RUMCars Forum
General Category => Unusual Microcar Discussion => Topic started by: Barry on May 08, 2013, 05:15:01 PM
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So I need some new number plates.
Big numbers - 3 1/2"
Big plates - rectangle at the front and square at the back with silver boarder.
Pressed aluminium silver and black and preferably the same type face as used in 1955.
anyone had any good experiences - recommend a number plate company?
(like the ones in my photos)
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Ah, a set of Taylor Numo plates! You might not get anything exactly like those, but Framptons & Tippers both now seem to do decent passable pressed 3 1/2 plates that I would say are in an authentic 1950s style. In both cases it might well be worth talking to them and see if they can tell you if they've got any genuine old fonts on the rack.
Beware of those who use ghastly over-thin plates with totally unauthentic fonts. They stick out half a mile on the line. I've only bought repro '70s reflective plates so-far but every now & then I see a plate maker at places like Beauliu etc, and one of their styles jumps out as being "just right". You just have to take a look around as not all makers have the same fonts or the same "eye" for what font & backing goes together. If you ever get the chance, I can generally say if a particular style is particularly authentic for what dateline if I see a picture of it....
http://www.tippersvintageplates.co.uk/
http://pl8s.co.uk/index.html (Framptons)
If I had to be put on the spot here & now, looking at their websites, the Tippers plate is the one I'd go for myself as regards "niceness" of style....
FURTHER;
From whom did the current plates on the Hammond Gordon come from? If these are repo plates as I think they might be, then they are absolutely detail-perfect for genuine 1950s Homo Ltd (Stop tittering!) & Green Bros Ltd plates....
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Great help Stuart. Thanks very much.
I will only buy them once so I want to get as authentic as possible.
Tippers do look like they have it sorted and not over expensive.
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I recently had a plate made by Frampton which I was pleased with but its more motorcycle style. They were the only people I could find who would make one the custom dimensions I wanted. Stuarts the plate expert though. If he says Tippers of Benfleet, then Tippers it should be! I've used them before, I think they made the rear plate on your schmitt Barry.
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Bob
I was really worried about using Tippers of Benfleet as they have been useless in the past. All of the numbers fell out of one plate that I had made there.
Check Stuarts link - Its Tippers of St Austell Cornwall.
Barry
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Bob
I was really worried about using Tippers of Benfleet as they have been useless in the past. All of the numbers fell out of one plate that I had made there.
Check Stuarts link - Its Tippers of St Austell Cornwall.
Barry
One or the others of Tippers & Framptons have moved/sold out just recently, so it's almost certainly the same basic company. I'm not sure if Steve Framption is moving/selling up also as he has been selling off a lot of old stock on eBay just recently. Also, I make no recommendations as regards quality, only by appearance, as I've never dealt (yet) with either of 'em. Grant's plate on the front of his Trident came from Tippers I believe via a stand at the NEC, and that seems to be pretty good quality to me.
Can't say I'm over-wild on Frampton's motorcycyle plate styles myself. Certainly I've never came across any authentic bike plates looking anywhere near their font.
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Another good plate; Chestnut Registrations. Scroll down the types of Vintage ar Plates they offer to the plate showing IR 1948. The font is again absolutely perfect for Homo/Prestige/Car Plates Ltd & Green Bros plates of the '50s. The backing is more early 1960s Prestige/Car Plates Ltd though than 1950s Homo. But this is the best looking plate yet in my opinion....
http://www.chestnut-registrations.co.uk/vintageplates.aspx
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I like the flat top '3' and nice round bottoms (3 & 5) on my old LDP 135
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back to square one . whats wrong with the ones you have already ?
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They have the wrong number on them!
I put LDP 135 on a retention certificate when I though I might lose the number - That time when I couldn't get an answer out of DVLA about what would happen to registration numbers when pre 60 cars no longer needed an MOT.
I didn't want to lose the number as its worth more than the car.
As it happens you can probably still sell the number on a car without an MOT - if it has had an MOT...eyc.
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In other words you've still stripped a genuine number off it's genuine car?!
*sigh, that's me out....
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barry i just noticed you have changed your i.d. - you might want to go back undercover ;)
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The number could have stayed with the car and it may have been worthless.
I don't know if you are made of money Stuart but it's good practice not to throw away £2000+ on a car that will never be worth anything.
I still have the number for three years and I will keep the car.
