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Username Post: Vintage Texas Plates (all topics combined)        (Topic#182490)
Hgrove51 
Contributor
Posts: 218
Hgrove51
Loc: Tyler, Texas
Reg: 09-06-07
02-17-08 07:52 PM - Post#1368485    

If I want to put 1951 texas plates on my 51, do I have to register it as a classic first to use those plates? If thats not it then how can I use these plates on my car?

1951 Styleline Deluxe 2dr
1957 Bel Air 4dr Sedan
1979 Silverado


Edited by 57 Dreamer on 03-10-08 07:04 AM. Reason for edit: merged 3 topics and made sticky

 
57 Dreamer 
Contributor
Posts: 641
57 Dreamer
Age: 47
Loc: Houston (Westside), Texas
Reg: 05-25-06
02-17-08 08:47 PM - Post#1368523    
    In response to Hgrove51

Beejay is an expert at this so I am sure he will chime in at some point.

The way I understand it (and have been through this somewhat), the county you are registering the car in will want to see the plates for a visual inspection (looking at paint, bent, rust, etc.) The car doesn't have to be registered as a classic, instead with your 51 plates it will automatically be classified as an antique car. According to Texas Transportation code 504.502 A year of manufacture plate must be of the same year as model of car, and be of the same state (Texas). A small plate is issued that is attached to the license plate and cost $10 per year for a 5 year period, or is prorated based upon a distribution cycle. In other words they issue you a mini plate that fits on one of your license plate screws, that expires on a cycle. Depending on when during this cycle you register your car determines wether you pay the full amount your first time out.

Info from TxDOT:
http://law.onecle.com/texas/transportation/ 504.502.00.html

Stephen
"Born 20 years too late to have one Brand New" "See the USA in a Chevrolet"

57 210 Sedan Origi. 283 2bbl Powerglide <<Link
57 Bel Air Sedan, Parts Car


Edited by 57 Dreamer on 02-17-08 08:47 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
txturbo 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3549

Loc: Rosenberg,TX USA
Reg: 07-27-01
02-18-08 04:14 AM - Post#1368627    
    In response to Hgrove51

Unless the rules have changed, you have to register it as a classic or antique to use the old plates. I had both of my 66 Impalas registered this way a couple of years ago. They have to visually inspect the plates and make photocopies of them.You register the car as a classic or antique and pay the regular registration fee plus an additional fee of about $15 to get a sticker that goes on the windshield.

Dan
1969 Camaro SS 396/T400
1966 Impala 283/PG/AC
1966 Impala SS 427/4 Speed
1948 Panel 1 Ton
1963 Cadillac
1940 Ford P/U
1954 Chevy 3100
1955.2 Chevy 3100
1956 Cadillac CDV PINK
1930 Model A hot rod


 
beejay 
Deceased Member
Posts: 12605
beejay
Age: 88
Loc: Pflugerville, Texas
Reg: 06-01-04
02-18-08 10:17 AM - Post#1368901    
    In response to txturbo

Expert??? I don't think so. As turbo pointed out, you take the plates to the county tax assesser/collector. They coordinate with TxDOT to verify that the plates are not currently listed as being used. If registered as antique, you pay a fee for five years. If a classic, you pay anual license fee PLUS $15 to DOT. The rules for driving are entirely different, but a lot of guys register an antique and drive whenever/wherever they want and don't get caught. Mine were on the car when I bought it, and was still a hassle to change title. Incidentally, the plates belong to the person and not the car. If you sell the car, you can remove the plates. That's generally what's happening with the law on using YOM plates. For what it's worth: I hope you live in a small county. Overall, it takes less waiting.

Bruce

'56 4-door BelAir, 350, Holley 600, Eddie intake, TKO 600, CPP P/S and A arms, Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige
2010 VW Jetta S/W, 2.5, 5-cyl,6-spd auto.
'87 Elkie, 350 with 700r4 tranny B&M floor shift
http://www.picturetrail.com/beejay3/"


 
acardon 
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11511

Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
02-18-08 05:52 PM - Post#1369295    
    In response to beejay

  • Quote:
If a classic, you pay annual license fee PLUS $15 to DOT. The rules for driving are entirely different, but a lot of guys register an antique and drive whenever/wherever they want and don't get caught.


