[Karlkarlng]

Hi im preparing my 1994 miata for collector plates right now and im hoping you guys can share your experience with getting them and what kind of "era correct" mods you have declared and passed.
The biggest question right now is im thinking of getting a robbins canvas softtop with glass window but the oem is vinyl with plastic window.

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[320icar]

Yeah that would be totally ok

[donjalapeno]

Im thinking of doing the same but i need a Becker radio and the cheapest i found is $700 US. Im only driving the car from April-Oct so i might just get regular insurance for now until i find a decent priced radio.

[68style]

I have gotten collector's plates on 2 cars... and am about to do my 1994 MR2 Turbo much like you... I did it on a 1974 Ford Capri and they weren't too picky, it's pretty mint condition but there were a couple niggles and they didn't notice/care... I think they won't have many photos to compare with for that car since there are so few around.

I did my 1968 Mustang and got rejected multiple times for the smallest things, they know every part of a common classic car like that... and even now I only got it because I switched to modified collector's class once they moved the year up to 1974.

The era-specific mods are laid out on the ICBC website pretty clearly. Click here: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/collector-mods/Documents/collector-status.pdf#page=4

Also, don't fuck around... if you get in a crash and they find an aftermarket radio in your glovebox... no insurance... someone walking on the street passes by your car and you've let things go or have modifications, especially if that person works at ICBC, and they report your license plate? Letter in the mail for re-application... this type of thing.

[Karlkarlng]

Yeah that would be totally okIf i did get the aftermarket top id still have to report it as era correct and see how it goes?

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[Karlkarlng]

I have gotten collector's plates on 2 cars... and am about to do my 1994 MR2 Turbo much like you... I did it on a 1974 Ford Capri and they weren't too picky, it's pretty mint condition but there were a couple niggles and they didn't notice/care... I think they won't have many photos to compare with for that car since there are so few around.

I did my 1968 Mustang and got rejected multiple times for the smallest things, they know every part of a common classic car like that... and even now I only got it because I switched to modified collector's class once they moved the year up to 1974.

The era-specific mods are laid out on the ICBC website pretty clearly. Click here: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/collector-mods/Documents/collector-status.pdf#page=4

Also, don't fuck around... if you get in a crash and they find an aftermarket radio in your glovebox... no insurance... someone walking on the street passes by your car and you've let things go or have modifications, especially if that person works at ICBC, and they report your license plate? Letter in the mail for re-application... this type of thing.Ive read the era correct mods but it dosent mention convertible tops at all. And it doesn't mention if you have a part that was available back then but was manufactured recently.
Also I believe you cannot install era correct bucket seats and steering wheels?

And what type of problems did you have with your mustang? Incorrect parts?

[Great68]

I decided against even bothering when I realised you can't drive your car to work at all, zero.

[Karlkarlng]

I decided against even bothering when I realised you can't drive your car to work at all, zero.But 500 a year for a second toy car? Its a preety deacent deal.

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[Great68]

But 500 a year for a second toy car? Its a preety deacent deal.

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Well I only drive my car May-October anyways, and six months of full coverage allowing for driving to work in Victoria only costs me $500.

[GabAlmighty]

But 500 a year for a second toy car? Its a preety deacent deal.

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My 86 is like $350 a year haha.

[320icar]

If i did get the aftermarket top id still have to report it as era correct and see how it goes?

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Do you use oem mazda brake pads? Do you use oem mazda oil? It’s a canvas top with a window, nearly the same as the oem unit. You’re not putting on a carbon fibre fastback.

[Karlkarlng]

Do you use oem mazda brake pads? Do you use oem mazda oil? It’s a canvas top with a window, nearly the same as the oem unit. You’re not putting on a carbon fibre fastback.I just dont wanna be screwed if i get in an accident and they dont wanna pay because of an infraction. Ive heard of stories where people got denied a payout because of their new rims.

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[68style]

The best thing to do is to call ICBC and ask to talk to the collector car section within the vehicle registration area... there’s 2 guys working there doing nothing but reviewing collectors plates applications. Especially a lot of people are doing Miata’s recently they should be very familiar with them.

