Steve O from down under put me on to this so I went shopping (at junk yards of course). I was out of town farther south into Mexico and had a few free hours one day so I met up with a local friend and he took me around to some guys he knew in the salvage business. There was not a huge selection but I was able to get a good little start on my collection.
Anyone else have this same malady? Care to show us just how bad it has gotten for you?
The first thing I noticed was the bar codes on those plates. I can see the future possibility of the states issuing plates with only bar codes on them , and law enforcement being the only persons who could decipher the codes. I collect license plates as well. Trying to get all 50 states. Not successful yet but I have lots of doubles.
What states are you missing? Do you have any pictures? Which ones are your favorite?
Back in Ohio you can buy old plates (such as the original year for your car) at swap meets and so forth and then can actually legally run them on your vehicle. I am not sure it other states do that as well but it is a neat personal touch.
I'm missing almost all the mid-western states, as well as the west coast. My favorites are usually the most colorful, but some of the plain-colored ones have neat graphics as well. (for example Wyoming - with the horse and rider) Here in the northeast there are a lot of vanity plates floating around at swap meets, flea markets and such. I try to get those the most. I might be able to post some pics over the weekend. I just applied for my mustang's plate - DRKHRSE - should know by next week if it's approved.
I have quite a few plates too, but most are stored in boxes. I have the original plates I put on my 73 Mustang Convertible when I bought it in 1974. Virginia will let you register old plates on your vintage car too, I think they only charge $10 a year, plus the normal registration fee.
Oztrailer, I see you have at least 3 Virginia plates in your collection and what's with the upside down numbers on the Idaho plate?
The Idaho plate reminds me of this picture I found on the internet:
Hi Mike I think I might have another Virginia in a box somewhere but I have to work out how I can display more. The Idaho is an error plate. It got stamped upside down. I think it got pulled out before the process was finished but because it doesn't have the final clear coat on it.
Great licence plate collections everyone. I have a few but no where as many as you all. All mine are either mine that I have used or the original plates for my vehicles. Still need to get a 1970 Utah one for my '70 but they tend to be expencive.
Well next week it is in the plans to be in the state of Chihuahua to help out with a national work there. The situation there is a bit unstable at the moment but by the grace of God I hope to add a few Chihuahua plates for my travels. We'll see how it goes and I'll post what I bring back.