Correct, if you register it as a Antique, your limited to driving to shows, parades, events, or (and a rule recently added) to get it repaired. That sounds like a loop hole but I have heard of people getting a ticket for being at the grocery store with a antique plate. Registered as a antique, you DO NOT have to get it inspected. A big plus.
If you register it as a Classic, there are no driving restrictions, you have to get a state safety inspection (no exhaust sniffing though), and you get the windshield sticker.

Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (driving)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)


 
Nomader What? 
Senior Member
Posts: 304
Nomader What?
Loc: Bulverde, Texas, USA
Reg: 04-30-02
02-23-08 07:55 AM - Post#1372722    
    In response to Hgrove51

My antique plates run out March 2008. I haven't received any notice to renew them yet. I'm wondering if any of you with antique plates have received any renewal information yet.

55' Gasser - 2 Dr. Hdtp
55' Nomad
66' Corvette Air Coupe
14' Corvette Z-51, LT-3
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa127/garynyla n...


 
SouthCoast 
Senior Member
Posts: 284
SouthCoast
Age: 78
Loc: Rosenberg, Tx.
Reg: 05-27-05
02-23-08 09:03 AM - Post#1372760    
    In response to Nomader What?

I got mine, and Tim has his new plate already. Hmmmm?

Rich



 
beejay 
Deceased Member
Posts: 12605
beejay
Age: 88
Loc: Pflugerville, Texas
Reg: 06-01-04
02-23-08 11:31 AM - Post#1372838    
    In response to Nomader What?

Check with your county Tax Assessor/Collector. You're not the first for this to happen. A coupla years ago, there were 9,000 in Travis Co. who didn't get theirs.

Bruce

'56 4-door BelAir, 350, Holley 600, Eddie intake, TKO 600, CPP P/S and A arms, Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige
2010 VW Jetta S/W, 2.5, 5-cyl,6-spd auto.
'87 Elkie, 350 with 700r4 tranny B&M floor shift
http://www.picturetrail.com/beejay3/"


 
57belairman 
"20th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3026
57belairman
Age: 75
Loc: Missouri City Texas USA
Reg: 03-16-02
02-23-08 06:05 PM - Post#1373074    
    In response to Nomader What?

I got all of mine last week. Maybe they can't find you way out there in nomans land.

Life is short, Eat dessert first, I always do!!

Picturetrail
57 2dr ht red
57 Convertible black
57 Nomad larkspur blue
56 Suburban


 
Nomader What? 
Senior Member
Posts: 304
Nomader What?
Loc: Bulverde, Texas, USA
Reg: 04-30-02
02-24-08 05:40 AM - Post#1373315    
    In response to 57belairman

That may be true. I'm checking to make sure that they have our new address since we moved. I just wanted to be sure that others were getting their's ok.
Thanks guys

55' Gasser - 2 Dr. Hdtp
55' Nomad
66' Corvette Air Coupe
14' Corvette Z-51, LT-3
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa127/garynyla n...


 
beejay 
Deceased Member
Posts: 12605
beejay
Age: 88
Loc: Pflugerville, Texas
Reg: 06-01-04
02-24-08 10:03 AM - Post#1373476    
    In response to Nomader What?

You MAY be able to do that on line. I changed county to send renewal on line. My physical address didn't change. I bought my car in Williamson County and registered it there. Consequently, they sent renewal from there. I physically live in Travis County, so changed to Travis. It's even simpler if you have physical address moves.

Bruce

'56 4-door BelAir, 350, Holley 600, Eddie intake, TKO 600, CPP P/S and A arms, Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige
2010 VW Jetta S/W, 2.5, 5-cyl,6-spd auto.
'87 Elkie, 350 with 700r4 tranny B&M floor shift
http://www.picturetrail.com/beejay3/"


 
bowtieollie 
Member #3 ChevyTalk Subject Matter Expert
Posts: 21228
bowtieollie
Loc: See the USA in your Chevr...
Reg: 12-06-99
02-24-08 12:28 PM - Post#1373549    
    In response to beejay

WOW!

