Triumphrat

rmak

A while back you guys helped me find a 65 license plate for my TR6. The plate I got is in pretty good shape, but the paint on the border and numbers is somewhat worn. I was just wondering about those of you who run these vintage plates, do you try to match the color and touch these up, or do you just run them as is and enjoy the aged patina?

Ohio-Rider

It’s pretty much your decision to make. They are only original once so as soon as they are repainted they lose value and desirability. I think an old plate should look old.

If you decide to re-paint yours, there is a gentlemen up near the Lake that redoes plates for collectors and only charges around $30. to re paint one.

Snakeoil

A restored plate has about 1/3 the value of an original plate. Also, some states, like NY do not allow refinished plates. Plate must have original paint to be used and legal. Not that a cop would know the difference. I have an unissued plate on my desk that looks like it was just painted. But it is original.

So check with your state's DMV. Minor straightening that does not hurt the paint would be a good idea. But full resto would kill any value.

And I tend to agree that it took all that time to get that way, who are we to think we can make it better.
regards,
Rob