Author Topic: What starting letter should my Plates have? (Read 19881 times)

dannystarr · « **on:** February 25, 2015, 03:50:02 AM »

Looking to find some used original License plates for my 68 Camaro. Right now it has YKZ 821 plates which I believe are for a '69. Because the second owner bought the car 4/12/69 from a dealership. What do I need for my car that was first placed in service 6/18/68? Anybody have any original plates on there car with a close date to mine? What are the cutoff months for the different letters?.
How about these, Too Early? Too Late?, Just Right?.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-California-License-Plates-1968-Validation-DMV-Clear-Guaranteed-Good-/351311611053?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51cbcdc4ad
Also found this
My research has shown that the 1963-69 year-by-year, letter allocation plate issuance breakdown has some overlap, but plates beginning with the following letters generally correspond to the year of issue: ABCD=1963, EFGHI=1964, JKLMN=1965, OPQRS=1966, TUVW=1967, WX = 1968 YZ=1969. This sound correct?? .. Danny

6667ss138 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2015, 04:51:11 AM »

Danny, after a search over on TC, here is an interesting CA black plate discussion.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=219426&highlight=california+black+plates

6667ss138 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2015, 05:01:29 AM »

I'm a little confused as to how they were issued. My 66 California Chevelle SS was a three owner car. I have the black plates along with the POP still with the car. They are also confirmed by old CA DMV records that I have and they start with BXP.

dannystarr · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2015, 05:06:31 AM »

Well I just read that whole thread.. Very informative. So I guess W or X would work. Looks like it's still a hit and miss pending on where you lived and how busy was that/your local DMV. I wish there was some way to find out what the original set of plates were.... Danny

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2015, 05:11:38 AM »

Danny,

We discussed this topic on GRG too back in 2007... http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=2544.0

Paul

dannystarr · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2015, 06:55:10 AM »

So Paul, I read that thread also. What letter would you pick if you had my car? I am thinking "W".. D

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2015, 07:52:12 AM »

Quote from: dannystarr on February 25, 2015, 06:55:10 AM

So Paul, I read that thread also. What letter would you pick if you had my car? I am thinking "W".. D

Danny, if I had your car, I'd go with "X". I've notice many survivors here in the Bay Area with April build dates with "X" plates. As per reply #9 (mine) in the CRG thread I linked above, "I looked at a 1968 Rally Sport (04D) survivor and it's original California black plates are XABxxx."

Paul

vtfb68 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2015, 03:40:10 PM »

Danny,
In those years all plates came through the mail from DMV (Sacramento I beleive) and were issued as cars were registered, some cars were sitting on dealer lots for months. My 68 08E was bought when it arrived at Champion Chevrolet
(Manhattan Beach) it's black plates start with WPN, My 05C was bought and registered within a few days after it arrived at Ted Green Chevrolet (Torrance) it's plates start with XHS.
Hope that helps.
Victor

KurtS · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2015, 06:55:15 PM »

Without proof otherwise, I think those plates may be original. I know of earlier 68's with Y & Z plates. Depended on the sales in the area.
I don't think they issued new plates on a resale.

vtfb68 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2015, 10:59:06 PM »

Cars that came from other states would have to be issued new plates no matter what the year of the car and they would fall in line with whatever is being registered at that time.
VT

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2015, 11:14:23 PM »

Hey Danny FYI

I just saw a pretty original early 69 base car, and the prefix started with a X.

I would go with no later than a W, if you are to replace the plates.

One thing to consider: I think if you end up going the route of YOM, that the DMV can impose an additional $40 fee per year. While if you have the originals on your car there is no up-charge.

If it were me I would run the YKZ plates and count myself ahead.

