Factory License Plate Frame - Black Magic

[MercuryBlues82]

My tiny issue seems trivial compared to most on this site but I figured I may start little and work my way up.

I have the original plastic gold license plate frame for my Black Magic with a plate already in it. This frame is rather delicate and while I feel like sliding the plate in and out may have been easier more than a decade ago, I am having a harder time. I feel like bending the frame the necessary amount in order to get that plate out and put a new one in will end up snapping it. The front frame already went the way of brittle plastic, although I still have that one as well... at least 3/4 of it.

Any suggestions? I'd hate to lose this interesting piece to the whole motif.

[Mikestang]

Thats tough... Did you consider just sacrificing one of the side tabs in the rear, cut it off to slide the plate out the side?

[dtmilsap]

Might try heating with hair dryer to make more flexible.

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[KevinK]

I would put it out in the sun to let it warm up. Those frames can still be found. I found one a while bad, NOS.

[MercuryBlues82]

KevinK do you remember where you found it? I've done some searching but possibly not looking in the right place? I had Mikestang's idea but didn't know how 'the community' would feel about mutilating a factory accent. I think until I get another one that may be my only option. That whole sun thing makes me nervous.

[KevinK]

I'm in China right now so I can't pull the box out. I remember the part number being earlier than 84, maybe 81-82. Possibly late 70s. The letter G sticks in my mind. And I think the part was used on other cars like LTD. Small cars not so much, think more luxury. I don't think it was a mustang part number.

Maybe try PPI as they have the svo one.

[4-barrel Mike]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-D7AZ-17...xYVB1B&vxp=mtr

Same engineering number D8AB 17A387-ASWA as the frame in the beginning of the thread. Box label looks identical to what we can see on the one above.

Mike

[MercuryBlues82]

Awesome! Thanks so much guys, this has definitely given me the info I need to snag one. (can't believe I didn't check the part numbers to begin with... I'm a total newb I'll admit it ) So it turns out there is this http://lincolnoldparts.com/ store in Clearwater Florida less than 25 minutes from me. They found me one just like the ebay link above. I'm going to snag them but they are silver meaning I will have to paint them gold (when I paint my grille) So my search for color code continues.

[erratic50]

Cut the old plate?