License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

[Alexander D.]

Has anyone had their old license plates restored by Darryl's Plates, located in Duryea, Pennsylvania?

Darryl's claims to be able to duplicate an existing plate exactly. The duplicate is made from fiberglass, not metal, but is claimed to look exactly like the original as it is made from a mold of the original.

I have one original California black plate (the rear one with the tabs/decals present) and wish to duplicate it to have a second plate to put on the front during car shows. My '67 was sold new in Manhattan Beach, California around late May 1967 so I thought it would go with the car's story to display it at shows with period correct California license plates front and back.

If you've had experience you wish to share about Darryl's, or another vendor offering similar service, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks,
Alex
NCRS #61370

[Gene M.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Check before you restore plates. NY State does not allow it. They require a photo on line or have plates when registering at DMV.

[Frank D.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Check before you restore plates. NY State does not allow it. They require a photo on line or have plates when registering at DMV.

Neither does Florida - you actually have to send the plate to Tallahasee to register it...

[John S.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Darryl restored mine original 1962 plates. The finished plates came out great, but it took almost two years to get them done.

[Alexander D.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Darryl restored mine original 1962 plates. The finished plates came out great, but it took almost two years to get them done.

Hi John,

Two years? Ouch!

I spoke with Darryl himself yesterday. Very pleasant to talk to. Another plus is that Darryl is the only plate restorer that will duplicate a plate. I only have the rear plate (with the decals). So I want a copy made for the front of my car.

I've heard uniformly good reviews about the quality of Darryl's work. Most complaints seem to be around the time it takes to get the plates done and back to the customer. Two years seems awfully long, as most who complain say it took from 6 months to a year for theirs to be done.

Did Darryl lose your plates? Any tips on what I might/should do to prevent this happening to me?

Thanks for your feedback.

Alex

[Alexander D.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Check before you restore plates. NY State does not allow it. They require a photo on line or have plates when registering at DMV.

Hi Gene,

I'm in Canada, so aren't looking to register the plates as YOM plates for regular road use.

The vintage black CA plates will only go on the car for display at shows.

Thanks,

Alex

[John S.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Hi John,

Two years? Ouch!

I spoke with Darryl himself yesterday. Very pleasant to talk to. Another plus is that Darryl is the only plate restorer that will duplicate a plate. I only have the rear plate (with the decals). So I want a copy made for the front of my car.

I've heard uniformly good reviews about the quality of Darryl's work. Most complaints seem to be around the time it takes to get the plates done and back to the customer. Two years seems awfully long, as most who complain say it took from 6 months to a year for theirs to be done.

Did Darryl lose your plates? Any tips on what I might/should do to prevent this happening to me?

Thanks for your feedback.

Alex

Alex,

This was few years ago so he may be little quicker now. He did not lose my plates, he was just plain slow. I kept calling and got the same story how busy they were. As I said, the quality was excellent, but it took long time to get them back. I will not bother going through this process again.

[Jaime G.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Hi Gene,

I'm in Canada, so aren't looking to register the plates as YOM plates for regular road use.

The vintage black CA plates will only go on the car for display at shows.

Thanks,

Alex

Alex, if the purpose is for show only, why don't you buy a set of CA black plates and put them on the car when you show it. Why go thru the hassle and cost of having a plate duplicated. You can buy sets online or at car shows and get the correct stickers online.

[John D.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Daryl restored a set of matching PA plates for my 1928 Ford. They are absolutely gorgeous. I forgot how much he charged.
Yes he takes a long time but he's worth waiting for. If you are in a hurry forget it. I think it took him 6-8 month to do mine. He is a real artist.
Highly recommend him for his service. JohnD.

[Alexander D.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Thanks everyone for your feedback about Darryl's plate restoration service.

It is dismaying to hear how long it can take for the plates to get done. But, the work seems beyond reproach. Also, he's the only vendor who offers the service of duplicating a plate. So, I'm going to send my work to him in hopes I won't be drawing a pension by the time my restored plates are returned!

Alex
#61370

[Wayne Y.]

Re: License plate restoration and duplication - anyone use Daryll's recently?

Hey guys - just one last comment re: license plate restoration. I used a guy in Tennessee (Brian Mabry). I've used lots of "craftsman" over the years, but when I hear that word...Brian's name comes to mind first. He did my black California plates for my '63 and they look like jewelry.
Here's his website: http://www.finishyourplates.com