Someone may want to reunite the number with the car, in which case just give me a few thousand pounds and you can do what you want with it.
I got married in 1993 and used the car as our wedding transport. I have had it since 1980.
I have tried to keep the number on it but couldn't afford to give away the value of the plate.
DVLA could not give any reassurance so I had to do what I thought best.
I will get just as much fun out of the car with a different number plate.
(pushing the bounds of Microcar content but the number plate info will be good for the small cars)
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with you all the way barry :)
nice to see you have an eye for a figure with a rounded bottom - not sure about the flat top though :)
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when did they stop hand painting number plates ? my dads 1962 Trobike had them and many if not most early 50's Bonds seemed to have them plain black steel plates with no surround .
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
I'm pretty sure that Tippers of Cornwall is the same firm. I think I'm safe in saying that numbers cannot fall off a pressed ali plate.
I had designaplate on ebay do my Isetta ones and am very pleased with them, cheap too. Stuart recommended them. Cheers Stuart.
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Cheers Bob.
Tippers in Benfleet pressed the figures-in so far that they half sheared the plate. It was a long time later that I unwrapped the pack and fitted the number plate. By that time it was too late to complain.
I had to back fill the number plate with epoxy glue to keep the figures in the aluminium.
I like your plate
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So is the number with the new car or still with the old car and have you finished restoring it as I am getting confused
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i think barry's got enough on his plate at the moment :D
go to Tippers and ask for Reg :)
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Ho Ho Ho..........
The original number is on a retention certificate - three years = £150
The new number is on the V5 log book but I need a number plate before I can go out.
I bought the car in about 1980
Restored it from about 1990
Wedding 1993.
Gradual decline as it was stored in one garage after another - outside for a couple of winters.
Back on the road last year with a full MOT
I will give it a rejuvenating respray soon to bring it back to an acceptable state.
Still in pretty good solid condition but a rubbish car from the very start - just what I like!
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
Bob, the case to which you refer was only a pipe dream in the end, and it wasn't a transfer as such. How's the Bobette by the way? ;)
We'll agree to differ & leave it at that hey Barry, life's too short to get into transfer rows.
I've got several pressed plates that are only a sneeze away from the letters dropping out. It seems the newer the dies, the more likely it was to happen, because after all, pressed plates, certainly in the '50s, were & are exactly that, semi-sheared. The fly presses used often also did duty to do full sheared pressings on things such as slotted angle.
Ah, Designaplates, off eBay, yes indeedy, I've had four sets of pressed reflective plates from them and have no hesitation recommending them, as I did to Bob. Must admit I've not looked too closely at their b/w plates as I've not yet needed a set/ Note to self; must examine Thumper's rump in due course....
And pictured is my latest project; Bonus points to the first person to work out why this one went straight into my best Core Collection of Plates....
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What I meant Stuart was when you export a car you separate it from its number as a matter of course but you are right, lets not go down that path. The Bobette is also a pipe dream. ;)
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
Bob, the case to which you refer was only a pipe dream in the end, and it wasn't a transfer as such. How's the Bobette by the way? ;)
We'll agree to differ & leave it at that hey Barry, life's too short to get into transfer rows.
I've got several pressed plates that are only a sneeze away from the letters dropping out. It seems the newer the dies, the more likely it was to happen, because after all, pressed plates, certainly in the '50s, were & are exactly that, semi-sheared. The fly presses used often also did duty to do full sheared pressings on things such as slotted angle.
Ah, Designaplates, off eBay, yes indeedy, I've had four sets of pressed reflective plates from them and have no hesitation recommending them, as I did to Bob. Must admit I've not looked too closely at their b/w plates as I've not yet needed a set/ Note to self; must examine Thumper's rump in due course....
And pictured is my latest project; Bonus points to the first person to work out why this one went straight into my best Core Collection of Plates....
No chance of having a row with you Stuart. I appreciate your wealth of knowledge and respect your opinion. I had kept the number on the car for 33 years but just had to make a call based on no info from DVLA. I also hate removing numbers.
I sold the number from my old Austin A35 33 MHK - to Mohammed H Khan..........
The money from the number plate was used to restore the Morris.
The A35 was scrapped a few years later - not ecconomical to keep going. I had covered over 100,000 miles in it.
