Dino/Italian License Plate Frames

Does anyone have an original Dino Italian license plate frame for the front and rear that you could photograph and share? They are different than the standard multi-piece stainless frames that are available through Re-originals. They were a solid thin profile chromed frame with brazed on threads that mounted in to the rear body. I now have the original Italian registration number for my Dino including the name of the original owner(who was contacted by my friend's contact). I'm really pleased to add this puzzle piece to the history of *03932*!

Freeman

 

this type?
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or this type ?

Or something different ?

Mark
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Mark,

Thank you for the images! If I'm honest, I don't know which would be original. Maybe someone can chime in and give their opinion? My Dino still has the original body holes.

Best,
Freeman

 

Freeman, They both look completely compatible, but the one shown on the green Dino is the type most frequently used on Italian cars with the earlier large rectangular license plates. Fred

 

Fred,

Thanks, for some reason I faintly remember 90 degree mitered corners on the frames.

Freeman

 

Freeman, The nice thing is that the frame with the mitered corners has the same threaded inserts (no unsightly screw heads) as the right-angled one, which, incidently, is exactly the way my U.S. rear frame is configured. Fred

 

Fred,

My collegue, John Clinard just lent me what we think is a factory U.S. plate frame that came with his Dino. Wonder if the factory Italian frame is constructed the same?

Freeman
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Gary Bobileff makes these frames, I am certain he can make them in the style you think is correct. They are much better than "originals" and better than these photos of other frames.
The usual caveats, I aint involved in anything. The ones he made for my car are perfect. If you want originality I am certain he can include file marks and bad welding. Malcolm

 

This one looks like the correct frame for E-Series LHD- and RHD-models.
The one for US-models is obviously different.
Regards Matthias

 

To be honest, Freeman, I don't know what the Italian factory Dino frame looks like (or if in fact there actually was one), but the frame you have posted is identical to the one on my 04808. Interestingly, mine only has three studs, and the body only has the corresponding three holes. Could it be that dinner beckoned the worker making the frame and fitting it to the body of my car? Or a glass of Pinot Grigio? Alas, we'll never know! One good thing about the missing stud: when I've had to install a new license plate at times over the years, I was able to remove the old plate from the frame just by loosening the three studs, pulling the frame away from the car, and gently sliding the plate out. I use a piece of rubber floormat as an interface between the license plate and the back panel of the car. Fred

 

In the Dino parts book on "TAV. 110" #2 shows a front plate support(looks Italian size) part #0201082 "Supporto targa anteriore", #18 shows a license plate frame part #0200649 "Supporto targa anteriore"(looks Italian size). Both say nothing about USA. Wonder if there is someone who has originals of these to look at?

Freeman
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Freeman, one of my U.S.-spec Dinos came with the part listed in the diagram as "2," and it appeared to be the right size to mount an Italian period front plate. I assumed that it would double as a mounting bracket for a U.S.-sized plate, but I never put it on the car, and somehow misplaced it over the years, along with the radio blank plate. Fred

 

Fred,

Have you torn the house apart to find it?!

Freeman

 

On a number of occasions, without luck. I know where I believe I stored it. I've often wondered whether someone else discarded the box it was in, not knowing the contents. Some day it may show up, but I wouldn't take the odds on it, Freeman! Fred

 

Matthias, what would be the correct frame for a Euro M-Series LHD? And is there a separate frame and support bracket for front AND rear plates?

 

try to reference period magazine articles. i have one i can email to someone to post.
ed

 

Hello Ron,

in general it is to say, that the Dinos left the factory without holes in the back wall to fix a numberplate frame. Even with E-series that was the case. See picture of a Dino at the end of the production line on page 68 in the Dino Compendium (fourth picture, taken in March 1973, RHD-Dino).
Depending on countries, frames are different. The frame on attached picture (taken 1971 in Germany) shows up quite often on period pictures of L- and M-series. The Dino on the picture is #01212.
I would prefer not to fit a numberplate frame on the back wall, as these frames seemed to be put on by the dealerships....

Regards Matthias
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As the back is steel, it is possible to mount with earth magnets so no holes are needed. Just put a small plastic film over the magnet mounting surface so no scratches. These are extremely powerful small magnets. A friend of mine mounted his rear plate and Spyder mirror on his Porsche 356 this way.

Freeman

 

Perhaps I should explain further what I'm trying to accomplish. I want to be able to `easily' switch between the standard USA plate for normal driving (to stay legal) and to swap to a Italian style plate when exhibiting the car. So what I really need is not only the correct rear plate frame, but also a simple way of doing the swap.

The magnet to the body approach would work (so long as frame is not aluminum), but removing the USA bracket is not so simple...and I'm not sure I'd want to just use magnets for my USA plates (theft magnet...pun intended?), tho that certainly is an interesting idea. Suggestions?

As an aside, I've acquired a euro style front plate, frame and bracket to keep on all the time rather than nothing up front which is the case now.

 

Rare earth magnets are extremely powerful. I believe you have to use the oposite polarity of another magnet from the reverse side to remove it depending of the strength.. They come in a variety of strengths. You can get creative on how to attatch the plate surround to the magnet. Another solution is double stick tape. My front plate of one of my cars has had this for 21 years with no issues.

Freeman

 

This is exactly what we have planned once the Dino is done. The car will be finished with no plate holes on the rear and we will fabricate a custom holder that will hold the plate and fix it to the body using earth magnets on both sides of the panel to fix the plate in place.

 

Rob, will yours be for an Italian style (square) rear plate holder or the US rectangle version? If square, please make an extra one when you get around to it...

 

Ron I will be making a US style holder as the car never wore a Euro plate.