As for my Mustang they picked on me having my rear reflectors shaved (not on the car anymore) and dual exhaust system when stock was single.

[Mashimaro]

I've gotten Collector plates on my 1984 300ZX 50th AE Edition. Wasn't too hard just a bunch of pictures they wanted (hood open, trunk open, seats, dash/radio, headliner and all corners of the car). Was approved within 2 weeks and grabbed the plates from my insurance broker.

No mods allowed unless it was for safety stuff (ie seat belts). Not a hard process but I wouldn't mod the car and risk it incase something happens.

[vitaminG]

TheAs for my Mustang they picked on me having my rear reflectors shaved (not on the car anymore) and dual exhaust system when stock was single.

I thought you were allowed to add things that were optional

[68style]

^
they were straight pipes with chrome tips, stock had them curved down to the ground.

[twitchyzero]

I really don't understand the original radio rule
um I want a sat nav so I don't have to swipe a little phone screen and end up in a crash...I 'm surprised they haven't let that slide under a safety consideration

are RHD eligible after hitting 25 years?

[Karlkarlng]

Ive seen some rhd collectors around.

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[Tone Loc]

I decided against even bothering when I realised you can't drive your car to work at all, zero.

For real? Where I used to work I always saw a first-gen Civic hatchback "CVCC" with collector plates parked outside. It was an employees-only parking lot so he was definitely using it to commute. Interesting... I did not know that.

Also, you can't even install a hidden aftermarket radio in the glove box? Saving $100/month isn't worth it for me to listen to crappy Vancouver radio all the time. I'd rather listen to nothing lol.

[68style]

^
Well, 25 years old encompasses even 1993 vehicles now... which have CD players just barely :) Or even if it's a casette/radio just improvise with one of those Belkin Bluetooth things that broadcasts to a radio station!

The driving to work thing is very concrete, not even once a year let alone once a month... however, another requirement of collector's plates is that you have to have a primary vehicle insured, so one would assume that is your driving to work car. Sucks that you can't ever show your ride off to anyone though.

That said, this is only if you want the highly discounted insurance these plates bring... you can get collector's plates and opt to pay full regular insurance without a primary vehicle insured, but then you'd be essentially completing the process just to have special license plates on your car.

I actually don't even drive to work anymore, I walk and take the train, so my plan next year when my MR2 Turbo is eligible is to get collector's plates for it and insure my 250cc motorcycle as my primary for the year, which costs less than $500 anyway... then I'll be paying less for my MR2 Turbo, 68 Mustang and motorcycle all together than I do for 1 single vehicle right now.

[vitaminG]

The allowable modifications are on icbc website, you're allowed a cd player after a certain year like 1987 or something. You've always been allowed a modern stereo if it was era correct appearance

[Bender Unit]

If I re-wrap the OEM steering wheel from Leather to Alcantara.
Will it get disapprove ?

[68style]

If I re-wrap the OEM steering wheel from Leather to Alcantara.
Will it get disapprove ?

According to their site: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/collector-mods/Documents/collector-status.pdf#page=4

"reupholster your seat/interior so long as the material/fabric matches that originally installed"

Sounds like it's not legit.

[twitchyzero]

I actually don't even drive to work anymore, I walk and take the train, so my plan next year when my MR2 Turbo is eligible is to get collector's plates for it and insure my 250cc motorcycle as my primary for the year, which costs less than $500 anyway... then I'll be paying less for my MR2 Turbo, 68 Mustang and motorcycle all together than I do for 1 single vehicle right now.

does a 49cc moped count as a primary vehicle?

I never understood why collectors' coverage is drastically cheaper...aren't parts harder to find = more expensive payout?

[trollface]

does a 49cc moped count as a primary vehicle?

I never understood why collectors' coverage is drastically cheaper...aren't parts harder to find = more expensive payout?

No. First of all, you usually need to buy agreed value insurance. Just because it's old (25 years) don't mean it's worth a lot of money. Getting collectors plates doesn't mean your car is worth anything significant, it just means it's old enough to qualify and it's in decent shape, really.