(you may be able to make an appointment with the DMV and they may look up the prior plate registered to it, or a lot of the time if you have the title from when he bought it from that dealer it will show the previous plate number on the registration.) They may also be able to tell you if your original number is in use.

dannystarr · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2015, 04:45:20 AM »

I WANT to use the YKZ 821 plates. When the car came here from Utah, I had it checked out by one of those companies that come out and verify the VIN etc. I took the paperwork to the DMV and it all went thru... EXCEPT the plates, as they were not clear. Of course they can't tell ya to whom they are registered with. However I tricked the lady some when she said these plates are in another persons name, and we cannot tell ya who it is cause of the privacy act. Right away I said oh yes I know it's Richard Ward Anderson isn't it, and without thinking she said yes. Then got a weird look on her face, like she did something wrong. I said well I will have to find him and see if he can release the plates. I can't find him, and actually think he passed a few years ago. I found his death cert online. How many Richard Ward Andersons can there be. Still looking... Anybody got any ideas how to find him?.. D

Fred Mertz · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2015, 04:45:40 AM »

My '68 Z that I bought used in '71 was "VND 987"

67pacer · « **Reply #13 on:** February 26, 2015, 03:09:37 PM »

I had a June built 68 Camaro and my plates were WVS 895

KurtS · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2015, 05:38:57 AM »

How can they be registered to him if he's dead?

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2015, 05:49:06 AM »

I'll take a stab at it...

He could have taken the plates off with the intent of using them on another vehicle. Ok so he passes away. This right then could pass to a benefactor to use them, since he has still not released his interest in them.

However since I have bought 4 or so cars with black and yellow plates, the easiest way to keep the plates, is that if the car was currently registered, or within the last couple of years registered to those black plates, and they show in the DMV system, or on the title having been registered to that specific car.

I have the black and yellow plates on 3 vehicles and this was pretty much how I retained them.

for what its worth...

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2015, 07:17:34 PM »

Sorry, I don't have the VIN or build date...

Paul

KurtS · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2015, 10:49:41 PM »

If they are not registered, then he would he not forfeit the right to use them?

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2015, 11:51:34 PM »

In the DMV perspective they could have been stolen, or taken without permission. There are extra steps involved, California has an incessant need for paperwork, to keep employing the millions (maybe thousands) of state employees. This is all done under the guise of protecting us from fraud, and each document you need from them to process is an additional fee. So the more barriers they put up the processing they do, the more money they can charge you.

Also the DMV is a lot like the unemotional IRS. They do not care if the plates came on your car. They don't care that you are trying to preserve history.

Probably a longer answer than needed but you get the idea.

bcmiller · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2015, 02:39:15 AM »

Careful, any posts that get too political will be removed.

cook_dw · « **Reply #20 on:** March 04, 2015, 05:37:12 PM »

Quote from: bcmiller on March 02, 2015, 02:39:15 AM

Careful, any posts that get too political will be removed.

Please shut this down before it goes further. If I wanted to read about politics I wouldn't come to Camaros.org

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 04, 2015, 05:40:48 PM »

well back to the plates, Danny did you get paperwork with the car that show it was registered to those plates at one time?

KurtS · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2015, 06:15:06 PM »

Guys,
What part of keep the politics off the forum was not clear? (rhetorical - please don't respond!)
I cleaned up the posts instead of shutting down the thread, but I shouldn't have to do that.

BSMIT59 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 04, 2015, 06:54:53 PM »

Again, thank you Kurt

Charley · « **Reply #24 on:** March 04, 2015, 07:17:32 PM »

Get a plate release form and have the dead guy sign it. Or their records might still have him as owning the car ? Get a bill of sale from him.

dannystarr · « **Reply #25 on:** March 04, 2015, 07:47:53 PM »

Sorry everyone.. Sore subject for me with lots of negative history, it is too easy.. Accept my apology, never would want to jeopardize my stay here on this great site, or overly offend anyone!!
I thought of having the DMV try to make contact and request a release of the plates.
I have ALOT of paperwork in my system at home. I have posted a few things on my initial post about the car. Change of ownership etc. I am in Pacific Grove/Monterey/Pebble Beach for a few days on the girlfriends laptop. Coming home Friday. Celebrating TODAY as the one year mark of my Surgery! I will try to post a bunch of the stuff and yawl can see if it's relative...D

dannystarr · « **Reply #26 on:** March 06, 2015, 10:00:17 PM »

Ok, back in town and here it is... This is the earliest piece of dated info I have with Richard Ward Anderson showing the "YKZ 821" Plate info. Look in the upper left corner of the tag. What is N/R & SA or GA, what is that? Not registered ? It actually says "Last License No."... Is that HIS last license number? Danny

bcmiller · « **Reply #27 on:** March 06, 2015, 10:09:50 PM »

My guess at this point would be Not Registered (meaning not currently registered in CA) - previously registered in Georiga?

