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Hi, I just bought a 1947 1/2 ton Dodge truck. A different Chrysler flat head 6 and manual transmission was installed to increase horse power from what was in it initially. I am trying to identify the transmission casting date of 9/9/54 case number C-89988, if reading it correctly. Below those numbers is a large embossed letter "H". All of these numbers etc. are on top of the transmission case. I attached a photo. I appreciate the knowledge someone may have in identifying this transmission. Thanks in advance. Wes

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Black Plate Special: California Revives Vintage License Plates The original California Yellow and Black plate issued 1956-1963 The Lloyd Bakan '32 Ford coupe, currently owned by Don Orosco, Montery, California, TRJ #41 Last September, California passed a bill that established the state’s Legacy License Plate program. Officially launched January 1, 2013 the program revives the famous “California Black Plates,” originally issued in the ’60s, as well as the yellow plates from the ’50s, and blue plates from the ’70s. It was initiated by California Assemblyman Mike Gatto, a vintage car enthusiast who oversees the district just north of Los Angeles that includes Burbank and Glendale. Aaron Moreno, Legislative Director from the Office of Assemblyman Gatto, reports that DMV pre-orders for the specialty plates are doing well. However, a minimum of 7,500 of each plate style must be ordered and pre-approved by the state before production of any one style will begin. The original Black and Gold plate first issued in 1963 1932 Ford Roadster, Pat Ganahl, Glendale, California, TRJ #56 From our perspective, this is a worthwhile program that adds one more element of authenticity to our period-styled hot rods and customs. We hope that spreading the word will help make this effort a success, and that other states will consider following suit. California originally issued black license plates with gold lettering in 1963. While most states require that license plates stay with the registered owner, California allows them to be transferred with the car from one owner to the next. There are still quite a few cars that retain these desirable black plates from the ’60s. Equally coveted are yellow plates with black lettering, issued from ’56 to ’63, and blue plates with yellow lettering issued from ’69 until the early-’80s. The original Blue and Yellow plate issued 1969-1983 The Jim "Jake" Jacobs '34 Ford coupe, currently owned by Jerry Slover of Pete & Jake's, Peculiar, Missouri, TRJ #46 The replica plates offered through the program are available in standard sequential alpha-numeric format or as vanity plates. The main difference from the original plates is that the replicas are “reflectorized” (chemically coated to reflect light) to comply with state law. Within the first month, 3,500 pre-orders were placed among all three license plate styles. The minimum of 7,500 pre-approved orders per plate must be received by January 1, 2015 for the program to move forward. The pre-order cost is $50, and you can download your order form here. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions and payment information, visit www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm. Most states sponsor “Year of Manufacture” programs, but it would be great to see vintage-style plates available across the country for all of our hot rods and customs. We plan to bring you more information about the Legacy License Plate program in a future issue of The Rodder’s Journal. If you’re not yet a subscriber, be sure to visit www.roddersjournal.com or call us at (800) 750-9550 or (877) 479-2627 in Canada to subscribe or renew today. Online Store Dan Post Boxed Set of Reprints Available for Pre-order TRJ 2013 Calendar Scrapbook Deuce: 75 of the finest 1932 Ford Hot Rods of all time The Hot Rod Story Rex Burnett Print Set Hardbound Limited Edition Book Issues 9-12 Hardbound Limited Edition Book Issues 5-8 50 Years of Rod & Custom All Back Issues Copyright © 2008 The Rodder's Journal All rights reserved.