Original License plate replacements?

I tried to register black plates to my 64 Dart (off of a non registered/non operating 64 Dart, which I owned and had the title to) after I bought it in Vegas and brought it back to SoCal. At the time (last year) the DMV wouldn't let me. They told me that they were still "attached" to the other car in their computers. So I either needed to "junk" the other car to "clear" them or get a set of plates that were already cleared (not registered for 5+ years or in the computers as "salvaged").
After talking to a manager, he informed me that after July 1 2009 it would be easier since the "YOM" (year of manufacture) guidelines would go into effect and the rules are much clearer. This is my understanding:
1) Clear, servicable plates.
2) You gotta have both of 'em.
3) Correct plates for the model year.
4) 6 digit for a car, 7 digit for commercial vehicles.
UUGH!!! find out more at www.dmv.ca.gov Search vehicle code (VC) 5004.1
Let me know if you have any luck...I'm gonna try again in July!

P.S. I'm pretty sure that it is against the law to "modify" plates. (I doubt that you'd do any time for it...lol)