63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

19553100 · 08-02-2010, 09:13 PM

I've been looking for some correct black commercial plates for my
recently purchased 1967 C10. There seems to be very little
documentation on the internet regarding the correct issuing
sequence for Black Commercial plates in California.
Maybe someone here already knows or has a theory.

I've been doing my own research and here's mine.
There seems to 2 different issuing sequence formats from 1963 to 1972.
I don't think that there is an exact date for the change because it would have been different for each individual DMV Office. I think that as their supplies ran out for the first sequence they would begin issuing the second.

The first sequence in 1963 began with an (A 12 345) format. The issuing sequence determined by the first letter. I think the DMV miscalculated the number of commercial plates that would be issued because this sequence seems to reach the end of the alphabet somewhere in the 66-68 years depending upon the individual DMV Office.

The second sequence began with a (12 345 A) format, with the issuing sequence determined by the last letter. I've seen black commercial plates on 1971 and 1972 trucks that only seem to extend mid-alphabet.

I've been keeping a lookout for for the last few months for local pickups with black plates and the theory seems to play out.

I just purchased a set of (Y 70 584) plates that I think would be correct for my 1967 C10. There is a local nicely restored '67 Longbed with Black plates that start with a V and he believes they are original to the truck.
If you have a California truck with black commercial plates that you know are original to your truck...please let me know the year and plate number to see if we can verify the theory.
Thanks!!

**leddzepp** · 08-02-2010, 09:20 PM

Boardmember "Stocker" has a set of Black commercial plates on his 72 K20. Might want to PM him. My 72 has blue plates, ending in K. Good luck.

Flat 67 · 08-02-2010, 09:23 PM

On my 71 I have 12 345L, but in blue......................Flat67

19553100 · 08-02-2010, 09:29 PM

I'm not sure about the Blue plates. California starting issuing Blue plates for 1970 passenger and commercial vehicles.
My understanding is that some DMV offices had a surplus of Black commercial plates and they issued them to some lucky 1971 and 1972 trucks and vans.

C/10 King · 08-03-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19553100

I'm not sure about the Blue plates. California starting issuing Blue plates for 1970 passenger and commercial vehicles.
My understanding is that some DMV offices had a surplus of Black commercial plates and they issued them to some lucky 1971 and 1972 trucks and vans.

Commercial blue plates began in 72' (12 345 k) but some dmv's still had black plates for a couple of months issuing them until the "J' black" sequence ran out.

**KevsClassics** · 08-03-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Commercial blue plates began in 72' (12 345 k) but some dmv's still had black plates for a couple of months issuing them until the "J' black" sequence ran out.

I Don,t buy that theory. Because when you buy a brand new veh. The plates are sent from main DMV in Sacto. Not your local Dmv office. JMO

Flat 67 · 08-03-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Commercial blue plates began in 72' (12 345 k)

How come my 71 has blue plates with 12 345L...................not that I'm doubting what you are saying.......................Flat67

**leddzepp** · 08-02-2010, 09:35 PM

Most 1972 trucks had blue plates. Most 1971 trucks had black plates. Stocker is in fact the only 72 I have seen with black plates.

Mine were blue originally....I restored them and made them black

**Stocker** · 08-03-2010, 12:17 AM

Here I am... leddzepp has an excellent memory -- or did a bit of searching -- or both.

The black plates on my early '72 (built Aug. 1971) have a sequence of 12 345 A.

In fairness, I bought the truck in 1977, but there has been no indication of a repaint from blue. I have scraped, scratched, neglected, and generally abused them and not a speck of blue to be found. There was nothing customized or fancy about the truck -- it's a K20 with twin saddle tanks and 4:10 gears, and had split rims with 8-ply 7.50-16s when I got it. The PO had installed (and removed) an equalizer hitch. Hardly the type of truck someone would strip the paint from the plates and respray from bare metal, imo.

