Paul,
At first glance it sounded like a decent solution. On the other hand,
assuming you meant the duplication of the die stamped ID information, as
well as the silk screened material, would leave a "window" area over
the die stamping area with both the old original being seen underneath,
and the computer printed duplicate on top.
This may be physically difficult to achieve, as I have found that the
VIN sometimes starts in the silk screen area. On top of that, assuming
perfect original alignment, the printed plate numbers would lay on top
of the original, and both would be hard to read.
From a practical matter, your choices of printing material is limited
to the powdered/fused Xerographic printer B&W, or the pigment or dye of
an ink jet. These printing materials, unless it is done on the
"adhesive" side (very "sticky" job for a printer ;-) ), are not meant
to be "archival", and will not stay for long. On top of that, it is
probably illegal. However, covering the original with a clear adhesive
film, after cleaning as best as can be done, can protect it from further
damage, and be replaceable - if you are careful not to bend the plate -
if needs be.
At least it would be obvious you are just protecting the original, and
not trying to modify it, and a hair drier can allow removal, if you
shield the surrounding paint.
Just an idea.
Steve
Paul R. Breuhan wrote:
> I snagged one of those VIN plates off of Ebay to put in my pile of
> advertisements, brochures, etc...something to have I guess.
>
> Personally I don't understand why the VIN plate would be placed in the
> engine compartment subjected to wear and tear like that...I guess with
> a convertible there might not be any good place if your car is left to
> rot.
>
> Part of the reason I wanted one was to see the lettering on it since
> mine has worn away. I have also looked on the internet and found very
> few decent pictures of VIN plates.
>
> Mine is not the condition I would want with a restored engine
> compartment (it's in ok shape but nothing special). So my thoughts
> were to polish the old plate up a bit. Duplicate the lettering from
> another plate on my computer as close to original as possible then
> have them printed onto a clear plastic film or maybe a clear decal and
> stick that over the top of mine original VIN plate so I would have the
> best of both worlds...original plate and nicer looking...and could be
> removed easily if needed.
>
> Paul
>
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Steve Laifman
Editor - TigersUnited.com
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