I thought everything was better in Texas, BJ????

You have to RENEW antique plates?
Here in Pennsyltucky.... its a one time deal
Pay $75.00 and they last your lifetime....

Bowtieollie
Chevytalk.com Moderator


 
Nomader What? 
Senior Member
Posts: 304
Nomader What?
Loc: Bulverde, Texas, USA
Reg: 04-30-02
02-26-08 07:15 AM - Post#1375009    
    In response to bowtieollie

You also pay State Taxes and we don't.

55' Gasser - 2 Dr. Hdtp
55' Nomad
66' Corvette Air Coupe
14' Corvette Z-51, LT-3
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa127/garynyla n...


 
Nomader What? 
Senior Member
Posts: 304
Nomader What?
Loc: Bulverde, Texas, USA
Reg: 04-30-02
02-26-08 07:18 AM - Post#1375013    
    In response to 57belairman

Well, guess what came in the mail yesterday. Yep, better a little late than not at all. I guess our county was a little slower that some.

55' Gasser - 2 Dr. Hdtp
55' Nomad
66' Corvette Air Coupe
14' Corvette Z-51, LT-3
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa127/garynyla n...


 
beejay 
Deceased Member
Posts: 12605
beejay
Age: 88
Loc: Pflugerville, Texas
Reg: 06-01-04
02-27-08 10:53 AM - Post#1375948    
    In response to bowtieollie

Ollie,

Antique is $25 per 5-year period. The REGISTRATION is renewed, and not the plates. Classic is registered every year at regular rates, and if YOM plates used, $15 to DOT. Classics also have the mandatory "cursory" inspection, while the antique does not. The "cursory" is not the emission-test type inspection.

Bruce

'56 4-door BelAir, 350, Holley 600, Eddie intake, TKO 600, CPP P/S and A arms, Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige
2010 VW Jetta S/W, 2.5, 5-cyl,6-spd auto.
'87 Elkie, 350 with 700r4 tranny B&M floor shift
http://www.picturetrail.com/beejay3/"


 
alee75681 
Contributor
Posts: 776
alee75681
Age: 54
Loc: Henderson, TX
Reg: 02-20-05
02-28-08 05:17 PM - Post#1376941    
    In response to beejay

Gee, Beejay, I must be getting ripped off, 'cause the registration renewal that came in the mail for my antique plates says I owe $60.30 for the period ending in March 2013. What gives?

Andy Lee
'55 4dr sedan

Andy's Cardomain '55 Chevy site


 
Rick_L 
Member #409
Posts: 28124
Rick_L
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
02-28-08 07:12 PM - Post#1377044    
    In response to alee75681

Do they charge you county road and bridge fees on antique/classic plates? They vary with the county.

$60.30 for 5 years still doesn't sound too bad. That's about the yearly fee for my Nova, which has regular plates on it.





 
Nomader What? 
Senior Member
Posts: 304
Nomader What?
Loc: Bulverde, Texas, USA
Reg: 04-30-02
02-28-08 07:27 PM - Post#1377061    
    In response to Rick_L

Mine were $62.80 and good for 5 years also. I guess it varies some with each county.

55' Gasser - 2 Dr. Hdtp
55' Nomad
66' Corvette Air Coupe
14' Corvette Z-51, LT-3
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa127/garynyla n...


 
acardon 
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11511

Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
02-28-08 07:33 PM - Post#1377063    
    In response to Nomader What?

  • Quote:
Do they charge you county road and bridge fees on antique/classic plates? They vary with the county.




Bruce lives in the backwoods where they don't have roads or bridges.

Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (driving)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)


 
alee75681 
Contributor
Posts: 776
alee75681
Age: 54
Loc: Henderson, TX
Reg: 02-20-05
02-29-08 09:33 AM - Post#1377415    
    In response to acardon

Yes, the county road and bridge fee was $10, which still has registration by itself at $50 for five years. Maybe it's because I didn't get antique plates until recently. I'm not complaining, though, because like Rick's Nova, both my daily drivers are about that much or more EVERY year.