Did your run the NCRS docs on this car to see the original selling dealer? Sorry, maybe you already posted that and I missed it.

hubleyman · « **Reply #28 on:** March 07, 2015, 05:25:28 AM »

Hello Danny,
As others have stated, the plate numbers really depend on when a car was first sold or transferred into the state and not so much on when it was built.

Here's my two cents worth of black plate info and maybe a suggestion or two....

Even though the Y series plates that you have were once assigned to your car, in my recent experience it's been difficult to get DMV to work with plates that are not "clear". It would be cool if you can them reassigned to your car, but it may be more of a challenge than you wish to deal with.

I've probably had at least 30 original local Bay area 1968 cars with W series black plates, but only a few with the X series. There is one local 68 RS Z that was special ordered by a guy in San Rafael (through a Point Reyes dealer - Cheda Chevrolet) that was built a little later than yours and has plates with "WNA" series. I would use that as a high letter target when choosing a set of plates if you go that direction.

It might be easier for you to get a set of clear W series plates and have then assigned to your car. I may even have an extra set you can use... If you do. you might also get less grief from the local "experts" who see your car with the Y series plates and tell you they are wrong (like I get on my 67 Corvette which has Y series plates).

I could probably give you some more accurate letter series suggestions based on some of my old cars, but my records are at home and I'm currently in Korea. I'll chat with you when I get back.
BTW - any progress on your distributor? I may need mine back some time in the next couple of months so I can get that Z fired up and dialed in.
Talk to you soon, Charlie

dannystarr · « **Reply #29 on:** March 07, 2015, 07:10:34 AM »

Bryon,
I did get the NCRS info and if you recall it says GM Overseas Division, Dealer Code 1 Zone 21, possibly the Netherlands. That's why I wonder if this car was registered in the US when new. Or if a serviceman may have had it shipped. Then when the second owner purchased it in April of '69... he got the California YKZ plates cause that's what was in the loop at the time. So these may be the only CA plates this car has had??

Charlie,
Sorry you had to go to Korea, I remember we talked about that. I will get more aggressive with the Distributor & Coil issue. Contact me when ya get back home... D

JohnZ · « **Reply #30 on:** March 07, 2015, 05:16:51 PM »

Quote from: dannystarr on March 07, 2015, 07:10:34 AM

I did get the NCRS info and if you recall it says GM Overseas Division, Dealer Code 1 Zone 21, possibly the Netherlands. That's why I wonder if this car was registered in the US when new. Or if a serviceman may have had it shipped.

That GM Overseas code was normally used when a serviceman stationed overseas ordered a new car through the PX system to be delivered by a stateside dealer when he got back to the U.S. - although the car never left the country, the order procedure from the PX's was handled by the GMODC (GM Overseas Distribution Corporation), as it was placed overseas.

dannystarr · « **Reply #31 on:** March 07, 2015, 10:55:24 PM »

Thanx for that info Johnman..
SO let me ask ya this, any records available from this over seas distribution place still exist? If so, where would they be? What could I possibly do to find the original owner?.. Danny

JohnZ · « **Reply #32 on:** March 08, 2015, 03:42:13 PM »

Quote from: dannystarr on March 07, 2015, 10:55:24 PM

Thanx for that info Johnman..
SO let me ask ya this, any records available from this over seas distribution place still exist? If so, where would they be? What could I possibly do to find the original owner?.. Danny

Nope. Those Overseas records (and that GM Division) have been gone for decades.

dannystarr · « **Reply #33 on:** March 08, 2015, 06:06:03 PM »

Of Course they have

.. D

VINCE Z28 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:34:33 PM »

Danny in the book "The Great Camaro" O.J. Simpson's 69 camaro has black plates with XRK 691 on them ( page 51 )

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:46:08 PM »

Quote from: VINCE Z28 on March 11, 2015, 03:34:33 PM

Danny in the book "The Great Camaro" O.J. Simpson's 69 camaro has black plates with XRK 691 on them ( page 51 )

If the plates don't fit, you must acquit!

