Original license plate frames

[Dave S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Thal,

I looked at my license frames tonight and what I seen was that the frames were magnetic, patent number faint, but on the support, and the rivets possess a slight crown and measure 3/16" in width. What do you guys think?

Ron,
The head of the rivet that shows when installed should be slightly larger than 3/16". The inside of the rivet should be pressed in the center creating a donut shape.
I have a reproduction frame that takes a magnet so some repros may be magnetic and some may not be.

[Russ S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Thal,

I looked at my license frames tonight and what I seen was that the frames were magnetic, patent number faint, but on the support, and the rivets possess a slight crown and measure 3/16" in width. What do you guys think?

GM over the counter service replacement

[Joe L.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Thal,

I looked at my license frames tonight and what I seen was that the frames were magnetic, patent number faint, but on the support, and the rivets possess a slight crown and measure 3/16" in width. What do you guys think?

Ron------


Somewhere around here I have the original frames supplied with my 1969. I never installed them on the car from day-one until now. The problem is I cannot find them at the moment. However, my recollection of them is as you described. I can't be absolutely certain as to the exact OD of the rivets, though, as my recollection is just not that infallible. Plus, I would expect that I've never measured them anyway.

The frames being manufactured of magnetic stainless is to be expected. The frames are what could be described as a "decorative" application. A lot of the decorative applications for stainless use the magnetic variety. It's less expensive than non-magnetic and adequate for most decorative applications. Some "el cheapo" stainless steel sleeved calipers use decorative stainless too.

[Ron G.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Russ,

I don't possess enough knowledge about the frames, but I think you are the only one that says they are GM over the counter. However, I did purchse them over the counter around late seventies early eighties as left over stock from Partyka Chevrolet in Hamden, CT. Everything that I have seen and read on this forum is pointing towards being originals. Don't get me wrong as I am still not 100% convinced they are. I still need to keep my detective hat on and do more research, but thank you and everyone who has responded.

[Russ S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Russ,

I don't possess enough knowledge about the frames, but I think you are the only one that says they are GM over the counter. However, I did purchse them over the counter around late seventies early eighties as left over stock from Partyka Chevrolet in Hamden, CT. Everything that I have seen and read on this forum is pointing towards being originals. Don't get me wrong as I am still not 100% convinced they are. I still need to keep my detective hat on and do more research, but thank you and everyone who has responded.

Ron, I don't understand what your point is. You are agreeing with what I have been saying. I said over the counter and that is where you are telling me you got them and in the late seventies-early 80s. That is about the correct time for the over the counter ones to have the smaller rivet head.

[Alan S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi,
The pictures of the rivet I posted are on a frame from my 71 and is one of the two frames delivered on the car when I picked it up on March 22, 1971.
If I can post some more pictures to clarify it's size and shape I'd be pleased to.
Regards,
Alan

[Dave S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi,
The pictures of the rivet I posted are on a frame from my 71 and is one of the two frames delivered on the car when I picked it up on March 22, 1971.
If I can post some more pictures to clarify it's size and shape I'd be pleased to.
Regards,
Alan

Alan,
They look right to me. Slightly larger than 3/16".????? Can you post a photo of the inside of the rivet.????

[Ron G.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Russ,

My point is taht I am beinbt told that the smaller rivet is correct, there maybe others factors that play into it that I am not aware of.

[Russ S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Russ,

My point is taht I am beinbt told that the smaller rivet is correct, there maybe others factors that play into it that I am not aware of.

Ron, Are you talking about the size of the rivet on the inside or the outside of the frame? On Service replacements the size of the head on the out side is smaller than originals but on the inside of the frame service replacements are larger than the originals. If I read above posts correctly you are being told that the larger rivet(on the o/s) is the original.

[Alan S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi Dave,
Here are 2 pictures of the underside of the rivet, 1 picture of the U. S. Pat. No. stamping, and 1 more of the rivet head tryingto show the slight 'dome'.
Regards,
Alan

[Dave S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi Dave,
Here are 2 pictures of the underside of the rivet, 1 picture of the U. S. Pat. No. stamping, and 1 more of the rivet head tryingto show the slight 'dome'.
Regards,
Alan

Alan, Excellent. Thanks. that should clear things up. The inside if the rivet tells it all. I believe the finished side of the rivet (outside) is slightly larger than 3/16".

[Alan S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi Dave,
In my other life I don't get any more exact than 1/4". To my eye, I too would describe it as about a 3/16" rivet, not 1/4".
Regards,
Alan

PS: The plating on the spring clip appears to have been done after the stamp was done... might it have been?

[Joe L.]

Re: Original license plate frames

PS: The plating on the spring clip appears to have been done after the stamp was done... might it have been?

Alan------


Almost certainly.

[Dave S.]

Re: Original license plate frames

Hi Dave,
In my other life I don't get any more exact than 1/4". To my eye, I too would describe it as about a 3/16" rivet, not 1/4".
Regards,
Alan

PS: The plating on the spring clip appears to have been done after the stamp was done... might it have been?

My originals are like yours. Clip had patent number stamp prior to plating, although the plating is very thin.
The look of the rivet inside should be the determining factor. Obviously if it is on the car then the inside can't be seen so it can't be judged.