Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Trans Am Photos => Trans Am Photos => Topic started by: milly on January 13, 2007, 11:12:37 PM
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Here are some of the pics I have taken over the years I've had my T/A.
This is what it looked like when I brought it home. Rally II wheels and 301 4 bbl and a 200metric trans
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project13.png)
I traded off the Rally II wheels not long after for some 15x7 Snowflakes.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project12.png)
We had some friends of mine replace both rear 1/4 panels, both rocker panels, and patch the floor boards.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project10.png)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project11.png)
Here it is in primer.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project9.png)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project8.png)
Here are some of the first pics after paint.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project6.png)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Car.jpg)
Here are some recent pics.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/0001.jpg)
Painted the Snowflakes gold.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0035.jpg)
Here is the 315 ci sbc engine that replaced the tired 301 (Don't worry, I am searching for CHEAP Pontiac power).
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0197.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/dsci01962.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/dsci01982.jpg)
I painted the front grills in the SE style.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0001b.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0002c-1.jpg)
A replaced the old, worn out red nose crest with a new gold one that I got from one of my TAC buddies.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0015a.jpg)
The only things left are the door panels and front seat covers. That and finding affordable Pontiac power. :wink:
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(and a seal for the shaker... :shock: ) :twisted: :twisted: :wink:
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:oops: The hood won't close right with the shaker seal in place. I am afraid of breaking the shaker because it is VERY tight. The Performer sets the shaker "lip" (??) just about a 1/4 inch or so from the bottom of the hood. I think if I had the correct 305 shaker base and scoop it might fit better. I'm using the stock 301 shaker base and scoop now.
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You wife doesn't have any mixing bowls the right size? :shock: :lol: :lol:
(Sorry, ROTFL right now... :twisted: )
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They are all glass, so they won't work. :(
:wink: :lol:
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John,
You know I love your 81... and you know why... lol
Jeri
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Sorry, but I've got a thing for the primer look :oops: . Nice work; didn't know your quarters had been replaced.
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Jeri, our cars may have had the same mother, but two different fathers. :wink:
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Does that make them "burgundy"-headed step-children? :P
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I guess you could say that..... :D
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Thanks, I put a lot of thought into my snide comments :P
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Suggestion for the shaker seal....try an autoparts or rubber parts store that stock bulk types of pinchweld seal....like you see around sliding doors on vans. The pinchweld presses nicely onto the edge of the shaker top and if you pick the right profile of pinchweld/seal you can get a neat (lowprofile) "D" type seal molded with the pinchweld....works a treat, I use it on mine...looks even neater that the factory seal.
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Thanks for the tip LeighP. :D
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How much clearance is there, milly? How much does it show when you have the hood closed? :?
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At the back there is about 1". The right front is about 1/8" and the left front is 0". Since I am using the 301 shaker on a sbc the shaker sits off center just enough that the left side where the seal would be located is no longer under the hood all the way.
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Solution: Drop in a Pontiac engine!! :D
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At the back there is about 1". The right front is about 1/8" and the left front is 0". Since I am using the 301 shaker on a sbc the shaker sits off center just enough that the left side where the seal would be located is no longer under the hood all the way.
Ouch. That's off quite a bit. Are you going to do what Jeff suggests or have you considered a WFO aircleaner? :? :?
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I want to get a Pontiac engine for it. They are pretty hard to find around here since all of the full size '70's era cars have been used in demo derbies. I have a line on a pair of 455's, but the guys that have them are taking their sweet time converting the cars for demo service. At this point I would settle for any Pontiac engine that is not a 265 or 301. I would take a 326 or 350 if I can't get a 400 or 455 cheap enough.
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Jeri, our cars may have had the same mother, but two different fathers. :wink:
I know it John... but the prettybird is their favorite... that's why yours is always misbehaving.
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Yeah, Jeri, I would have to agree.
Just for fun, here's some more pics.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0037.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0041.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0043.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0044.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0012d.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0013d.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0014d.jpg)
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Hey! milly finally showed the driver's side!
Actually, that doesn't look bad at all -- not what I thought it might be.
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For some odd reason, I like to take pics of the right side of the car. I can't put my finger on it, but it just looks better than the left side in my mind. :D
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Maybe it's because you can't see that chrome and white thing on the steering column from the pass. side. :P
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HINT: Try BACKING into your driveway next time! That way you can get a better shot from the driver's side -- there's more room to get the shot from that side of the drive! :lol: :lol:
(ROTFL!) :wink:
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That's true, but at the same time, if I back in the driveway, I have to be VERY careful not to rip off the front air dam. It comes very close to scraping when I back in. I guess I could turn around in the yard. :D
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Do you have one of those "roll back" curbs out front?
