Okay, I take that back... licenseplates.tv does not offer '73 Texas plates. But I am sure there are other sites that do. If not, maybe you can find a set on eBay

I found a clean pair of 73s today on CL for 25 bucks and got them. I'll go with those for the cool factor.

Bring the car back to the same spot, at the same time, with the rear plate only, and stake it out. Chances are that the same thief will want a matched set. Park the car facing the opposite way this time though.

In anticipation of theft, I used 1/4 inch stainless steel pop rivets to save my personalized plates (only ones in the US thank you!). That was 9 years ago and still have them. (could be no one wants them.....) Never know for sure if people are pointing to the car or to the plate. Thinking of getting Cialus to go on the restored Z just for the giggles. Maybe Zialus but who'd make the connection.

Funny plate, Leonard! I can see how it would be for a niche population, though. I don't think many kids/young men would want to steal it.

I take a lot of crap about it. People can think what they want, but it all comes back to getting a woody when I drive it.......

I do remember this kind of story happened to my father many years ago. It wasn't a vintage plate or anything but it was on his MGB roadster. The car was parked in the street at night while we were at a restaurant and the PLATE was stolen... Never figured out WHY anyone would want to do that (if they just wanted to steal a plate, they could have taken any other) but I guess it was just an idiot who was jealous of a nice car and wanted to make trouble (At least he didn't scratch the paint, it had been freshly redone at the time)

Rare cars tend to get more attention... both good and bad... Never underestimate how stupid some people can get if they are "jealous" of your car!

I think you're right, Evil Turkey. The biggest ding I've ever gotten in any car was in my '75 280 right after having it repainted. I think it was put there with a hammer (seriously).

About as good as could happen turned out, I guess. I got the two clean '73 plates off CL (25 bucks) and went down to the tax office to re-register the Z. The same clerk that did the last plates handled this one and pro-rated my past registration, so the total admin. cost was $19.

The plates are now mounted with hex head stainless bolts backed with nuts and lock washers. A thief would need two wrenches to undo these.

Herb, FAIW, a metric allen-head bolt might be better. Casual thieves might have a couple of pairs of pliers on hand, and maybe a wrench or two, but I bet not many carry metric allen wrench sets.

Herb, FAIW, a metric allen-head bolt might be better. Casual thieves might have a couple of pairs of pliers on hand, and maybe a wrench or two, but I bet not many carry metric allen wrench sets.

FW, I think you might be on to something... good thinking! :bulb:

The hex heads are metric, of course... M6-1.0's to be specific, seeking a 10mm socket..., but a couple adjustable wrenches could take care of that, though taking more time than it took with a basic screwdriver on my last set of old plates.

Metric allen wrenches? He'd have to be a kleptomaniac mechanic.