C/10 King · 08-03-2010, 01:54 AM

I believe your theory is real close to being correct, I've been doing my own homework on the sequence for a while, I believe depending on what part of California you're from, the change from letter first/letter last Commercial black plates occurred in both 1967 and 68, I presently have a 67 gmc that came from the original family (with all the paper work) and the plate starts with a Q. My cousin has a 68 that starts with a Q also, I've had a couple of 67 that have ended in A, and one that started with a V. In closing I will submit some photos.

drewskiren · 08-03-2010, 09:23 AM

I've got a 12 864H black plate on my 1970 C20 from the LA area, built in Fresno. Stayed there in the same place its whole life til I bought it last year and DROVE it back to Memphis. Only had 1 bit of trouble, a flat.

GMCMAX · 08-03-2010, 12:14 AM

On my 68 it is 90xxxA, our 69 was 49xxxC, my old boss's 69ish ferd was another 49-C,
all original to Central Cali Coast. My neighbor's 68 is 85xxxC not sure of original location of issue.
Max

dan42 · 08-03-2010, 12:58 AM

My '67 has the original plates, and it's V 26--- (can't remember).

**KevsClassics** · 08-03-2010, 01:03 AM

Ask C/10King He knows the correct sequence.

He'll even bust out the "Photo Album"

storm9c1 · 08-04-2010, 10:00 AM

My '69 C30 came from California, and it came with the original black plates. The format is "## ### X" where the letter is after the numbers. As far as I know, they were the original plates from '69.

C/10 King · 08-04-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by storm9c1

My '69 C30 came from California, and it came with the original black plates. The format is "## ### X" where the letter is after the numbers. As far as I know, they were the original plates from '69.

Do you have a photo of that? I've never seen a original black plate with any letter further than "J" on the right side.

19553100 · 08-04-2010, 03:21 PM

"I Don,t buy that theory. Because when you buy a brand new veh. The plates are sent from main DMV in Sacto. Not your local Dmv office. JMO"

JMO,
My 1969 Chevelle SS396 was purchased at Starksen Chevrolet in Lancaster, CA
in October, 1968, It was owned by 2 neighbors there, for 15 years each.
It has both original black license plates XTW342 according to the original owner.

I was at a local car show a few years back when a couple approached me.
The guy asks, "Hey your Chevelle is from Lancaster isn't it?" I said yes and
was curious as to how he could tell. He explained that he grew up in Lancaster
and was working in a gas station there for a few years including 1969.
According to him, most every car that rolled in had black plates that started with XTW.

**leddzepp** · 08-04-2010, 03:40 PM

I could have told you it was from Lancaster too...says it on the license plate frames.

Very nice car, by the way!

storm9c1 · 08-04-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Do you have a photo of that? I've never seen a original black plate with any letter further than "J" or the right side.

I guess the computer engineer just came out in me. I didn't mean the letter X literally. I meant it figuratively. The last digit (on the right) is actually "D" on my plate.

C/10 King · 08-04-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by storm9c1

I guess the computer engineer just came out in me. I didn't mean the letter X literally. I meant it figuratively. The last digit (on the right) is actually "D" on my plate.

Okay, I get what you mean. I had one of those too.

ortegamotor · 12-01-2013, 10:16 AM

Here are mine from San Bruno Ca...... 1968

fisherman56 · 12-01-2013, 07:25 PM

My plates that came with my California truck start with Q, so there might be some truth......

RoadDawg · 12-23-2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by storm9c1

My '69 C30 came from California, and it came with the original black plates. The format is "## ### X" where the letter is after the numbers. As far as I know, they were the original plates from '69.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Do you have a photo of that? I've never seen a original black plate with any letter further than "J" on the right side.

Just found this ancient thread and had resurrect it to make this reply. I'm doing research on YOM plates and am considering adding a set to my 1971 GMC ambulance. The 1963 base black & gold (and later 1970 base blue & gold) commerical plates using letters W, X, Y, & Z were known as Board of Equalization or "BE" commerical plates and were reserved for issue to privately owned "for hire" vehicles that were required to pay tax revenues to the state.