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Not sure what you mean by "roll back curb". My driveway is ramped down towards the street at the end but there is a gutter inbetween that is lower than the street and the ramp to the street. I have to come in at a slight angle to avoid bottoming out.
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Modern curb profiles come in two configurations -- roll back and chair back. The chair back is the traditional "step up" curb from the street. Those have fallen into disfavor somewhat because the vertical surface causes problems -- snowplows catch them, people trip on them, and tires rub on them. Anymore those are only used in places where you want to keep vehicles in their designated lanes, like in drive thru windows and where you pull up to drive thru bank windows, etc. The roll back curb has a more gradual profile so that tires run up on it rather than rub against it, and snowplows will deflect instead of jamming into it. That's not a very good ASCII description but if you want I can get pics of the two.
Rollbacks are generally used in residential neighborhoods.
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The curbs are the chair back that you described Rick. They are at a 90 degree angle to the street and are about 6 to 8 inches tall. There are some subdivisions around here with the roll back curb that have a gentle slope up from the street to the lawns. Maybe 6 to 8 inchs long with a slight grade/ramp up that won't cut tires. They make it easy to accidently park on the grass.
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Milly nice car is that a sunroof i see .
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Milly: I like the gold grills. Nice touch. 8)
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Those rims really turned out NICE!!
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Except for that ugly SBC in there, you have a fine looking TA there milly 8)
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Thanks guys and yes Stoney81ta, that is a sunroof. Someone installed it in the late '80's or early '90's when that fad was sweeping the midwest. I used the sunroof as a bargining tool to get the T/A for a lower price. :wink:
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I know how u feel my first ta a 79 had a sunroof also was also a leaker had to seal it shut.
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The sunroof only leaks in hurricane like downpours. That doesn't really matter anymore because it has been garaged and taken out of daily driver duty for the last 7 years. The sunroof comes in handy in the summer to help circulate the air.
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I forgot to post the pics of the stereo system. I have a Kenwood cd player providing signal to a Rockford Fosgate Punch 60Ix DSM amp that runs a pair of Memphis Audio 6.5" coaxial speakers in each door. A Rockford Fosgate Punch 200ix DSM amp powers four 12" Rockford Fosgate Punch subwoofers that are mounted in a custom free-air setup.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/Project1.png)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/TheSlab0002.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/TheSlab0003.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0059.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0058.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/DSCI0060.jpg)
As of yet I do not have any pics of the door speakers or the cd player.
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I hope milly doesn't get too close to any AF test ranges when they are firing heat seeking missiles -- surely that amp in his trunk would be recognized as a legitimate target! :shock: 8)
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Thanks Hammer. :D One of these days I may put decals on it. It orginally had the red hoodbird and decals. I think it would look even better with a gold hoodbird and decals to match the wheels and grills.
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Usually the second question I get asked about the exterior of the car is if I'm gonna put decals on it. The first question is am I gonna paint it black like those Bandit cars. I answer no to the black paint and someday/maybe to the decals.
One positive reason to have the decals installed is so no one will ask me what year my "Camaro" is. The hoodbird usually tells people that they are looking at a T/A. Without the call outs the casual person assumes it's a Camaro.
When I started shopping for a 2nd gen T/A back in '95 I wanted a '77 or '78 black T/A with gold decals. I eventually found my '81 and I haven't looked back. I think a '77 or '78 would make a great 2nd Firebird or T/A to share time with my '81, but I doubt that I would ever sell the '81 in order to get another T/A or Firebird unless it was a once in a lifetime deal.
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I know how you feel, milly. I love my mutt Trans Am and I hope I never have to sell it.
I went to pick up the girlfriend a couple days back and it's the first time her parents have seen my "new" car. Her dad says "nice car, it's a firebird right?" and I heaved a sigh of relief. Everyone thinks it's a Camaro, regardless of what the huge BIRD on the hood tells them. I guess we're forever cursed to "being Camaros" to the average onlooker.
as for putting on emblems, that should be 100% your call, don't feel pressured into anything. i can't imagine what the red bird would look like though.
sorry if i hijack but:
you know what would be cool? something like this with birds and color combos:
http://www.spectrummarcom.com/mustang/stripepainter.html
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My brothers boss, who I've been friends with for many years, actually saw my car back in '82 or '83 when he installed the Alpine aftermarket stereo system. He told me that the car looked great with the red decals. I caught a glimpse of one just like how mine would have came in some pics of the 2006 T/A Nats that someone had posted last year. It's a good look, but I think the gold decals would "pop" when applied to the dark maroon metallic paint.
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blah blah blah.....
..... I think the gold decals would "pop" when applied to the dark maroon metallic paint.
You know it John... you know you have to go for the gold... :lol:
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n168/Prettybird81/1981%20Turbo%20TA/ta.jpg)
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And there you have it!
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blah blah blah.....
..... I think the gold decals would "pop" when applied to the dark maroon metallic paint.
You know it John... you know you have to go for the gold... :lol:
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n168/Prettybird81/1981%20Turbo%20TA/ta.jpg)
John: From a couple of gold birds... Gold is the way to go.
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If I decide to put the decals on it I am leaning very heavily towards the gold decals. :D
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If I decide to put the decals on it I am leaning very heavily towards the gold decals. :D
Besides which you are already leaning that way with the wheels and the grilles... :lol:
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Hammer I have no idea what "snap" means. I recall hearing that term in hip hop music in the late '80's and early '90's but I never caught on to it. I guess anything is better than "eewwwww", right?? :D
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Snap to us oldies is like saying, cool, that's alllll right. awesome dude.
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You know, that's a nice shot of Jeri's car but she never explained how she took it. She HAD to be standing on something... :? :? :? :shock:
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You know, that's a nice shot of Jeri's car but she never explained how she took it. She HAD to be standing on something... :? :? :? :shock:
Hahahahaha...
We have a window in the top of our garage... I was hanging out of the window... with my oldest son spotting me so I didn't fall.... a little dangerous... but the picture is great :D
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It really is a great pic, but I knew that it was taken from some sort of a perch. Even with your 4" heels your arms aren't THAT long... :P :wink:
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if you're looking for a pontiac motor i have a 400 that i'm trying to get rid of. it needs rebuilt but is essentially all there. let me know.
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I didn't get a chance last fall to take any decent pics of the T/A after I repainted the grills with gold trim. My daughter and I cruised to the dealership that I work at and the outlot in front of the Shopko store that my wife works at to take some pics.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000654.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000655.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000657.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000658.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000659.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000660.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000661.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000663.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000664.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000665.jpg)
My little buddy wanted in on some of the action, so I got a pick of her too. It was pretty windy today and she had trouble keeping her hair out of her face long enough to get a good pic.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000668.jpg)
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Nice pix...you always say 'little buddy", what's your daughter's name?
Are your exhaust splitters straight down or tilted out a bit?
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Jeff, you have a PM
The exhaust splitters are angled at about 35-40 degrees. The exhaust shop that installed them thought they looked better that way and said they will sound better as I pass people. ;)
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Sorry it's been a while since I've done an update. I'm waiting on some parts. I am getting some subframe connectors and hopefully (fingers tightly crossed) some Poncho power. Of course I'll update if and when any of this happens. ;)
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I scored some Snowflake center caps with the gold bird at the vendor area of the T/A Nats this past weekend. I got them to replace the mismatched set that was on my car.
Here are the old ones:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000307.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000308.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000309.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000310.jpg)
Here are the new ones installed:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000305.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000306.jpg)
These were from Restore A Muscle Car and only cost $40.00 for the set. They are repros, but they look good and fit well. If you can't already tell, I'm not too concerned with originality at this point.
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milly, the old ones look to be maybe of 3 different types. The gold ones look like the same part, but the two red ones are different construction. Maybe from 3 different cars? :-\ :-\
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The red ones look the same once the metal insert is removed from the lower one. There are quite a few tabs broken off the one with the metal insert. These caps came on the Snowflakes when I traded for them years ago. I'm assumed that the red caps were original to the wheels (they were argent silver originally) and the gold caps were just replacements for the lost red caps. I'm trying to decide if I want to keep these old caps or ebay them in matched pairs. Of course the minute I sell them, I'll need them for something. ::)
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Sounds like you got a nice price, John. Are your new ones the GM repro's with the metal retaining ring inside?