These plated cars typically see 1/10 of the raod time a normal car does. So it's cheaper to insure.

There are 90's miatas running around with collectors plates that are worth a whopping 5k on the used market. There are some real pieces of shit with collectors plate on it that I wouldn't pay 3k for.

I'm applying for collectors plates, but I also have 3nd party insurance. Basic from ICBC ($3-500) and30k in event of total loss though Hargrty.

ICBC will be happy to total your car, they are not going to run around chasing down a rare headlight for you. You either get the car appriased, and have ICBC insure it for the agreed value or you go 3rd party.

[68style]

There are 90's miatas running around with collectors plates that are worth a whopping 5k on the used market. There are some real pieces of shit with collectors plate on it that I wouldn't pay 3k for.


Funny you should say that, I just recently saw a Ford Aerostar with collectors plates lol :facepalm:

[SkunkWorks]

Can confirm.

Collector-plated Miata crew checking in.

https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32792462_10155719231029353_5766136419722461184_n.j pg?_nc_cat=0&oh=127082cace7f3dd59c9265bd59b2e7ea&oe=5B83F890

[trollface]

FYI OP, there is such thing as modified collectors plates. If your goal is the get cheap insurance and a cool plate, you can apply for this one if your car is not 100% stock.

[fliptuner]

Not unless it's '74 or older

[SkydiveDan]

Funny you should say that, I just recently saw a Ford Aerostar with collectors plates lol :facepalm:

Just as bad.... 94/95 convertible Chevy Cavalier Z24 with collectors plates

[TouringTeg]

I wonder how much revenue the collector program is costing ICBC.

I recall they did a survey last year and were considering changing it to 30 or 35 yrs.

[68style]

I would guess that it probably makes them money, otherwise these people would never insure/drive their cars... they're encouraged to just buy year-round insurance this way rather than just keeping them stored away.

[trollface]

Not unless it's '74 or older

Right, forgot about this part. RIP

[twitchyzero]

that Cav is clean
could lose the dealer badge though

[GS8]

Just as bad.... 94/95 convertible Chevy Cavalier Z24 with collectors plates

Buy this one and befriend the owner of that ^ one

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/d/1994-z24-cavalier-garage-kept/6588122308.html

I'm okay with seeing oddball collector plated cars. Each survivor is evidence the model existed no matter how shitty it was.

[fliptuner]

Buy this one and befriend the owner of that ^ one

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/d/1994-z24-cavalier-garage-kept/6588122308.html

I'm okay with seeing oddball collector plated cars. Each survivor is evidence the model existed no matter how shitty it was.
He would've been better of preserving the Prelude.

[k7326546]

Hope Miata got those collector plates and congrats in advance. Sorry just to side track on the Miata: I know some Miata's (aka the special/limited editions) were produced less than 1,500 / year. Does that mean those specific limited edition models qualify under the limited production vehicle status (i.e. the < 1,500/year) for collector plates?

For example, it appears the 1993 Miata Limited Edition was a collector vehicle per below:

https://www.revscene.net/forums/714775-collector-plates-2.html

Not sure if it fell under the limited production vehicle status at the time of application. Thanks!

[Gerbs]

Anyone know the insurance specifics of having collectors plate? Like driving only x times per month or year?

[Great68]

Anyone know the insurance specifics of having collectors plate? Like driving only x times per month or year?

With collector plates you can drive as much as you want, but never to work or school.

It's Vintage plates that have the tight restrictions on where you can drive, ie only special events (Parades, car shows, weddings, community events)

[cafe22]

Anyone know the insurance specifics of having collectors plate? Like driving only x times per month or year?

There are no restriction on how many times you can drive per year. Essentially for pleasure use only and can't be used for work or driven to and from work.

[68style]

You can actually drive a collector plate vehicle to and from work... you just don't qualify for any discount and pay regular insurance with a fancy plate :) edit: Apparently I was wrong to assume the work thing as per Mr. Edison below :D

From ICBC:
Reduced collector vehicle insurance premiums
Your collector vehicle may qualify for reduced collector insurance premium if you:

Own or lease another non-collector vehicle registered and licensed in your name, or

Have a company-assigned vehicle used for general transportation and insured under one of the applicable rate classes (see For Insurance Purposes in the Application for Collector Vehicle Status).

