The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Oregon Plates

The state of Oregon is re-issueing the old "Pacific Wonderland" license plates common in the '50's and '60's. The run is only 40,000.

It just so happened that the tags were due on my '60 so I went down and purchased the new plates and tags today. The plates are nice. The guy at the DMV told me they are painted with 4 coats instead of the usual 1 coat on regular plates. They look good!

They cost $100 which goes to Oregon historical society and an extra $23 for the materials that go into the plates. The DMV guy also said it's a one time cost for the plates and I can keep them forever and transfer them to another vehicle in the future if wanted for $6.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/pacific_wonderland.shtml

Those look good, but I like old blue ones better. I bet they will be gone pretty quick.

I was actually thinking of looking for some originals at the upcoming Portland swap meet, but I just couldn't resist when I went to the DMV this morning. I believe I got off a little cheaper with these new ones, restored originals are a little more expensive.

Doesn't that apply to your truck too?

Well, they must be talking about commercial trucks I guess. I didn't have a problem getting my plates. I have a feeling pickup trucks are considered passenger vehicles in Oregon.

Light trucks are considered passenger vehicles in Oregon. I got a set for my '50 on the day they came out. Not period correct, (Oregon had the original "Pacific Wonderland" plates from 58 to 63 for the 100 year anniversary of the state. These re-issues are for the 150 year anniversary) but I like the way they look on the truck. The plate background color is close to the Mariner Blue the truck is painted. The original plates have the "Pacific Wonderland" stamped into the plate, the new ones it is painted on. Pretty darn cool though. A legislator who shares the passion for vintage cars got this passed last session, (last bill passed I believe.) Finally, the legislature does something I can believe in.

Cool, thanks for the heads up. My plates are yellow, and are all beat to heck to boot. I'll look into the new ones.

Your welcome. Ya, I wanted to let fellow Oregonians know before they run out. Something different for the truck.

That is really cool! I wish Washington would do something like that. Could be a way to get some much needed revenue without raising taxes.....

Nifty 50...I didn't even know about the new plates until I went in to get tags. I don't watch the news any more though, tired of hearing all the crap!

Luck me that the tags expired just in time.

Erik, you could try to find some vintage WA. plates at the upcoming Portland swap meet, there is always vendors there who sells and or restores them.

Ed, I hope you get a chance to purchase a set! They will look good on your '58!

Hey Nifty, you will have to update your WebShots to show off your new plates!

I was looking at getting a restored set...Trouble is, this truck is gonna be a daily driver, my sons main transportation, and definitely used for hauling stuff from time to time. Technically, with a restored palte you can only use it for occasional pleaseure driving, shows, and definitely no hauling stuff. Now, I know they don't really check up on it but I still feel like its not a real good lesson for my son...A set of new "vintage' plates would solve the problem nicely...

Ya Erik, Oregon has the same rules concerning vintage restored plates. I don't understand why they put these rules in place. Isn't the whole idea behind license plates is identification? A license plate is a license plate! It shouldn't be tied into how you use your vehicle... And, if you buy an antique vehicle that still has the original vintage plates these rules don't apply. Stupid rule!

I can't talk about how things are done in Oregon, but in Texas, my Year of Manufacture plates are VERY cheap, only $60 for 5 years. I'm limited to driving to car-related destinations, specifically not work. I think the idea is that I'm tearing up the road much less than a driver, and that justifies the lower cost.

It would be a different story entirely if I was paying regular price for the tags.

Bill