Examples of these on private ambulances:

Prior to the 1956 base plates, this type also displayed a "BE" to the side of the number sequence (still using W, X, Y or Z):

Big Kev-O · 11-12-2021, 02:36 PM

Mine are original on my 68. They are 12 345B format and there is a 63 stamped in the upper right corner under the year sticker.

KQQL IT · 11-12-2021, 10:59 PM

I was told it was luck of the draw.

Dad moved to cali in June 71 and the plate was .. 217 J I can't find a complete pic.
Just was curious about the x y z sequence.

But the post above mine explained it.

08-02-2010, 09:13 PM	#1
19553100 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny Oaks Farm, Los Angeles Posts: 87	63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I've been looking for some correct black commercial plates for my recently purchased 1967 C10. There seems to be very little documentation on the internet regarding the correct issuing sequence for Black Commercial plates in California. Maybe someone here already knows or has a theory. I've been doing my own research and here's mine. There seems to 2 different issuing sequence formats from 1963 to 1972. I don't think that there is an exact date for the change because it would have been different for each individual DMV Office. I think that as their supplies ran out for the first sequence they would begin issuing the second. The first sequence in 1963 began with an (A 12 345) format. The issuing sequence determined by the first letter. I think the DMV miscalculated the number of commercial plates that would be issued because this sequence seems to reach the end of the alphabet somewhere in the 66-68 years depending upon the individual DMV Office. The second sequence began with a (12 345 A) format, with the issuing sequence determined by the last letter. I've seen black commercial plates on 1971 and 1972 trucks that only seem to extend mid-alphabet. I've been keeping a lookout for for the last few months for local pickups with black plates and the theory seems to play out. I just purchased a set of (Y 70 584) plates that I think would be correct for my 1967 C10. There is a local nicely restored '67 Longbed with Black plates that start with a V and he believes they are original to the truck. If you have a California truck with black commercial plates that you know are original to your truck...please let me know the year and plate number to see if we can verify the theory. Thanks!! __________________ Wayne Sunny Rust-free Southern California

08-02-2010, 09:20 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,046	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Boardmember "Stocker" has a set of Black commercial plates on his 72 K20. Might want to PM him. My 72 has blue plates, ending in K. Good luck. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

08-02-2010, 09:23 PM	#3
Flat 67 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fresno,California Posts: 224	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence On my 71 I have 12 345L, but in blue......................Flat67

08-02-2010, 09:29 PM	#4
19553100 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny Oaks Farm, Los Angeles Posts: 87	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I'm not sure about the Blue plates. California starting issuing Blue plates for 1970 passenger and commercial vehicles. My understanding is that some DMV offices had a surplus of Black commercial plates and they issued them to some lucky 1971 and 1972 trucks and vans. __________________ Wayne Sunny Rust-free Southern California

08-02-2010, 09:35 PM	#8
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,046	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Most 1972 trucks had blue plates. Most 1971 trucks had black plates. Stocker is in fact the only 72 I have seen with black plates. Mine were blue originally....I restored them and made them black __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul Last edited by leddzepp; 08-02-2010 at 09:36 PM.

08-03-2010, 12:17 AM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,731	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Here I am... leddzepp has an excellent memory -- or did a bit of searching -- or both. The black plates on my early '72 (built Aug. 1971) have a sequence of 12 345 A. In fairness, I bought the truck in 1977, but there has been no indication of a repaint from blue. I have scraped, scratched, neglected, and generally abused them and not a speck of blue to be found. There was nothing customized or fancy about the truck -- it's a K20 with twin saddle tanks and 4:10 gears, and had split rims with 8-ply 7.50-16s when I got it. The PO had installed (and removed) an equalizer hitch. Hardly the type of truck someone would strip the paint from the plates and respray from bare metal, imo. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