I was driving down the motorway many years later and saw 33 MHK on the back of the car in front, a BMW. So the A35 lives on - an organ transplant
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From whom did the current plates on the Hammond Gordon come from? If these are repo plates as I think they might be, then they are absolutely detail-perfect for genuine 1950s Homo Ltd (Stop tittering!) & Green Bros Ltd plates....
I would like to point out that popular opinion has it that Gordon is a Moron not a Homo, and is alleged to be more of a man than you are. He is friends with Elvis down the chip shop.
Meanwhile the discussion on changing numbers it just goes to show what a bonkers system we really do have. A fakers paradise and of course none of it officially owned by the public, nor really related to the ownership of the car, other than by confusion of data records of any other meaningful records and the habits of bureaucrats. Like so much in life something that could be incredibly simple is in fact a total mess of if, but and maybes. End product, you have no idea what you own and neither does anyone else, when it comes down to it. I prefer cars to be unregistered until they are ready for the road. Life is a whole lot simpler.
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Stuart you have me there would it be something really obscure like ......this number was the only number issued on a certain day , in a certain office with the numbers and letters in that configuration ? :D apologies to andre previn and eric morecambe
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Absolutely correct Richard. However, I suspect Stuart wants to know what car this plate was originally attached to ?. Me thinks it is from the front and there was a square one fitted to the rear of it ?. Was it a white one Stuart ;)
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
Bob, the case to which you refer was only a pipe dream in the end, and it wasn't a transfer as such. How's the Bobette by the way? ;)
We'll agree to differ & leave it at that hey Barry, life's too short to get into transfer rows.
I've got several pressed plates that are only a sneeze away from the letters dropping out. It seems the newer the dies, the more likely it was to happen, because after all, pressed plates, certainly in the '50s, were & are exactly that, semi-sheared. The fly presses used often also did duty to do full sheared pressings on things such as slotted angle.
Ah, Designaplates, off eBay, yes indeedy, I've had four sets of pressed reflective plates from them and have no hesitation recommending them, as I did to Bob. Must admit I've not looked too closely at their b/w plates as I've not yet needed a set/ Note to self; must examine Thumper's rump in due course....
And pictured is my latest project; Bonus points to the first person to work out why this one went straight into my best Core Collection of Plates....
Looks like the number plate from James Deans Porch?
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Stuart has the potential for a business creating correct period number plates for folk who want the finishing touch to a perfect or valuable car. I cannot convince him of it. Then again in this day and age not to be charged for specialist information is rare and a privilege of belonging to oddball organizations.
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Absolutely correct Richard. However, I suspect Stuart wants to know what car this plate was originally attached to ?. Me thinks it is from the front and there was a square one fitted to the rear of it ?. Was it a white one Stuart ;)
The bonus points are north of the border so-far. ;) Here's another one from the same source and again historically important from the angle which I view the micro world as I'm sure said person will agree... 8) Come on now, some of you old stagers will have oft-times seen the cars they came off and you most certainly all know the person with which these numbers were associated.... ;)
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...and just to further prove their providence. :)
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Martin MacKeever's Micro Pub after one to many, was it Belgium, beers? The only bar to have a Peel in the window and number plates supplied by Root's Rectangles. Lummie, I am seeing a froth of bubbles. Just strap me to the top of your 1300 and take me home, Driver.
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
I'm pretty sure that Tippers of Cornwall is the same firm. I think I'm safe in saying that numbers cannot fall off a pressed ali plate.
I had designaplate on ebay do my Isetta ones and am very pleased with them, cheap too. Stuart recommended them. Cheers Stuart.
I thought they were different firms Bob but you are right. Benfleet is Peter Tipper http://www.tipper-signs.co.uk/
Cornwall Tipper seems much more professional. http://www.tippersvintageplates.co.uk/
But it does say on the Benfleet site that they have a sister company Tippers Vintage Plates - Cornwall.
Chestnut registrations declined to quote http://www.chestnut-registrations.co.uk/
I have a quote for exactly what I am looking for from Tippers in Cornwall and will probably go for them.
Nearly used a place in Birmingham but found out they just sub-out the number plates. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230961202228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Will let you know how I get on.
(I know you will be interested Bob - I will add three sets of plates for the Invacar chassis which will soon be prepared for MOT and registration as trikes. If you can find a body, you could own one?)
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Oh whoopydo!! I will add it to my collection along side my Iron lung and glass eyeballs. ;D ;D
Back to plates, what do you think of this font? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121003343989?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
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Not sure! We need a photographic history of plates.
