1959 front plate fill

[gross707]

I wonder...what would have been available to cover the void in the front bumper where a front license plate would sit except in those states issuing only one (rear) license plate.  I just got a 1959 series 75 and live in a one-plate-kind-of-state but would like to fill the void.  Any suggesstions?
Thanks,
Gerald Ross
clc 22185

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

They're in McVey's 2011 catalogue- NOS, no less.

The one I'd really like to find the version that has the elongated Cadillac crest decal on it.

[Pat Caruso CLC #17825]

Gerald,
Here is what, I believe, the front plate will look like.....

[Walter Youshock]

Filler plate part #1480301.  I got 2 from a hearse company who sold a hearse to a local funeral home.  They dealer told me they are (were 5 years ago) still buying them directly from GM.  They were in the GM wrapper when I got them.  I think I paid around $20 or $25  per plate.

The same plate was used from 1958. 

Nothing beats nos--especially when you can still get it from the dealer!

[kyled]

when you say NOS are you talking about the racing stuff? for a 59 cadillac? where in the world are you racing this thing?

[Walter Youshock]

NOS:  NEW OLD STOCK

An original part never installed on a car.

[gross707]

Thanks to all who replied. I ordered one  (NOS) today from McVey's.
JR

[Walter Youshock]

How much?

I found my receipt from 2003 an I paid $46 for 2 plates in the GM wrapper from my supplier including shipping.

I wonder if these are still available nos.  I haven't made it to the dealer yet.

[Mumlauf1992]

How would I get my hands on one of these now in 2023? It's almost impossible to find anything about one of these stainless plate fillers...

[35-709]

You might take a look at this listing on eBay.  Put this item number in the eBay SEARCH box --- 304369030675
The original aluminum type from GM seem to be hard to find anymore, maybe someone here will have one for sale.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

This one was recently sold on eBay for the very fair price of $50.00.  It was the first genuine GM Cadillac filler plate I'd seen come up in a long time.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195519981843

[fishnjim]

Also common is to put a "year of make" license plate(in your case '59) from your state there.
Plus here you can actually get the DMV to approve those old plates for regular use - if they're in good shape.   Plenty of car show vendor vanity plates for that too, if you don't want an ugly plain aluminum one...

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

I don't think the proper original one is ugly.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

While I was selling new Cadillacs and Buicks, I saved a nice dealer plate from the Cadillac dealer in Kokomo, IN. It now resides on my 1981 Seville which was originally sold from that dealer.

[marty55cdv]

 I have a couple of these original plate fillers , I don't believe they were chromed originally just polished aluminum but I could be wrong . They would be fairly simple to reproduce , I am fortunate to work in a Machine shop, and was going to do just that but I decided to engrave the year instead on some 1/8 Aluminum.  I have them on my 58, 59, my 60's and my 63 and 64.

[59-in-pieces]

Marty,

Not quite OEM.

BUT, who really cares.

Great work and it looks like it could belong right there.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[35-709]

Very nice, bet you could sell those if you care to --- not only to Cadillac owners.

BTW, all of the ones I have seen (and I have one) are polished aluminum.

[StevenTuck]

Here's mine and it's not polished.

[Jon S]

Gerald,
Here is what, I believe, the front plate will look like.....

Correct. I have two of those. They are Factory issue.

[Jon S]

I have a couple of these original plate fillers , I don't believe they were chromed originally just polished aluminum but I could be wrong . They would be fairly simple to reproduce , I am fortunate to work in a Machine shop, and was going to do just that but I decided to engrave the year instead on some 1/8 Aluminum.  I have them on my 58, 59, my 60's and my 63 and 64.

They were polished aluminum. You are correct. I have two original ones.  I noticed one has square edges, and the other one has a rounded edge - not sure why they are different.