​If the only vehicle you have is your collector vehicle, it may still qualify for collector plates. However, it won't qualify for reduced collector vehicle insurance premium.

[Edison_Chen]

The collector vehicles have a special reduced rate for a rate class and their regular pleasure use rate.

If the person has a daily use vehicle that meets a certain rate class, then the collector vehicle can have the cheaper rate or else they fall into the pleasure rate.

What ICBC.com doesn’t tell you is that with collector plates regardless of which use, they cannot be used for to/from work or school or business.

[richardmozis]

Hope Miata got those collector plates and congrats in advance. Sorry just to side track on the Miata: I know some Miata's (aka the special/limited editions) were produced less than 1,500 / year. Does that mean those specific limited edition models qualify under the limited production vehicle status (i.e. the < 1,500/year) for collector plates?

For example, it appears the 1993 Miata Limited Edition was a collector vehicle per below:

https://www.revscene.net/forums/714775-collector-plates-2.html

Not sure if it fell under the limited production vehicle status at the time of application. Thanks!

"To qualify, your vehicle must be one of the following:

- 25 years or older

- A limited production vehicle
-​​ 15 years or older, and
​​​​ - 1 of no more than 1,500 of that make and model (not edition) produced worldwide by the manufacturer for that model year.

- A discontinued vehicle
- ​15 years or older, and
- A manufacturer that owns the "trademark" or "make" of that vehicle has ceased manufacturing vehicles of any kind for at least the last five years.​"

In other words, you can get collector plates in advance for a 2000 Mercedes C43 AMG without issue. You just have to prove that less than 1500 worldwide were made. 2000 C43 is less than 500 so no problem.

'editions' do not count for early collector plates.​ There was a 'presidential edition' for the 2003 E55 AMG, only 7 made. This would not count. With over 1500 '03 E55s made worldwide, this vehicle is not eligible.

[headhunt3r]

Reviving an old thread...

I'm looking to get collector's plates for my Miata, and I'm wondering if anyone's gotten the chance to interpret the aftermarket radio description further:
"Yes you can... install an era correct aftermarket radio/tape player
... upgrade your radio and speakers with modern functionality as long as they are visually indistinguishable from the radio and speaker system originally install"

Unfortunately unless it's an old domestic, there isn't a company like Retrosound making visually retro radios with modern functionailty. Would a radio like this (https://vdo-webshop.nl/en/radio-s/1624-continental-12v-radio-rds-usb-mp3-wma-bluetooth-orange-backlight.html)fly? It's visually era correct in my opinion, but the requirements are quite subjective. There's also something like this (https://www.blaupunkt.com/en/nc/products/car-multimedia/car-radio/products/single/19060/)available. Would either of these fly? Would love to hear your experience.

Also, for shits and giggles, Blaupunkt also makes a retro Porsche one (https://www.blaupunkt.com/en/nc/products/car-multimedia/car-radio/products/single/19059/)... with a retail price of close to $500 :rukidding:

[68style]

^
It’s not cut in stone. Pick up the Continental or whatever and put it in, list it in your mods list so you’re upfront and send in your app. If they say no, there’s your answer. You can also give them a call ahead of time if you want and talk to them, I have done that before and even sent them photos to ask their opinion.

If they say no and you really really gotta have it in there, radios are pretty easy to install or remove hahaha, so keep the stock deck in the car and anything happens just throw it in.

For my MR2 I drove it almost every day so I suck it up and go with the stock deck and have a BT transmitter in my cigarette lighter, but if I drove it less I might risk manage it. I do know of a story of a guy with a classic Mustang who got worked in an accident cuz he had a CD player installed in the glovebox. I think everything with ICBC depends on who you get.