Andy Lee
'55 4dr sedan

Andy's Cardomain '55 Chevy site


 
beejay 
Deceased Member
Posts: 12605
beejay
Age: 88
Loc: Pflugerville, Texas
Reg: 06-01-04
03-01-08 10:52 AM - Post#1378156    
    In response to acardon

  • acardon Said:
  • Quote:
Do they charge you county road and bridge fees on antique/classic plates? They vary with the county.




Bruce lives in the backwoods where they don't have roads or bridges.



Yeah, but I still gotta pay dem darn fees anyway. I just don't drive the car when it's raining. Too muddy. And, mine is registered as a classic, not one of dem OL' KARS!! BUT, I do have to get the inspections each year.


Bruce

'56 4-door BelAir, 350, Holley 600, Eddie intake, TKO 600, CPP P/S and A arms, Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige
2010 VW Jetta S/W, 2.5, 5-cyl,6-spd auto.
'87 Elkie, 350 with 700r4 tranny B&M floor shift
http://www.picturetrail.com/beejay3/"


 
the_sasquash 
Newbie
Posts: 6

Loc: Garland, Tx
Reg: 03-02-08
03-06-08 09:15 AM - Post#1381779    
    In response to Nomader What?

I just got a 1960 chevy Biscayne and me and my son are fixing it up. I have heard about the antique and the classic plates / registration but i keep getting different info. Can anybody help me understand this better.




 
txturbo 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3549

Loc: Rosenberg,TX USA
Reg: 07-27-01
03-06-08 10:28 AM - Post#1381815    
    In response to the_sasquash

Basically you have 3 registration choices.Regular, Classic or Antique.Each one has a regular registration fee and comes with the corresponding license plate.Classic requires the same annual safety inspection as regular and there are no use restrictions.Antique has use restrictions but doesn't require annual safety inspections. If you want to use "year of manufacture" plates instead of the issued plates for Classic or Antique registration, you will have to buy your own plates and have them with you when you register the car.There is an additional yearly fee for using YOM plates which use to be $15. Not sure if its gone up.They will issue you a seperate windshield sticker for this.

Dan
1969 Camaro SS 396/T400
1966 Impala 283/PG/AC
1966 Impala SS 427/4 Speed
1948 Panel 1 Ton
1963 Cadillac
1940 Ford P/U
1954 Chevy 3100
1955.2 Chevy 3100
1956 Cadillac CDV PINK
1930 Model A hot rod


 
57 Dreamer 
Contributor
Posts: 641
57 Dreamer
Age: 47
Loc: Houston (Westside), Texas
Reg: 05-25-06
03-06-08 11:40 AM - Post#1381860    
    In response to txturbo

agreed!

let me add one other thing. Antique plates (state issued not year of manufacture) are renewed on a 5 year cycle. If you go this route you get the plates and the fee you pay is based upon where you are in the cycle (All Texas Antique plates expire at the same time). It just so happens that all antique car plates are due for renewal this month 3/08. That means that you will pay for 5 years all at once if you register now, and 3 years if you were to wait until 2010.

Oh yeah and if you go with 1960 plates be prepared to take them with you, and they had better be in good shape (this is subjective by the inspector) as well as TEXAS CAR PLATES otherwise they won't let ya use 'em.


Welcome to ChevyTalk sasquash.

Stephen
"Born 20 years too late to have one Brand New" "See the USA in a Chevrolet"

57 210 Sedan Origi. 283 2bbl Powerglide <<Link
57 Bel Air Sedan, Parts Car


Edited by 57 Dreamer on 03-06-08 11:41 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
SouthCoast 
Senior Member
Posts: 284
SouthCoast
Age: 78
Loc: Rosenberg, Tx.
Reg: 05-27-05
03-06-08 07:42 PM - Post#1382159    
    In response to the_sasquash

Copied from Tx.Dot website:

Antique Auto

Antique license plates are issued for cars, trucks or motorcycles that are at least 25 years old and are a collector’s item. The vehicle must be used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. Vehicles displaying Antique plates may not be used for regular transportation or carry advertising. The vehicle may be driven to and from a location for routine maintenance.

