its' entire life in California. Believe me, there is a world of difference.

[Roger Coen #30751]

He's right!!!!!

I tried 2-3 years ago. I'm in San Jose, CA.

[Michael S.]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

All in all, California cars ARE much nicer from a rust and corrosion point of view. I have purchased numerous cars from California and they are "typically" corrosion free and "MUCH" easier to disassemble and restore.

Just remember that they also crash California cars as good or better than we do on the east coast so while they may not be rusty they damn sure may be bent!

I have seen and purchased a few VERY RUSTY Calfornia cars. They typically came from San Diego or right at the beach and spent their life at/in/or near the ocean. As with anything in life, there are exceptions!

[Bob Babcock]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

Actually, legislation was presented to our governor about 2 years allowing the reissue of California black plates and he vetoed it. The state Highway Patrol and DMV had no objection to the bill. The bill was written by Chuck Pochigian (R-Fresno). Go figure. one can only reissue black plates if they were once registered to the specific car.

Not so for yellow plates and earlier 1954 black plates. Dept of Motor Vehicles allows reissue of them under a program called YOM (year of manufacture). The DMV clerks typically don't know about the YOM program, but they have SOPs to reference.

California buyers definately see having YOM plates as a major plus. Outside of California, they probably don't mean much.

[Craig S.]

Arizona is just as good!!

My 66 L72 was CA till 71 and came to AZ and has been here since. What a joy to work on compared to rusted cars!! All suspension parts, frame, etc is pit free and totally restorable without any strength loss....Craig

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C2-California Black Plates

On my 55 corvette I have the large black plates I found for Ca., coming up with the two gray metal tags ,year 55 that also have number, front and rear was much harder. But it fills the rear trunk area space well.

[Rich Puleo]

Re: Arizona is just as good!!

I agree. I just finished a '67 coupe w/air, absolutely all frame markings, body tape, & frame stencil w/ date in tact, & no rust! The rubber & vinyl suffer, although this car had a nicely kept interior.