[headhunt3r]

^
It’s not cut in stone. Pick up the Continental or whatever and put it in, list it in your mods list so you’re upfront and send in your app. If they say no, there’s your answer. You can also give them a call ahead of time if you want and talk to them, I have done that before and even sent them photos to ask their opinion.

If they say no and you really really gotta have it in there, radios are pretty easy to install or remove hahaha, so keep the stock deck in the car and anything happens just throw it in.

For my MR2 I drove it almost every day so I suck it up and go with the stock deck and have a BT transmitter in my cigarette lighter, but if I drove it less I might risk manage it. I do know of a story of a guy with a classic Mustang who got worked in an accident cuz he had a CD player installed in the glovebox. I think everything with ICBC depends on who you get.

I'm hoping to avoid buying a head unit I have no other use for except this. I like the idea of talking to them first. How did you send photos for discussion? Did they provide an email after you called them?

[68style]

Yes they provided an email for me to send photos of my Mustang to and I discussed with them whether it would be eligible for straight up collectors or if I should pursue modified collectors instead and they advised me over the phone. That said I’m not sure if they’re working at their office these days? I have a current application in right now (my 5th different car doing it) so we will see if it gets answered anytime soon haha

[Hondaracer]

My dad recently got collector plates for his 993 911, I’m not sure if it’s the rarity of parts or the guy fucked up at auto plan but he’s only saving like $300 a year on comprehensive

[freakshow]

I'm hoping to avoid buying a head unit I have no other use for except this. I like the idea of talking to them first. How did you send photos for discussion? Did they provide an email after you called them?
When I got my plates, I called them and asked questions, and then got the email of someone to correspond directly with and I was able to send links/pictures for clarification.

[68style]

My dad recently got collector plates for his 993 911, I’m not sure if it’s the rarity of parts or the guy fucked up at auto plan but he’s only saving like $300 a year on comprehensive

Does he have another regular vehicle insured? Sounds like something is wrong. Even if comp was about the same the basic should be half or a third of what it was previously.

For example my MR2 was $1,600 a year before collector plates and now it’s:

Basic $183
Third party $2mill $37
Collision $300 deductible $118
Comp $300 deductible $128

Total with annual license fee of $35 = $501

Be interested to see what his Rates are... some cars I think you can do a lot better for the 3rd party with Hagerty for collector cars and also get them appraised too so you get the actual market value not some average from a database like ICBC

[Hondaracer]

He figures the guy fucked up because he has a contact with an agent in the neighbourhood who originally gave him a quote who he deals with all the time and it was about $700 a year for comprehensive

Then due to covid etc he had to deal with a different guy at London drugs through the collector plate process and the whole thing was a shit show he didn’t know how to deal with the plates etc. Then once he finally got that sorted he quoted him this new price.

He does have another primary vehicle insured so you’d think it would be cheaper but we will see

[headhunt3r]

Update for those that find this thread later - I called in and asked about aftermarket stereos, and his guidance was for a '95, any aftermarket radios with an AUX in or a door for a USB will not qualify. This means both my options are out.

[JDMDreams]

What about aftermarket wheels? Is it as long as they are period correct? Not sure how you would consider period

[headhunt3r]

What about aftermarket wheels? Is it as long as they are period correct? Not sure how you would consider period

Wheel size can be increased by one inch in diameter and/or width. Don't know about the 'era correct' bit. I'd give them a call and ask - the guy I spoke with was pretty friendly. He advised I just throw a radio delete plate on it to get it qualified :awwyeah:

[68style]

What about aftermarket wheels? Is it as long as they are period correct? Not sure how you would consider period

It’s all on the back page of the application. 1” increase in diameter is okay and should be correct for the type of vehicle.

[Hondaracer]

My dad tosses a delete plate on his to qualify. They also asked specifically for pics of the door panels which include the speakers so he had to track down some non-descript speakers that had a generic black grill cover

Somthing I’m somewhat surprised of is he has a cab, but he also has a turbo front bumper as well as the large turbo whale tail (long story) these were both accepted as period correct even though they were not available on the cab.

[twitchyzero]

alright, who collector plated their gen 2 dodge caravan?

i had to triple check...it was very clean, true survivor