Where can I get Black plates for rear lighting?

[Uncle Fester]

My Griff is black and I have started thinking that it would look better with silver letters on black background number plates.
The trouble is finding a black background plate suitable for rear lighting.
I have emailed a few plate makers and either got no reply, or 'no can do'
One suggested fitting an ordinary black plate, so the illumination wouldn't show. They said that as black plates are for pre 1973 cars, it wouldn't be legal, so it makes little difference.
However, the Griff is a timeless design. It could have come from any time from the 1960's onwards. Few people know what they are. If you have a dateless or pre 1973 plate most people wouldn't know how old it is...
And black on black wouldn't be easily read by a computer
Fester

[The Moosehunter]

Uncle Fester said:

Few people know what they are. If you have a dateless or pre 1973 plate most people wouldn't know how old it is...

Most people aren't in communication with the PNC database that the BiB are, and it's those you need to worry about

If you're not worried about that then it's only the MOT station to worry about then, spare set of plates would keep them happy for the day

It would look mighty fine Black on Black
Your choice I guess

Is it worth an easy 3 points if you have upset a local plod who's having a bad day and can't do you for anything else ?

[spend]

Easy, just emigrate to country that uses black plates

Dave

[2Munkys]

Uncle F

I looked into this last year for my black Griff and for two buddies with the same. I spoke to Fancy Plates, Craig's Plates, and probably a couple more suppliers. Fancy Plates said they'd get back to me if they came up with a suitable black material for the back lighting. I've (within the last few months) chased them up but to no avail. If you do come up with anything then let us know.

[Ballistic Banana]

Have you tried Carnoisseur's. They will make any plate up you like. As long as they are for show use only. http://www.carnoisseur.com/

BB

[Uncle Fester]

spend said:

Easy, just emigrate to country that uses black plates

Dave

Trying to get rid of me Dave?

You wouldn't have to miss me though, I could pop on here to keep in touch.

Seriously though, many a true word spoken in jest, thanks for the idea.

I don't plan emigration until I retire. However, I could try registering the car at what is (for now) a holiday home.

Anyone know if black plates were/are legal in France?

Thanks BB, I have emailed them.

Fester

Edited by Uncle Fester on Tuesday 25th September 04:43

[350Matt]

It might be possible to get the letters made up in light permeable material instead of the backing?

Matt

[spend]

Uncle Fester said:

Trying to get rid of me Dave?

Who me?

The only place I can currently recall using white on black is Saudi, think India/Pakistan/NZ/Oz/WIndies used to (prob most Commonwealth actually), Scandinavia... Finland used to do odd years BW, even years WB or something like that.

There is of course Liechtenstein, took me a while to recall theirs (knew there was an isolated Euro plate)

Other option is DVLA changed some of rules to build date, rather than first reg date ~ I wonder if you installed a 1972 engine number on your block you would be permitted the plates?

Dave

If you can even consider a life choice between beer & black plates, I pity you!

Edited by spend on Tuesday 25th September 13:55

[Uncle Fester]

spend said:

Uncle Fester said:

Trying to get rid of me Dave?

Who me?

The only place I can currently recall using white on black is Saudi, think India/Pakistan/NZ/Oz/WIndies used to (prob most Commonwealth actually), Scandinavia... Finland used to do odd years BW, even years WB or something like that.

There is of course Liechtenstein, took me a while to recall theirs (knew there was an isolated Euro plate)

Other option is DVLA changed some of rules to build date, rather than first reg date ~ I wonder if you installed a 1972 engine number on your block you would be permitted the plates?

Dave

If you can even consider a life choice between beer & black plates, I pity you!

Edited by spend on Tuesday 25th September 13:55

The block number idea is worth a thought. De-cat as well?

Give up beer?

Have you taken leave of your senses? What did I say? Retirement plans feature an old farmhouse in France. I may have to drink more wine, but dammed if I'm giving up drinking pints.

Fester

[L33]

Doesn't help you, but I have black and silver plates on my wedge:

I think they look awesome!

I got mine from Framptons plates.
Give Steve a call on 02392 264 755 or click http://www.pl8s.co.uk/
Cost was £50, but they look beautiful. If they can be made for the rear of the griff, Steve will know how.

L33

[Pasco]

Yes i would love a pair "oo err" if we could find a supplier which can produce a material that can let light through the rear plate

[spend]

Pasco said:

Yes i would love a pair "two err"

:snigger:

Dave

[Pasco]

spend said:

Pasco said:

Yes i would love a pair "two err"

:snigger:

Dave

Kiss my Booty Dave

[spend]

Pasco said:

spend said:

Pasco said:

Yes i would love a pair "two err"

:snigger:

Dave

Kiss my Booby Dave

Which one?

Dave

[Pasco]

spend said:

Pasco said:

spend said:

Pasco said:

Yes i would love a pair "two err"

:snigger:

Dave

Kiss my Booby Dave

Which one?

Dave

Edit to say its nice to see some people have retained a sense of humor on this ever increasingly Boring Forum to you Dave

Edited by Pasco on Tuesday 25th September 22:41

[Simpo Two]

Starting from first principles, I'd get a rectangle of white translucent opaque acrylic and then get a sign company to make a reversed out mask in black s/a vinyl.

Almost cetainly illegal but at least you'd see the reg no after dark.

[sgrimshaw]

L33 said:

Doesn't help you, but I have black and silver plates on my wedge:
I think they look awesome!
L33

I agree L33 they look really good, but strictly speaking aren't they illegal?
I thought that style could only be used on old cars (pre 1973 ??).

[L33]

sgrimshaw said:

L33 said:

Doesn't help you, but I have black and silver plates on my wedge:
I think they look awesome!
L33

I agree L33 they look really good, but strictly speaking aren't they illegal?
I thought that style could only be used on old cars (pre 1973 ??).

Sure, the are but I've not been stopped yet. I think as long as you don't take the p155 with spacing and misrepresenting letters, then the plod will turn a blind eye unless your driving like an idiot.

[spend]

L33 said:

...then the plod will turn a blind eye unless your driving like an idiot..

Hmmm.. Cosmetic no. plates or driving like an idiot???? Is it such a tough choice for Griffters

Dave

[Uncle Fester]

spend said:

L33 said:

...then the plod will turn a blind eye unless your driving like an idiot..

Hmmm.. Cosmetic no. plates or driving like an idiot???? Is it such a tough choice for Griffters

Dave

If you read the DVLA site legal spiel in its strict interpretation, all newly made plates must be the new style, regardless of the year of the vehicle to which they will be fitted.
The black plates are only legal on pre 1973 cars if you already have a set. If you're getting new plates made for your pre 73 they should be yellow.

Fashions come and go, but style is eternal.

A Griff looks as if it could be as old as an E Type or a Ferrari 250 GTO, or so new it could have been made tomorrow.
Perhaps we are guilty of 'gilding the Lilly' but at least we aren't trying to make a silk purse out of an ugly pigs ear, unlike some people.

The advantage for us is that when most people (BIB are people too) look at a Griff they don't think age.

Fester