Okay,

I bought a par of Texas license plates, that the DMV won't approve because they're too yellowed. By the smell of them, I think they're caked with nicotene and dirt. Is there anything I can use to remove that without damaging the plate on the license plate? Furthermore, is there anything else I can use as a whitener so I can just get these things to pass approval?

 

Try toothpaste or Autosol.

 

Have you tried Wesleys Bleach White?
Works great on white lettered tires .
And it removes road grime.
Ron

 

Autosol what? Autosol seems to be a brand. Which product?

In the meantime, I'll try toothpaste.

 

The truth is that these things are regularly slightly yellowed, that is perfectly normal.. If you have more than one DMV in your particular county, it may be worth a try to start over at the alternate location.. The tags are forty years old, and have likely been stored every summer in a garage/attic/shed at a refreshing 108 degrees! Sometimes it seems the gals at the DMV are often trained specifically to be as difficult as possible, or possibly just feel drunk with the power, I hav'nt figured them out. I doubt you will have very much luck whitening the paint. Not to be a pesimist, I just feel as though the good hard work'n folks at the DMV need to be realists! Best of luck!!!!
Heath

 

Autosol is a metal polish probably available at a local autoparts store.
I saw it on the Jegs website as an Eastwood product. People are always telling me parts are cheaper in the US but that one costs twice as much as what we sell it for at work. I've used Autosol on chrome, plastic and paint. It is just a polishing compound.

 

108 if they were stored outside in TX. In the attic, it would be up to 130* in our summers!

Do you have a picture of your plates?
I have a set which aren't too bad, but look yellow against a white car.
I would like to see if mine are better.. This set I have might be for sale if I pick up a mint set today after work.

If it is really nicotine from ciggies, then rubbing alcohol should take it off.

 

X2 for Westley's Bleach White, that stuff is very, very good.

 

Or "Greased Lightning". It's a pretty good cleaner for removing grease and grime, or Goo gone.