Hi, Barry.
No, not legal yet.
As to the first question, I guess it really depends on local law enforcement. I my case, I have driven around LA for more than a year without a front plate (or even a bracket) and have never been bothered. Now, I don't make it a habit of doing quad lane changes at 90 mph, so they're not out to pull me over on a tehnicality.
On the YOM (year of manufacture) plates, unless you can work a miracle (or get away with fraud) at the DMV, you can either go with a current plate, or maybe a black plate with gold letters if you donor pan is late sixties. A few of us have (illegal) replica plates that are school bus yellow with black lettering - the color scheme for late 50s cars in CA. The rationale is that if you secure the rights to a legit personalized alpha-numeric, then have that same sequence reproduced in replica form, and you don't drive like a maniac, you'll more likely than not be left alone. The police can still ID you from your plate as long as it's the same as your registered alpha-numeric, and you get some addedd class to your vehicle. Again, if you've done your car right, most people will think it's original in which case a yellow plate would be appropriate.
If you do a forums search you'll find more info on this subject, including where and how to pick up a replica plate.
Good luck.
MM