Antique plates are issued for five-year periods. The registration fee for the five-year period is $50.30 ($10 per year, plus an additional 30 cents for the registration insignia) for vehicles manufactured in 1921 and subsequent years and $40.30 ($8 per year, plus an additional 30 cents for the registration insignia) for vehicles manufactured in 1920 and prior years. Fees are reduced $10/$8 for each year of the period that has elapsed at the time the application is filed.

Classic Auto

Classic license plates are issued to cars that are 25 or more years old. Unlike antiques, which cannot be used for regular transportation or carry advertising, classic license plates require a vehicle to be fully registered like any other vehicle, allowing it to be operated on any roadway. A specialty plate fee of $15 is charged in addition to the regular registration fee and other applicable fees.


Notice the bold copy. When is an old chevy going down the road not performing a function of public interest? I've driven all over the U.S. for 10 years on YOM plates with an antique tab, no problem. I do not use the vehicle for daily transportation! I have driven it 1800 miles to an exhibition (show) however.

Rich





 
Smokey 
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Smokey
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
03-07-08 07:48 AM - Post#1382399    
    In response to SouthCoast

  • Quote:
Antique Auto

Antique license plates are issued for cars, trucks or motorcycles that are at least 25 years old and are a collector’s item. The vehicle must be used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. Vehicles displaying Antique plates may not be used for regular transportation or carry advertising. The vehicle may be driven to and from a location for routine maintenance.




Been driving these baby's with antique plates for over thirty years now (currently have three with antique plates now) and have never been pulled over for not going to exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. BTW too you can also drive them for pleasure.
I asked a trooper about this a time ago and the reason they don't enforce this is because it really can't be proven that you not going to or from these type of events.
Now I suppose if you driving around at 3:00 am in the morning looking suspicious then I guess all bets would be off.

'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100


In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56)


 
acardon 
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11511

Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
03-07-08 08:18 AM - Post#1382418    
    In response to Smokey

  • Quote:
The vehicle may be driven to and from a location for routine maintenance.





This is your loophole. Your on your way to get the oil changed when you get stopped.


Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (driving)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)


 
alee75681 
Contributor
Posts: 776
alee75681
Age: 54
Loc: Henderson, TX
Reg: 02-20-05
03-07-08 09:14 AM - Post#1382460    
    In response to acardon

A friend of mine who is a transmission mechanic said that these older cars with their older auto transmissions needed to be driven at least once a week to keep the fluid in the cooler in the radiator from running back. Hey, that's routine maintenance isn't it?

"Yes, officer my mechanic told me I had to drive it once a week for maintenance."

Andy Lee
'55 4dr sedan

Andy's Cardomain '55 Chevy site


 
YeniPenny 
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 5968
YeniPenny
Loc: Biloxi, Ms
Reg: 11-26-01
03-07-08 10:17 AM - Post#1382514    
    In response to alee75681

  • alee75681 Said:
A friend of mine who is a transmission mechanic said that these older cars with their older auto transmissions needed to be driven at least once a week to keep the fluid in the cooler in the radiator from running back. Hey, that's routine maintenance isn't it?

"Yes, officer my mechanic told me I had to drive it once a week for maintenance."



I'm not a transmission expert so I can't 'splain what happens, but I've had 2-3 old cars with power glides that would upchuck the tranny fluid out the dipstick tube after sitting for about two weeks. As long as they were started/driven in less than two weeks, there were no leaks or loss of fluid.




 
Anonymous 

05-20-09 07:47 PM - Post#1701727    
    In response to YeniPenny

As an, "Off Topic" post, on this thread...I have a 1947 Texas plate...not in the greatest condition, but restorable. Anyone interested...free, you just pay for the postage for me to send it to you!

I can provide a pic if anyone is interested!



 
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