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VIN Plate engraving

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emann

emann

Senior Member
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I have a new blank VIN plate to put on my 59 BE and am ready to get the VIN number engraved. I no longer have the original.

I've read that I can just take it to a trophy place to get it done.

But, what kind of engraving is it? Is it raised numbers like the Body Number tag, is it just printed, or is it actualy engraved (lines cut into the plate?)

Also, what number goes there AN5Lxxxxx ? any dashes or spaces?

A picture would be a great help.

Thanks for any help.
Ed
 
Ed,

The original VIN plates were stamped not engraved. There is a British car firm that has the correct stamps and will do your plate for your car. You have to supply the plate and proof of ownership for him to do the stamping. The firm is Clarke Spares & Restorations, PO Box 1501, Doylestown, PA 18901. His web site is https://www.clarkespares.com/

Sorry I don't have a picture loaded that I could add but the VIN number is displayed/stamped as follows:
AN5L / xxxx(x) There should be a 'space' between the AN5 and the slash, another space between the slash and the car number.
 
Just take it to your local locksmith and have him stamp it. I don't know the font size, but someone. But make sure they stamps the correct number, at least the number that agrees with the bill of sale or title. Don't ask me how I know all about this thing with incorrect numbers.
 
I had to replace mine, and I purchased number and letter punch sets from J.C. Whitney which were the right size!!
 
emann said:
But, what kind of engraving is it? Is it raised numbers like the Body Number tag, is it just printed, or is it actualy engraved (lines cut into the plate?)
Click to expand...

Ed, most trophy shops actually engrave the numbers into the plate (had mind done there). I will admit that it does not look like the OE stamped tags. I am going to invest in some metal stamps and do it again with those.
 
So what do you do if yours has disappeared completely and you never knew what the numbers were to begin with? This is the problem I am having, I would like to replicate the tag when I respray the car and detail the firewall and inner wheels wells but I don't know my car's number.
 
Do you have any of the numbers from your car?

The Heritage Trust can trace your VIN number from the Body Number (BAE xxxxx). At least they could 20 years ago when I did it.
 
Rachel, what is the number on you title and/or registration?
That is the number I wuld use (if it matches the format for a Spridget!). If you put a different no. on the chassis than that you may have problems with your DMV! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
Rachael, check behind the right front shock absorber. It may be stamped there. Some were, some weren't. Also check behind the lateral stiffener in the passenger floor.
Jeff
 
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