12-03-2020, 01:47 PM | #1 |
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License plate theft?
Has anyone encounterd licens plate theft? A lot of these older vehicles have vintage license plates and could be a target of thieves. Just wondering if anyone here has implemented any anti-theft devices for license plates. The standard ones that come to mind are security bolts. However, if a thief is clever enough, he could carry the tools to remove these bolts, since they are easy to get.
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12-03-2020, 02:18 PM | #2 |
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Re: License plate theft?
One of the reasons they make U-Haul.
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12-03-2020, 02:24 PM | #3 |
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Re: License plate theft?
Instead of a screw, use a bolt. Put a nut on the back with lock tight red, or a lock nut. This should make the nut spin with the bolt unless you have a wrench to hold it. Most thieves will give up if it doesn't come off easily. They expect a phillips screwdriver, 2 screws, done in under a minute. The longer it takes, the higher the risk.
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12-03-2020, 02:25 PM | #4 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I have known quite a few people who had custom plates stolen, but not typical older plates as of yet. Especially since you can now get the new black plates again.
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12-03-2020, 02:27 PM | #5 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
I was thinking a security bolt, and a nylock nut. Next step wqoould be safety wire on the bolt, behind the plate.
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1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed |
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12-03-2020, 02:37 PM | #6 |
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Re: License plate theft?
Use nuts with the nylon lock rings. Use longer bolts then normally needed so it takes longer to get the nuts off. Most plates come with 4 holes. Use all four. Use a couple different sizes of bolts and nuts to make the thief change or adjust tools. As mentioned, more time for the thief is higher risk.
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12-03-2020, 02:55 PM | #7 |
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Re: License plate theft?
Here is a kit with security torx bolts:
https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Theft-Li.../dp/B07XQ665NF
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12-03-2020, 02:59 PM | #8 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I know "black plates" are sought after and valuable in CA, but if someone reports it stolen, what is it's value? I guess hope someone buys it without checking if it's available first?
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12-03-2020, 03:03 PM | #9 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I don't believe you can buy a license plate to use on your car/truck in California. Someone selling a stolen plate would look for a collector to purchase it. I could be wrong though.
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1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed |
12-03-2020, 03:15 PM | #10 | |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
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Re: License plate theft?
You are correct, it can transfer with the car:
Quote:
Aside from people trying to hide a stolen car, what's the appeal in stealing plates? Most old plates on ebay are only $15-20.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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12-03-2020, 03:23 PM | #11 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I have original 1965 plates on my truck, they are mounted with security screws that only go in, not out. Of course, if someone has time and Vise Grips/grinder...
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12-03-2020, 03:33 PM | #12 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
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12-03-2020, 04:38 PM | #13 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
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Re: License plate theft?
My family still lives up there. I told my dad I want a set of the blue/yellow when he's done with them.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
12-03-2020, 05:22 PM | #14 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I use stainless button head bolts and nylock nuts.
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12-03-2020, 11:35 PM | #15 |
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Re: License plate theft?
The plates on my wife's car were stolen. They didn't remove the bolts. I asked the police why they would just tear the plate off. The thieves were only interested in the little sticker.
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12-04-2020, 09:33 AM | #16 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I found this plate a while back to use on my 67 , I'll be using the stainless button head bolts and nylocks .
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12-04-2020, 10:07 AM | #17 |
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Re: License plate theft?
When Ct. still used stickers the thieves would just cut the corner of the plate off with the sticker on it.
The amount of unregistered, insured, and unlicensed drivers is amazing. NY plates are everywhere. I guess the local police cannot verify them. Why the states don't reciprocate in the computer age that we live in is crazy. |
12-04-2020, 10:15 AM | #18 |
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Re: License plate theft?
There is another reason why old and rare license plates are stolen off old collector cars.. Vintage License plates are taking a jump in cost to buy more than ever..
I found and bought a set of Idaho plates for my old car ,,this was about 3 years ago now and I paid $35 plus shipping @ $1.98 .. If I had of bought these plates looking like new or refurbished ones I would of paid much more,, I repainted mine and the state took photos of one of them and said I could use it. . Them same plates now will run you more than double or 3 times and plus higher shipping costs Postal shipping has went way up too,,now one would pay (depending on how far from your residence) now its most of the time for me $8 ( A set of California (1939 Worlds fair ) and Idaho (1928) A big potato on it) that have went up in value almost double what I paid for then 3 -4 years ago..
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12-04-2020, 11:02 AM | #19 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
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12-04-2020, 11:50 AM | #20 |
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Re: License plate theft?
Actually you can. It's referred to as year of manufacture plates. These are the really old yellow ones and the early black and yellow ones. They have to be is good shape and not currently registered to a vehicle. After purchase, you can take them to the DMV, or if AAA is still doing registration then there, and got your registration sticker.
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12-04-2020, 11:56 AM | #21 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
But, yes, it can be done. |
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12-04-2020, 12:25 PM | #22 |
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Re: License plate theft?
After having his plate stolen multiple times, my friend tack welded his to the bumper of his truck. No more problems.
Where I am, it is not so much classic but modern vehicles that are targeted. Your plate is likely to get stolen if you have a vehicle that is popular to steal. ie. Someone with a stolen white Lexus will swap the plates from another (non stolen) white Lexus and drive around for quite awhile before anyone is the wiser.
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12-04-2020, 05:30 PM | #23 |
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Re: License plate theft?
I've never had a plate stolen. But I have had the renewal stickers stolen out of my mailbox. I guess the thieves either sell them or put them on their own car so their registration looks current.
My house and cars are very secure, but my mailbox is down the road from my house. I put in a new locking mailbox and they still broke in. And messed up my new mailbox doing it. I think they look for something from the DMV figuring it might be new tags. They stole my registration renewal for my truck and that was just a bill. They could feel free to pay that if they like. I wont complain. The worst part was that I had to go to the DMV to get it all straightened out. Which as we all know is just tons of fun.
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12-04-2020, 07:46 PM | #24 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
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12-05-2020, 09:12 AM | #25 | |
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Re: License plate theft?
Quote:
In Idaho ,,the plates you buy for your car or truck is yours only and it cannot be transferred when selling to another person.. you can transfer it to another vehicle of your own ,,and now we have a 10 year life span on our license plates before you have to buy a new set...
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