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I purchased new commission plates for all four of the TR3s I am restoring because the old ones are in such bad shape (sadly, all four cars were in the process of being parted out). I also purchased two sets of number/letter stamps from Harbor Freight and attempted to stamp duplicate numbers on one of the old plates. I am not able to get the kind of definition that the original stampings had. The Harbor Freight stamps seem to be too broad or don't have enough depth (not sharp enough?). I have tried backing the plate with various materials while stamping, but I still can't duplicate the originals. I am considering taking the new plates to a machine shop, but I don't want a machine shop ruin the new plates trying to get it right. Any suggestions or ideas?
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TR2/3/3A Commission Plate Number Stamping
- Thread starter tedwone
- Start date
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Don Elliott
Obi Wan
Offline
I bought a new Comm. No. plate when I was doing my restoration from 1987 to 1990. But then I noticed that the fonts were different. The repros look similar but and not the same. I also considered having my old one scanned so an engraving machine could do it on the new blank plate.
But I cleaned up my original one and it's still there. It's been there from new - 58 years ago. If you're not trying to be "original" with your TR, use the new plates. Only a TRA or VTR concours judge would notice.
But I cleaned up my original one and it's still there. It's been there from new - 58 years ago. If you're not trying to be "original" with your TR, use the new plates. Only a TRA or VTR concours judge would notice.
tomshobby
Yoda
Offline
I need a plate for my 74 Midget. Originally it had reversed stamping. I found this place but they require a blank which is available from Vicky Brit.
https://www.clarkespares.com/carparts.html
It is not cheap but compared to buying the correct stamping dies it is.
Here is a place that sells individual stamps which would cost less than buying complete sets.
https://www.columbiamt.com/store/reversehandstamps.html
https://www.clarkespares.com/carparts.html
It is not cheap but compared to buying the correct stamping dies it is.
Here is a place that sells individual stamps which would cost less than buying complete sets.
https://www.columbiamt.com/store/reversehandstamps.html
Yeah, in cleaning my original commission plate up I cleaned the black off of it and now it's completely aluminum with no black. I've come up with this question as well. It would be nice if you could send the place you buy the new plate from the info on yours and they stamp that on the new plate.
Tr3aguy
Jedi Knight
Offline
The guys have the right fonts .... These are the ones I used to stamps a friends new plates. Came out great
https://www.youngbrosstampworks.com
https://www.youngbrosstampworks.com
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
Unlike the TR4s, the black portion of the TR3 commission plates are slightly raised allowing a crafty person (like John) to restore a stripped plate.
The TR4 plates are totally flat and (on LHD cars) thoughtfully placed right below the hydraulic reservoirs & M/Cs -- so they are often just bare metal with a stamped number.
I stamped mine with a simple jig. The font is not perfect ('3' has a round top rather than the original flat top) but the depth and crispness looked pretty good. I think I used a very hard surface under the plate:
The TR4 plates are totally flat and (on LHD cars) thoughtfully placed right below the hydraulic reservoirs & M/Cs -- so they are often just bare metal with a stamped number.
I stamped mine with a simple jig. The font is not perfect ('3' has a round top rather than the original flat top) but the depth and crispness looked pretty good. I think I used a very hard surface under the plate:
Bo_Bogaty
Freshman Member
Offline
I tried several times to duplicate my commission plate, but was never satisfied with the results. I finally noticed the letters on the original plate were raised which made restoring the plate relatively easy. A little black lacquer, 400 wet sanding, and clear coat did the trick.
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Tr3aguy
Jedi Knight
Offline
He also did mine which is why I don't need my plates..... Thanks again John
See the pics in the photobucket link
See the pics in the photobucket link
How bad are the originals? I bought new plates, but if you look closely the repro plates are not exact to begin with. I decided to resurrect my originals...
TR3a before.
Tr3a after.
I bought a new plate too with the intention of replacing the original. Since I had to re-title the car in North Carolina, several of the 'locals' advised (very strongly) that I should re-install the original. Even though I did, it was still touch and go on approval of the title. The inspector had a serious case of heartburn over the fact that I had used some through bolts to secure it. He explained that it should have been left in place with the original rivets. He wasn't encouraging. After several months and numerous phone calls the title finally showed up in the mail.
After all that I sort of like having the old one, with some old paint from an old paint job. Fortunately I kept the original baby blue...
After all that I sort of like having the old one, with some old paint from an old paint job. Fortunately I kept the original baby blue...
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charleyf
Luke Skywalker
Online
I use pop rivets to install my plates after a restoration. I have occasionally found some pop rivets that closely match the originals. Most of the pop rivets do not match the larger head originals. But I would guess that even the ordinary pop rivets would come closer to avoiding the extreme scrutiny of the DMV That is not to say that they might still take some offense at it having been moved in first place. But that has never stopped me from removing it for restoration.
Charley
Charley
I'm not going to worry about those minor details anymore. I haven't even bother with the standard pop rivets. I'm just happy that it's back on the road with a title.
groupdeville
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
Which of the Young Brothers stamps are the ones that match the TR3 commission plate style?
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
Looking at their website it appears they may use an open 4 rather than the closed version of the original plates.
Of course, if your commission number has no 4s it is not a problem.
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