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Re: [Healeys] '63 BJ8?

To: Healey List <healeys@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Healeys] '63 BJ8?
From: Richard Ewald <richard.ewald@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 19:46:25 -0800
::: Sigh:::
> The problem here is you need an older DMV clerk.
> Before California went to the blue and yellow plates in 1968-69ish, all the
> plates in the state were the same color and were turned in for a new set  of
> plates when the number/letter combo ran out.
> In 1956 the plates were yellow with black numbers.  The plates were
> embossed with the number 56 in one of the license tab wells. All the cars
> issued these plates got a plate embossed with a 56 regardless of the year
> they were issued.  So if you bought a brand new 1962 car, it would get a
> yellow and black plate embossed 56.  The 56 just represented the first year
> the plate was issued NOT the year of  the car.
> In 1963 as was the practice back then the state had run out of letter
> /number combos and everybody in the state got to go to the DMV and turn in
> their old plate and get a new black and yellow plate. ( I am old enough to
> remember the lines AROUND the block as my dad drove by the DMV.)
> So if in 1963 you owned a 1957 car you would turn in your yellow/black
> plates embossed 56 for a set of black with yellow number plates embossed 63.
> The black with yellow number plates were continued to be issued with the
> embossed 63 until the state went to the blue with yellow numbers.
> By this time, the DMV had wised up and realized that bringing in every car
> owner in the state to issue new plates was a huge drain on manpower, and the
> public hated it also, so from then on, a plate stayed good.
> If you have a buddy that has a non 1963 black plate car that is currently
> registered in California, you can prove this to the DMV by taking a close up
> photograph of the front license plate which will show the embossed 63.  they
> can run the plate on their computer and see it is a (65, 67, 56 whatever)
> Perhaps one of the listers has a black plate car and can help you out.
> FWIW I had a 1967 MGB with a black plate and yes it was embossed 63.
> I hope this helps you in your quest.
> Also don't be afraid to try a different DMV.  You can often get a different
> answer from another branch.
> Good luck
> Rick
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM, Richard Kahn <tahoehealey@hotmail.com>wrote:
>
>> I'm trying to get the California black plates as a '63 cause the plate
>> says
>> 63. I cannot use it if it is a 64.
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