Classic Z Car Club licence plate frames?

[Arne]

I too think it's a good idea, but as Mike hinted at, it's really tough to do it right. First you have the obvious problem of the finish - while lots of us would want chrome to compliment our bumpers, others will want black because that would look best with their particular cars' appearance.

Then you have the issue over what style of frame to offer. Some states locate their stickers (tabs) at the top, others at the bottom. Most (if not all) require that the stickers not be covered by the frame, even if they seldom enforce that. So do you create a frame with the logo at the top? Or the bottom? How much of the plate do you cover? How will that look with today's modern graphics-covered plates?

I will admit to being more than a little anal about my plates and their frames. Considering what I had to do to get the vintage plates on my red 240Z, and also that one of the defining features of those vintage Oregon plates is the embossed yellow border all around the edge, I really didn't want my frames to cover any of the plate at all. Not just for appearance, but also because I don't want the frame to damage the plate's paint. So I bought a frame that the plate sits in, rather than one that covers any of the plate. And that's the kind of frame that I'd want from the club, too. Probably hard to get, I doubt that any of the companies that make promotional frames make anything like I have.

Like I said, more than a little anal, to be sure. But I bet I'm not the only one...

[jmark]

Good points Arne. I change my vote to a chrome trim with ClassicZCars.com logo. I'll take 2. Aren't there little tabs on the 240Z that get in the way of using a frame?

[Arne]

Aren't there little tabs on the 240Z that get in the way of using a frame?

Yup, there are. Lots of cars have had those tabs (or hooks) cut off or bent so that they don't interfere with frames. If you look closely at this closeup, you can still see them on my red car, barely peeking out from under the frame. I have a bit of adhesive foam stuck to the back side of the frame to prevent it from damaging the tabs.

[jmark]

Yup, there are. Lots of cars have had those tabs (or hooks) cut off or bent so that they don't interfere with frames. If you look closely at this closeup, you can still see them on my red car, barely peeking out from under the frame. I have a bit of adhesive foam stuck to the back side of the frame to prevent it from damaging the tabs.

I thought so. My 280Z has them as well as my 240Z.

[twsutt]

There isn't a whole lot of room above or below the plate on a classic Z. There is, however, about 1.5" - 2" on either side of the frame. I imagine that a frame could be designed to utilize that space, but now we're talking about a custom frame that might cost more than the average club member might not want to pay for.

I'll admit that I'm cheap and I'm only willing to pay $30 or less. (maybe $35)

[TomoHawk]

I'd be surprised if tere wasn't a member here that's involved with injection- moulding or plastic- forming of some kind to help us make a mold or whatever for a suitable license plate.

How about you engineers drawing up a design for a frame?

thxZ

[AZ-240z]

Since this is kind of a brainstorming session, and not to discount the license plate frame idea, here is another thought on a similar idea to distinguish our club association.

One of the classic things found on autos of historic importance are very nice metal cloisonne badges usually denoting the car's country of origin, or manufacture company logo, or, perhaps a "CLUB ASSOCIATION LOGO".

These badges usually are made so as to be easily attached to some desired part of the car such as front grill, front or rear bumper, or even a license plate frame.

My reasoning in part is that I don't think one could do justice to a proper club logo on the limited space of a license plate frame as noted in the reasons given by Arne, for one.

A badge, on the other hand, could be created with our club logo and name made of a high quality painted metal casting which could be prominently displayed on our cars.

Just an idea that popped into my head if anyone has any thoughts on this for further consideration.

Dan

[CoastGuardZ]

I too would be in for frames, no less than 2 but more than likely 4. As far as "My Other Car is a Classic Z" being too specific... I think it's too general. I'd prefer a "My Other Car is a 240Z". I received the chrome 240Z frame that MSA sells at Christmas but had to relegate it to front license plate duty for the reason that Arne stated, the 240Z is at the bottom nearly completely covering the licensing state (South Carolina).

That being said, it would probably be best to offer them in top or bottom position logos. And since that would already narrow down profit margins then it would be more lucrative to offer only one logo and I think www.ClassicZCars.com is the best bet.

Now maybe we should start a thread for stickers too. Vinyl decals would be great for the "My Other Car is a..." and even a www.ClassicZCars.com would be awesome.

[Arne]

Since this is kind of a brainstorming session, and not to discount the license plate frame idea, here is another thought on a similar idea to distinguish our club association.

One of the classic things found on autos of historic importance are very nice metal cloisonne badges usually denoting the car's country of origin, or manufacture company logo, or, perhaps a "CLUB ASSOCIATION LOGO".

These badges usually are made so as to be easily attached to some desired part of the car such as front grill, front or rear bumper, or even a license plate frame.

My reasoning in part is that I don't think one could do justice to a proper club logo on the limited space of a license plate frame as noted in the reasons given by Arne, for one.

A badge, on the other hand, could be created with our club logo and name made of a high quality painted metal casting which could be prominently displayed on our cars.

Talk with Escanlon on the grill badge idea, he's been working on that thought for quite a while now.

[zbane]

Something like this, perhaps?

I admit that the stick on 280zx label is kind of tacky-certainly not the best choice for quality, but the rounded edges should provide clearance for the tabs.

[Darbji280z]

There is a bumper sticker on the back of one of the Hyundais that reads "I'd Rather Be Driving My Delorean" I am totally cool with advertising the car I can't drive everyday. When someone is riding behind me, squinting through the rain, that's the last thing I want them to realize before they hit me in the arse. I would most certianly wear a Classic Z Car Club plate frame on my Neon, and my other Neon and all kinds of Hyundais. That would be awesome!!!!! Put me down for 4!!!

[TomoHawk]

If you wanted to go with decals, then you could say that size is no limit! I have large sheets ( 36x36 inch) of magnetic stuff that I stick bumper stickers onto, and then cut them out. They stick well on the bumpers and over the peeling paint spots. :classic: