Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

[Jimmy P.]

Can anyone verify if this is indeed a correct license plate frame for a C3 corvette? I couldn't find a copyright date on either spring because of the rusting. But both springs are in good condition and very strong.
Thank you!

[Leif A.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

will a magnet stick to it??

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Yes! Magnet sticks to both the frame and the rivet.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that in the initial thread.

[John C.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Jimmy

Looks like an original to me, they used an hollow rivet (left picture). Reproductions use a solid (right picture).

John

[Alan S.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Hi Jimmy,
(This is based purely on the 70-72 frames I see. IS the 73 the same?)
I liked both sides of the rivet but not so much for the configuration of the spring clips.
I think the spring clip on John's original is more what I'd expect to see.
Did the spring clip configuration change for 73?
Regards,
Alan

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Alan,
Im not sure about the 73 clips. Never saw an original. I would think they would be the same as yours. I agree with you though that the clips on the one I have pictured are different. Are the outside measurements of the frame the same as your original? I found this in my father's garage while searching for a correct PA. 73 license plate. I plan on using it as my antique plate. This frame was around the plate that was on my 74 camaro.

[Dave S.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Hi Jimmy,
(This is based purely on the 70-72 frames I see. IS the 73 the same?)
I liked both sides of the rivet but not so much for the configuration of the spring clips.
I think the spring clip on John's original is more what I'd expect to see.
Did the spring clip configuration change for 73?
Regards,
Alan

i'm not sure about the clips either but what I look for is the hollow rivet, the large rivet head and the patent numbers. I can't tell from the above photo if the OP photo is a large rivet or not.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

i'm not sure about the clips either but what I look for is the hollow rivet, the large rivet head and the patent numbers. I can't tell from the above photo if the OP photo is a large rivet or not.

Dave,
Here a couple close up pictures of the rivet head.
Thanks,
Jimmy

[Dave S.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Dave,
Here a couple close up pictures of the rivet head.
Thanks,
Jimmy

Jimmy,
Those rivets sure look good to me. Many of the later service replacements (70's and newer) have a smaller head on the rivet. Many of these smaller rivet head frames came in the GM shrink wrap and people think they are correct. Close but.......
l'm not sure but I believe these frames began around 1965.

[Mark E.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

I didn't realize this is what an original license plate frame looked like. What a unique design. No holes for plate screws... Do the springs hold the frame in place with tension along the edge of the license plate?

Which years used these? 70-72 and possibly 73 is mentioned, but maybe since 1965?

Was the same frame used front and rear? Is it stainless steel? Chromed?

[Mark E.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

I didn't realize this is what an original license plate frame looked like. What a unique design. No holes for plate screws... Do the springs hold the frame in place with tension along the edge of the license plate?

Which years used these? 70-72 and possibly 73 is mentioned, but maybe since 1965?

Was the same frame used front and rear? Is it stainless steel? Chromed?

I read through a few similar threads, and answered some of my own questions-

- I'm not clear about how the frame is attached. It has attaching springs, but one thread mentions it also uses the license plate screws.

- Years: One thread says 63 - 70. Another thread suggests through early 77.

- A couple of posts said one frame was provided for single-plate states, and two frames for two-plate states.

- Stainless steel. No mention of chrome.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

2 came with each Corvette & were chrome over steel. Yes the springs held the plate.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Mark,
I'm not positive exactly when they stopped sending two with every car, but for example the 73 would come with two if the car was delivered in a two plate state. Along with the front plate mounting bracket. In a one plate state like Pa. For example you would get one frame and the center grille insert two match the left and right side grilles would come installed from the factory. The plate just slides under the spring clips and they hold it in place as Ken mentions. The screws you mentioned above just go through the plate holes and attract to the rear plate bezels two plastic nuts, holding the plate on the car as normal.
Regards,
Jim

[Mark E.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Mark,
I'm not positive exactly when they stopped sending two with every car, but for example the 73 would come with two if the car was delivered in a two plate state. Along with the front plate mounting bracket. In a one plate state like Pa. For example you would get one frame and the center grille insert two match the left and right side grilles would come installed from the factory. The plate just slides under the spring clips and they hold it in place as Ken mentions. The screws you mentioned above just go through the plate holes and attract to the rear plate bezels two plastic nuts, holding the plate on the car as normal.
Regards, Jim

Thanks Jim. 73-74 cars look great with the center grille. It nicely continues the lines formed by the LH and RH grilles. But what did they do for 70-72 cars in one plate states? During those years, the center grille is set back considerably more than the side grilles, so it just doesn't look right without a plate in front.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Is this a correct C3 License Plate Frame?

Mark,
To be honest I haven't seen too many 68-72 vettes ( if any) with a center grille addition. Most I see have the license plate bracket in that location with either a state plate, Corvette Logo plate, or an NCRS logo plate. That's not to say GM didn't have them to purchase? I'm sure there are some aftermarket ones available. Maybe some of the early C3 guys will chime in with specifics.
Regards,
Jimmy