I think, but i'm not sure, that the '2' looks a bit modern with flat tops and the '6' looks a bit square
Stuarts plate 572 JPJ does have flat top '2's but the figures are nice and bold.
Definately should be 3 1/2" figures.
My Morris has its original plates and they are very bold and round. There must be a record of the Fonts used somewhere (Stuart).
My '3' is completely different to Stuarts 503 RKE
My Morris plates are 3mm thick. The thick plates offered by Tipper are 2mm. normal is 16 gauge (1.5mm).
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My bubble has raised numbers added on and very nice too, someone pinched the number on the minitruck for some yuppie ! hence I am not to keen on numberplate transfers as you do not have much chance of meeting someone on a rally field that owned that vehicle years before thank God you cannot pinch or sell the tractor registrations!
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Martin MacKeever's Micro Pub after one to many, was it Belgium, beers? The only bar to have a Peel in the window and number plates supplied by Root's Rectangles. Lummie, I am seeing a froth of bubbles. Just strap me to the top of your 1300 and take me home, Driver.
Do I get a prize Stuart? No one else will understand the answer.
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It looks like you do Alan. :) But then again, you've got half the prize sat in your shed already! ;D
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Its time for a cold shower!
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Dont worry Barry. Stuart in effect did the same thing with his Mini Comtesse.
I'm pretty sure that Tippers of Cornwall is the same firm. I think I'm safe in saying that numbers cannot fall off a pressed ali plate.
I had designaplate on ebay do my Isetta ones and am very pleased with them, cheap too. Stuart recommended them. Cheers Stuart.
My friend spotted an Isetta with the same numberplate as yours at Battlesbridge Bob!
Now on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151581058653076&set=a.475261593075.261348.759143075&type=1&theater
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shame that link isn't working for me
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Friends only it seems - here is the download.
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Thanks for the pic Barry. If your friend had stood back further you would see two Isetta's and the other was a four wheeler bubble window model. I dont know what happend today at Battlesbridge but micocars were very thin on the ground, in fact its was just the two Isetta's. Good though because the bubble window belonged to Greg Moore, a guy I have conversed with on the Isetta forum a few times but never met before so that was nice to finally meet him. We spent most of the day chatting with folk, the usual thing, undoing the myths perpetrated by top gear. Thumper was awarded a highly commended rosette at the end of the day so a nice end to a good day out.
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Well done bob I have spent all day waiting for the unending driving cold rain to stop - it didn't ! Couldn't even open the garage to sort out tent, cooker etc. Etc. For Beaulieu in a few days time . Miserable weather >:(
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Thanks for the pic Barry. If your friend had stood back further you would see two Isetta's and the other was a four wheeler bubble window model. I dont know what happend today at Battlesbridge but micocars were very thin on the ground, in fact its was just the two Isetta's. Good though because the bubble window belonged to Greg Moore, a guy I have conversed with on the Isetta forum a few times but never met before so that was nice to finally meet him. We spent most of the day chatting with folk, the usual thing, undoing the myths perpetrated by top gear. Thumper was awarded a highly commended rosette at the end of the day so a nice end to a good day out.
I tried to contact Greg for advice a few months ago but Ive lost contact deatails. I think he has obtained and welded replacement panels on his Isetta / Isettas and much more.
I used to be in touch but his emails must have changed.
Glad you had a good time, won an award and hopefully missed the rain? Did you drive or use the trailer?
My friend Neil always keeps a look-out for microcars for me. He is amused rather than enthusiastic about our love. More of a V8 man / TVR / Ford Ecsorts RS / Le Mans etc. But that's the good thing about us all isn't it. Have our own particular area or interest but always appreciate that of others.
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Well done bob I have spent all day waiting for the unending driving cold rain to stop - it didn't ! Couldn't even open the garage to sort out tent, cooker etc. Etc. For Beaulieu in a few days time . Miserable weather >:(
The weather aint getting any better I'm afraid..............
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My new number plate arrived from Tippers (Cornwall).
Not bad.
Main thing is that they were able to get the outside sizes exactly as original so all fixings can stay as they are.
My old numerals were unique I think.
These ones are probably correct for 1955 but seem a bit modern for me.