Paul

dannystarr · « **Reply #36 on:** March 11, 2015, 11:32:15 PM »

That's hilarious. Funny how more than one of the people who got O.J. aquited have passed away. Wonder why?... D

dannystarr · « **Reply #37 on:** March 11, 2015, 11:40:05 PM »

SO... Just got off the phone with the CA DMV Special Division. They told me that I can't assign those plates to my car cause they were registered in another State at one time. Which is Utah, where we got the car. And that the system won't let them open TWO files on the same car. They can't create another file. Once it leaves the state your screwed. Funny how I always get these bizarre type situations that nobody has ever heard of. If you want the wrong food at the restaurant, go with me

There is one more chance to make it happen. I have to print out form #352 for "year of plate" license plate application. Good Times for all... NOT!!.. Danny

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 12, 2015, 04:36:46 AM »

I believe that is the YOM (year of manufacture) form.

dannystarr · « **Reply #39 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:32:16 AM »

Yes, I think you are right. I was trying to write a bunch of notes whilst she was telling me the info... So anyway, we will see what happens. I guess it's worth a try.. D

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:48:04 AM »

Where there's a will there is a way...

Keep on it. I would keep the sacramento phone number handy. In my experience they are the gate keepers, when you run into trouble. I have had them help me out in a few situations. They can weave you through the system to get to the pot of gold.
It does take some leg work to get what you want with a state run agency though.

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #41 on:** March 18, 2015, 04:20:22 PM »

Quote from: VINCE Z28 on March 11, 2015, 03:34:33 PM

Danny in the book "The Great Camaro" O.J. Simpson's 69 camaro has black plates with XRK 691 on them ( page 51 )

Photo attached...

Paul

Hans L · « **Reply #42 on:** March 18, 2015, 09:35:36 PM »

Quote from: dannystarr on March 11, 2015, 11:40:05 PM

SO... Just got off the phone with the CA DMV Special Division. They told me that I can't assign those plates to my car cause they were registered in another State at one time. Which is Utah, where we got the car. And that the system won't let them open TWO files on the same car. They can't create another file. Once it leaves the state your screwed. Funny how I always get these bizarre type situations that nobody has ever heard of. If you want the wrong food at the restaurant, go with me There is one more chance to make it happen. I have to print out form #352 for "year of plate" license plate application. Good Times for all... NOT!!.. Danny

Not sure I understand - how were CA plates registered in Utah? Wouldn't Utah have issued Utah plates and now that your car is back in CA, you want to re-use the original plates issued back in '69 in CA on your car? Why does the DMV say you can't do that? Sorry - I probably missed something and a little confused.

dannystarr · « **Reply #43 on:** March 19, 2015, 03:58:30 AM »

No problem, you are not confused... I am

First owner unknown. The car was bought in '69 by second owner. He drove it until '86 then parked it in a garage in pebble beach, where it sat for many years. Then he sold it to a guy, who then sold it to his friend in Utah cause he needed the cash. That guy sat on it for what he says 2 or 3 years, then listed it for sale. It got shipped to Utah but he never put it in his name. SO , I said I won't buy a car without a title/pink slip, so you need to get it in your name. So in Utah it's just a quick job and it's done. They don't need to SEE the car, check the VIN's, basically you tell them the scoop and it's in your name in a few days. They sent him the pink, he called me and told me he had it in hand. I think he said he wasn't going to drive it. So it didn't need to have Utah plates issued. We bought it, shipped it to CA and here we are. I COULD have bought it without any paper, and become the 2nd owner, on paper. But it wasn't that important to me. I have not down loaded the forms yet. But will update if it happens and goes thru... Danny

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Author Topic: What starting letter should my Plates have? (Read 19881 times)