Bill - First off let me tell you that I am using the "Dark" style sheet and your burgundy colored text is all but invisible on the gray background. That being said on to your question...
Check out
Woongeroo's post that links a restoration "how to". (Opps - some of the links were corrupted in the upgrade, if you don't get to the restoration site
try this. After taking a look at doing it yourself take a look at
Felix2.com which may help in the paint scheme. I used
Mojo Art Works to redo mine; you can see the
before and after here.
I agree with Big Chevy - have the plates authenticated first. After that the DMV really doesn't know what you do or did, do they?
Don