Tippers couldn't supply number plates for my Invacar chassis (x3) cheaply - they seem to specialise in the more expensive plates
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To clarify:-
Tippers in Cornwall supplied my new Morris plates and very nice to. It took quite a bit of correspondence and difficulties in contacting them or getting calls returned.
It turns out that they bought the pressed aluminium business from Tippers in Benfleet about four years ago.
They retained the Tippers name but are not connected in any way with the sign company in Benfleet.
They did not clarify this in any correspondence to me despite my mentioning the Benfleet Tippers and the connection with Invacars Thundersley (next to Benfleet).
Tippers Cornwall were very expensive for the yellow and white Invacar plates, even with a discount for three sets.
I asked Tippers Benfleet to quote and a very nice lady phoned me and explained about the companies ans confirmed that they no longer make pressed plates but would be happy to supply perspex ones. Very helpful and polite.
I now have an expensive quote (£100 for three sets) from Chestnut Registrations for Invacar pressed aluminium plates and I am waiting for a quote from Bulldog.
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Ah, the Tippers riddle is solved then. I think Bulldog plates will come in cheaper than 100 for three sets. Is this a geuss the price competition? I guess £80.
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I think £22.50 per set plus delivery (ish)
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Is that 22.50 ish or delivery ish - the latter could mean left anywhere and then where would you be. ? Or indeed , and more to the point , where would they be ?
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I have just had a front plate made by Premier plates, it cost £12 including delivery, I am pleased with the price and the quality.
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But so many questions . Did you forget to order a rear one as well ? Was the rear too expensive or poor quality ? Have you one already ? After all you don't want friends forever pointing out the two are a different type ;D as if they ever would :D
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I have just had a front plate made by Premier plates, it cost £12 including delivery, I am pleased with the price and the quality.
Were they aluminium pressings - silver on black?
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Were they aluminium pressings - silver on black?
ooh, bound to be at that price. You won't find decent pre-63-style separate digit plates at much less than £60-odd these days!
Come on Bob, don't keep us plate fans in suspence. We'll show you ours if you show us yours... ;D
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So many questions! Well I rest my case, people on this forum are more interested in number plates than microcars! ;D
Yes a pressed aluminium front plate, I already had a rear one made and no they don't match, the reason being that the rear one was a special size. As you cant see both plates at the same time when on a car I don't have a problem with that, besides, Richard, I don't have any friends! :( Stuart, will I see you at the NEC tomorrow?
As I'm not about to reveal my number right now if you just want to see the premier plate font look no further than ebay from whence I bought it.
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Oh Bob, did you get .....
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Just managed to get my Moped MOT'd today but I printed out a temporary back plate on the computer and laminated it.
I will ask Premier Plates for a quote - also need the curved front plates that go over the mudguard
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Does this mean you will be joining us this Sunday on the Kneels Wheels run?
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(Off Topic) That is the intention Bob. And I will be riding all the way there - not one of these trailer jobs! (you know that sounds much more impressive than it actually is)
As long as it is over 20deg C and not raining I will be there!
Could you post a link to Premier Plates please Bob? So that I get the right company.
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Business seller information
Vinylarts
Contact details R TAYLOR
9 COWLEY
LAKESIDE
TAMWORTH
Staffordshire
B77 2RD
United Kingdom
Email:vinylarts@aol.com
Barry, I just bought mine straight from ebay, I have no idea if they do bike plates but worth asking. Also remember I'm always impressed by a bargain price but the quality was better than I expected.
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Thanks Bob - The plot thickens
I got my three sets of pressed aluminium plates for the Invacars from Designaplate@aol.com The chap Phil said that he and Vinylarts were one and the same:-
Hi Barry.
Yes, designaplate and vinylarts are one of the same.
The plates we use are the same as bulldogs. These plates are made by one company.
I asked him about the back plate for the Raleigh runabout which would need 2 1/2" figures and he said they only do standard oblong.
Hi Barry..
We don't do plates of that size, the only plates we do are the standard oblong sizes, we can't get anything any smaller square wise than a 12" x 8.5".
Phil
Looks like I will have to find someone else for the special small size plates - I am OK for the back as I know people in Lambretts circles.
It cant be too difficult to get the arched front plates (not really required).
I could get them from Tippers but they would cost more than the moped!
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I made my own for my Guzzino using 2 1/2" stick on vinyl figures on a painted metal plate. Depends how fussy you want to be I guess.
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I think you were probably more authentic using stick-on figures. Many bike plates were just like that from new.