How do you guys preserve the numbers etched in the wood, like on the doors or body? Do you guys paint over it or seal it clear and not paint it?
If I paint over my numbers they will be lost forever because they are too shallow.
Robert,
If you can see the numbers now, I would "guess" that you could probably use paint remover, some tooth picks etc. (wear eye protection etc.) and remove the paint that is in the recesses where the numbers are stamped. If that is the case, when you repaint -- if you are careful not to pool the paint in that area, the numbers should still show up. I.e. the scratches in the metal panels will show up when I spray paint etc. It is only after I block sand the primer down that I get the really nice surface for the top coats to be sprayed onto. Until I sand the area, the imperfections below the paint show up.
If you can find the same size and style of numbers you could also make the impressions a little deeper.
And taking photos showing where and what the numbers are, would also document them.
If the numbers are so shallow that you cannot use the paint remover to remove the paint that is in them to make the recesses deeper, you could cover them with clear. In many cases the floor mat covers the numbers. If that is the case then clear would work fine. You could also clear coat that area and then put a light color coat over it -- so it could uncovered again easily if desired.
I'm sure others will have some additional ideas they have found helpful in the past.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
The only number stamped on my car was on the block. (due to the year it was manufactured) When I restored the engine, I used VHT engine enamel that comes in a rattle can. It gave me a good coat but wasn't near thick enough to fill in the numbers. I Imagine you could find a rattle can close enough to the body color to go over it and give it some color without filling in the numbers.
The only number stamped on my car was on the block. (due to the year it was manufactured) When I restored the engine, I used VHT engine enamel that comes in a rattle can. It gave me a good coat but wasn't near thick enough to fill in the numbers. I Imagine you could find a rattle can close enough to the body color to go over it and give it some color without filling in the numbers.
Robert-
I have some 1/2" stamps that are the same size and font of my body number. I was able to line-up the stamp, (or un-line as often is the case) and go over the numbers with a deeper impression.
Post some pictures of your numbers and I'll see if my stamps are the same style as yours. If they are, you may borrow them. I had to borrow the B from someone. I don't remember who loaned it to me.
: ^ )
Keith
could you use a combo of a #1 and a #3 to make a "B"?