08-03-2010, 01:54 AM	#10
C/10 King Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: A****er, CA Posts: 5,594	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I believe your theory is real close to being correct, I've been doing my own homework on the sequence for a while, I believe depending on what part of California you're from, the change from letter first/letter last Commercial black plates occurred in both 1967 and 68, I presently have a 67 gmc that came from the original family (with all the paper work) and the plate starts with a Q. My cousin has a 68 that starts with a Q also, I've had a couple of 67 that have ended in A, and one that started with a V. In closing I will submit some photos. Attached Images __________________ C/10 Rene 1966 Short Fleet "The Hag" 1967 CST Short Fleet "Dark Poly" 1971 Short Fleet 1970 Jimmy Custom 2 WD "Golden Ticket" 1972 Blazer 2 WD "Retro Blaze"

08-03-2010, 09:23 AM	#11
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I've got a 12 864H black plate on my 1970 C20 from the LA area, built in Fresno. Stayed there in the same place its whole life til I bought it last year and DROVE it back to Memphis. Only had 1 bit of trouble, a flat. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 08-03-2010 at 09:26 AM.

08-03-2010, 12:14 AM	#12
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence On my 68 it is 90xxxA, our 69 was 49xxxC, my old boss's 69ish ferd was another 49-C, all original to Central Cali Coast. My neighbor's 68 is 85xxxC not sure of original location of issue. Max __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

08-03-2010, 12:58 AM	#13
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence My '67 has the original plates, and it's V 26--- (can't remember). __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

08-03-2010, 01:03 AM	#14
KevsClassics TILT COLUMN GURU Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FRESNO CA Posts: 4,276	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Ask C/10King He knows the correct sequence. He'll even bust out the "Photo Album" __________________ Instagram kevs_classics64 64 Impala SS Conv 72 Blazer 2wd 75 Jimmy 2wd 63 Belair wagon 02 Silverado ext cab. DD RIP EL JAY Last edited by KevsClassics; 08-03-2010 at 02:04 AM.

08-04-2010, 10:00 AM	#15
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence My '69 C30 came from California, and it came with the original black plates. The format is "## ### X" where the letter is after the numbers. As far as I know, they were the original plates from '69. __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

08-04-2010, 03:21 PM	#17
19553100 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sunny Oaks Farm, Los Angeles Posts: 87	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence "I Don,t buy that theory. Because when you buy a brand new veh. The plates are sent from main DMV in Sacto. Not your local Dmv office. JMO" JMO, My 1969 Chevelle SS396 was purchased at Starksen Chevrolet in Lancaster, CA in October, 1968, It was owned by 2 neighbors there, for 15 years each. It has both original black license plates XTW342 according to the original owner. I was at a local car show a few years back when a couple approached me. The guy asks, "Hey your Chevelle is from Lancaster isn't it?" I said yes and was curious as to how he could tell. He explained that he grew up in Lancaster and was working in a gas station there for a few years including 1969. According to him, most every car that rolled in had black plates that started with XTW. Attached Images __________________ Wayne Sunny Rust-free Southern California Last edited by 19553100; 08-04-2010 at 03:22 PM.

08-04-2010, 03:40 PM	#18
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,046	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I could have told you it was from Lancaster too...says it on the license plate frames. Very nice car, by the way! __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul Last edited by leddzepp; 08-04-2010 at 03:41 PM.

12-01-2013, 10:16 AM	#21
ortegamotor Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: auburn california Posts: 1,147	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Here are mine from San Bruno Ca...... 1968 Attached Images __________________ ORTEGAMOTOR



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12-01-2013, 07:25 PM	#22
fisherman56 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Youngstown, Oh Posts: 72	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence My plates that came with my California truck start with Q, so there might be some truth......

11-12-2021, 02:36 PM	#24
Big Kev-O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Simi, CA Posts: 495	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence Mine are original on my 68. They are 12 345B format and there is a 63 stamped in the upper right corner under the year sticker. __________________ Made in America by Americans

11-12-2021, 10:59 PM	#25
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,271	Re: 63-72 Calif Comm Black Plate sequence I was told it was luck of the draw. Dad moved to cali in June 71 and the plate was .. 217 J I can't find a complete pic. Just was curious about the x y z sequence. But the post above mine explained it. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

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