License Plate Surround

[kevin_tbird]

What does the original license plate surround look like? The vendors sell them with the script "Thunderbird" on the bottom. Is this stock?

[Restifier52]

My rear frame is scriptless. The front frame looks the same except it does not have a bottom. I don't know if someone cut the bottom off or if it came that way.

[fomoco59]

I doubt there was a "stock" frame, but I use a simple frame to dress it up a little.

[jopizz]

I don't believe there ever were Ford license plate frames. Most of the older ones I've seen were installed by dealers and had their names on them.

[Alan H. Tast, AIA]

There were a couple of options for license plates - one was a true frame that covered the perimeter of the plate, the other was a chromed, stamped backing that surrounded the edge of the plate. These are shown in VTCI's 1958-60 Original Factory Specifications manual in the Accessories section. None had any ornamentation like what's offered by T-bird vendors today.

[scumdog]

Bling!

I like the look of the surrounds offered by some vendors - and have just ordered a pair.

Flairbirds are less bedecked in chrome than other models - and I like chrome!

[kevin_tbird]

Turns out that Autozone carries a line of license plate surrounds and has one that is very close to the originals showed in the OFS (as far as I can tell from the pictures).

[Restifier52]

Does anyone know the story on these? they were on the car when I bought it. A non Ford item? The bottom of the front frame seems to have been cut off. The ribbing on the top is the same on both though not visible in the lower photo. There is no ribbing on the bottom of the frame.

[vote4pedro]

I just got this frame. its for cali YOM plates,where you need to have current tags even for old plates


pete

[jax]

Plates

Vote4Pedro,

Where did you get that frame? I just got my YOM plates approved and HATE the lil tin tags they sent. UGLY!!!!!

[vote4pedro]

I got my plates from a guy at the long beach old car swap meet.
for $50 but you can get them on ebay here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-2010-YOM-CALIFORNIA-Month-Year-License-Plate-Frame-/220687904972?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item33620630cc#ht_3600wt_941

or here

http://retrorodinc.com/index.php?page=plates

I got these because I know if i put those tin plates on they'll get bent the first time i open the trunk and put something in or fold up when i put gas.

pete