I'd keep your old ones for "emergencies" ;) :)
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Jeff, they don't have the metal retaining rings on the inside. One of them (the only one I noticed) had a GM Restoration Parts sticker on the inside. I bought these from Restore A Muscle Car in the vendor area. They had both red and gold bird caps in sets for the same price. I had to ask the guy twice is $40.00 was for the whole set or individually. He looked at me funny when I almost broke my arm reaching for my wallet. ;D
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Look what I found in the mailbox this past week.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000446.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000447.jpg)
I know you see them more often on SE cars, but I like them on any T/A. I'll try to get the T/A out of the garage sometime and get some better pics with the plates.
Here are some other pics that I have taken recently.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000355.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000357.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000359.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/milly92/IM000364.jpg)
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Hey John -- how's that gonna work with IL plates? Are you guys required to run both front and rear plates? ??? ???
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You have a really nice car there Milly, something definitely to be proud of!! It will be nice to see a Poncho motor in it.
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IL has only rear plate like IN ;)
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IL has only rear plate like IN ;)
Are you sure? I thought Mayor Daley and his cohorts got 2 plates required, in the interests of "public safety", of course... ::) :P
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Hmm...it appears I'm wrong ( :-\ )... http://nofrontplate.net/
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historic cars i always thought were exempt if the car didnt originally have a front plate...hence you take off the front bracket...and wha-lah you werent equipped with one.....
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The rule in Ohio is if they issue you two plates.... then you MUST use two plates. Of course, I never use my front plate and haven't in 7 years.
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The rule in Ohio is if they issue you two plates.... then you MUST use two plates. Of course, I never use my front plate and haven't in 7 years.
Same here in Virginia....issued two plates and must have both installed.
I got pulled over once when I was still driving my T/A; the officer did a u-turn to pull me over, but then left me alone when he noticed the Michigan plate on the rear. I was active duty and kept the car registered at home in Michigan so I wouldn't have to run two plates as well as avoid the inspection sticker and local tax sticker (yes, you read right....tax sticker....welcome to the Commonwealth).
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OK -- so I got a question on this whole 2 plate if you were issued 2 plates -- how do they know? Does it say on your registration? Different markings on the plate? :-\ :-\
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OK -- so I got a question on this whole 2 plate if you were issued 2 plates -- how do they know? Does it say on your registration? Different markings on the plate? :-\ :-\
Well I can't say for your state, but simply put it's Virginia law; all vehicle registrations are issued two plates and must display two plates period.
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Another reason I'm happy to be back in IN rather than 2 tag Iowa ;)
I hate being redundant and that is what a 2 plate law is :-\
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Pretty much the only reason I've ever heard for having 2 plates is ease of traffic enforcement (READ: fining you, the driver). If the car is stolen, the first thing they do is switch the plates. Ditto if a crime is planned. Photo radar and laser speed measurement is greatly enhanced with front plates. >:( >:( >:(
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Michigan used to be a two-plate state and eliminated the second plate (not sure when) to save money. I've noticed states such as North Carolina and Tennessee also do not issue a front plate.
But hay, consider yourself lucky. We here in Virginia have to pay semi-annual property taxes on our vehicles and place a city sticker on the windsheld showing you've paid your taxes. How about that sports fans?
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And don't forget your (VA's) healthy infraction-fee addons if you get caught being a bad boy... ::) ::) :(
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In Illinois, the car or truck has to have a state issued license plate on the front and rear of the vehicle. I would most likely get pulled over by a State Trooper if I was on the interstate with the Georgia plate on the front and instructed to install the correct plate on the spot. The local police and county police might give me a pass since the car is only out for cruises and shows. I do have the correct state issued plate under the front seat "just in case". I was told a few years ago by a Quincy Police Officer that if I display the plate in the front window while the car is on public roads it technically would be legal since the plate is visible from the front. The rear plate is required to display the yearly renewal sticker in the upper right corner.
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Michigan used to be a two-plate state and eliminated the second plate (not sure when) to save money. I've noticed states such as North Carolina and Tennessee also do not issue a front plate.
But hay, consider yourself lucky. We here in Virginia have to pay semi-annual property taxes on our vehicles and place a city sticker on the windsheld showing you've paid your taxes. How about that sports fans?
Didn't Virginia Beach get rid of their city stickers years ago?
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Didn't Virginia Beach get rid of their city stickers years ago?
Virginia Beach did away with the city sticker (and York Country and Newport News soon followed) two or three years ago, but NOT the tax. The cost of the city stickers was/is fairly minor, it's the regular property tax that gets you (at least on a newer car).