VIN Plate stamping

[David_Doan]

What is the proper tool to put AN5L / 26655 on my new plate?

These - https://www.harborfreight.com/36-piece-18-steel-letternumber-stamping-set-60670.html

 

[smaceng]

I had a trophy shop engrave my old BE, but originally it was stamped at the factory. As you can see, my letter size was larger than the original. The HF says 1/8" .....measure your existing one and see if that works.
Scott in CA

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Clarke Spares will stamp it for you with the correct dies in the current size. Googke Ckarke Spares. They will also do door plates for VIN and body number.

 

[Silverghost]

I'd take a shot at restoring the original. Nothing to lose.

 

[David_Doan]

View attachment 34046I had a trophy shop engrave my old BE, but originally it was stamped at the factory. As you can see, my letter size was larger than the original. The HF says 1/8" .....measure your existing one and see if that works.
Scott in CA

I did a little more searching and measuring. Looks like the original is closer to 5/32". Trophy shop sounds like a good idea.

 

[David_Doan]

I'd take a shot at restoring the original. Nothing to lose.

I guess I could give it a thin coat of black paint, then carefully sand it down with some fine sandpaper and a piece of glass.

 

[tomshobby]

My tags are stamped from the back so the characters are raised.
Here is a source for stamps. They also sell individual stamps so you don't have to buy complete sets.
https://www.columbiamt.com/store/reversehandstamps-ss6.html

 

[jlaird]

Yes was going to say originals were stamped from back.

 

[David_Doan]

Yes was going to say originals were stamped from back.

My "original" is smooth on the back. The engine plate is definitely stamped from the back

 

[macsprite]

Harbour freight tools has stamp sets that are the correct size. I stamped a new plate for my recent bugeye restore and it looked "original".

Cheers
Lew

 

[Whitephrog]

I'm with Jim....Clarke Spares did a prefect job on my VIN and engine plates.

 

[David_Doan]

I'm with Jim....Clarke Spares did a prefect job on my VIN and engine plates.

Emailed Clarkes Spares. They will Stamp it for $18 and I supply the blank. Cheaper than buying a set of punches, and will be done right.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Get them to supply door tags for VIN and chassis number as well while you are at it as they have those as well.

 

[sqbsprite]

I would much rather restore the original. Spray it with black paint. The lettering is raised and you can polish it by rubbing it face down on 1200 grit sand paper until the border and lettering is clean and bright. The new plates are just screen printed and flat.

 

[mibenthal]

Clarke Spares will stamp it for you with the correct dies in the current size. Googke Ckarke Spares. They will also do door plates for VIN and body number.

Clarke Spares is closed.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Unfortunately Mr. Clarke passed away sometime after my original post in 2014. He was a Corvair Specialist IIRC. Unknown if anyone bought the business.