MTFCA Forum

When I acquired my 1926 T back in the 1970's, the front license plate, a modern historic vehicle plate, was mounted on the headlight bar with 2 rubber coated adell clamps. I eventually used a 1926 Michigan YOM plate and mounted it on a bracket under the radiator on the front spring clamp thinking it would improve radiator airflow, and I'm sure it did. Now I am adding Ford bumpers and want to move the plate up higher. I tried using the Model A clamps to mount the plate to the headlight bar and find the license plate is too low and sticks out too far and interferes with the hand crank. Lots of older posts on this subject including the 15th million T coming off the assembly line with 2 clamps on the headlight bar w/o a plate, and another pic of the same car with the Michigan dealer plate "3M" attached on the headlight bar, although a 2 digit plate is rather small compared to my 6 digit plate. What do others do? Anyone mount to the front bumper? I may have to go back to under the radiator again.

I guess the first question here would be, does it REALLY "bother" your radiator cooling THAT much? Cause frankly, if just a license plate in front of it is making that much difference, then I think you have a bigger problem with the radiator in and of itself.
I'd keep it on the bar like it was before. Just my two cents.

It's been about 20 years since I restored my 26 but I bought two clamps from one of our vendors. They clamp to the headlight bar. I put them on with the bolt at the top. That raises the top of the California plate about one inch above the bar. I also have bumpers and this does not interfere with the hand crank. I also have a good Brassworks radiator on the car and no problem with overheating. Only time I overheated was when I had a leak in the head gasket causing the water to flow out. The leak was in the back behind the manifold and I didn't find it until it overheated.
Norm

I live in a 2 plate state. The rear plate is always on the car. But I keep the front plate in the car under the seat or on the wall in my shop. The only time it's on the car is when I get my annual "inspection" sticker.

I don't want a plate on the front of my cars. Personal preference. And I've never been stopped/hassled by the law in over 30 yrs.

The current Michigan historic vehicle plate is a standard size plate. My 1926 California YOM plate is even smaller, but the 1926 Michigan 6 digit YOM plate is huge.

I don't want a plate on the front of my cars. Personal preference. And I've never been stopped/hassled by the law in over 30 yrs.

Years ago I was in California with my single-plate Kansas Suburban and found a ticket on the windshield. Two "infractions" were listed:
Expired tag (it wasn't), and No front plate. The next morning I went to the Torrance police HQ and explained that both violations were bogus.

Jeff, your bar is lower than mine.

"Interferes with the hand crank"
Keep your electric starting system in top shape.
Hand starting with bumpers will be a new experience.
Although attractive, several fellow club members have removed them for fear of getting tangled up when hand cranking.

Jeff - I like my plate under the radiator - legal second plate but not too obvious. John makes a good point about hand cranking - you can do it, but watch your back as your are extended over the bumper.

I would not hand crank a Model T equipped with a front bumper. When I originally typed this, I left out the word "equipped". After reading what I had written, I realized that I would never, ever hand crank a Model T or (anything else) with a front bumper; I would use the proper crank.

I picked up this pair of 1925 PA plates for my roadster and registered them for the car. The scratch on the one fits perfect with the crank so that went on the front.

I have no problem with cranking with the plate and the bumper. Before I turn the key on, I retard the spark and use the right hand on the crank for a couple pulls to prime the cylinders. Then I go around and turn the key to battery. Sometimes I get a free start. if no free start, I then go to the front and use the left hand on the crank. I only pull up and when it gets to the top, I quickly raise my arm. Then when it starts I quickly run around to advance the spark.
Normally I use the starter, but sometimes on the first start after being parked a while, i hand crank so that I don't drain what is left in the battery.
Norm

Ohio no longer requires front license plates. However, if there is a front plate displayed, it must match the rear plate. Never heard of anyone getting into trouble for non compliance.

Art Mirtes