What color should my VIN plate be?
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Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
What color should my VIN plate be?
Restoring my 85ta body, windshield is off.
The vin plate is pretty rusty, but not rotted. I stripped the rust off, now needs paint.
Unfortunately, every third gen I've had here in NE has a rusty vin plate, some so bad you couldn't read them.
So, what color is it supposed to be? Black or bare metal or what?
The vin plate is pretty rusty, but not rotted. I stripped the rust off, now needs paint.
Unfortunately, every third gen I've had here in NE has a rusty vin plate, some so bad you couldn't read them.
So, what color is it supposed to be? Black or bare metal or what?
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Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1
Engine: 347 cu in mild mods
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
^^ This - bare metal. Don't glassbead or sandblast it unless you just want a hand-full of rust. Instead, use navel jelly several times which is non-abrasive. Don't worry about the visable pits you can't do anything about them now.
I wouldn't apply any kind of enamel or laqure clear paint - it will crack and peel-off over time.
I like to use 'M1' by Starrett, the precision toolmaker. Also, Hoppe's Bench Rest lubricating oil with 'Weatherguard' is good. Both are clear, will not yellow or crack and remain somewhat flexable. I've used both products for many years with Very Good results.
I wouldn't apply any kind of enamel or laqure clear paint - it will crack and peel-off over time.
I like to use 'M1' by Starrett, the precision toolmaker. Also, Hoppe's Bench Rest lubricating oil with 'Weatherguard' is good. Both are clear, will not yellow or crack and remain somewhat flexable. I've used both products for many years with Very Good results.
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Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
Great, thanks guys.
No pitting on mine yet, just light surface. I'm just going to acid etch and paint aluminum color, should be close enough.
I'll post a pic when I get a windshield.
No pitting on mine yet, just light surface. I'm just going to acid etch and paint aluminum color, should be close enough.
I'll post a pic when I get a windshield.
#6
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Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
before acid etching or whatever, try some cider vinegar and let it sit over night. I watched an episode of American Restoration the other night and they mentioned this.
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Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1
Engine: 347 cu in mild mods
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
You might... maybe, check with your local authorities, and see what can be done. It might be legal in your area to get a duplicate tag manufactured and have it installed under supervision.
John
John
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Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1
Engine: 347 cu in mild mods
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
I do know that if someone builds a 'kit car', the NCDMV will issue a VIN tag and 'eye-ball' you as you install it on the vehicle.
#11
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What color should my VIN plate be?
The Legality of it is very skeptical, if caught doing it incorrectly, there could be legal fees and Time served if convicted.
Step 1) I would do everything possible to try and restore your TAG, be diligent to clean it up as good as you can.
Step 2) If you have no luck or the tag is too badly rusted, contact some local clubs, see what they know and how you can possibly replace the tag.
Step 3) If it is possible and legal, Find a reproduction VIN tag IE Trimtags.com or http://www.vintagsuk.com.
Step 4) Follow your local and state and federal rules and laws to replace the tag.
In hindsight, I would try to fix what you have to make it as clean as possible. Before going on... I suspect that some cars may have had a nickel plated VIN tag.
John
Step 1) I would do everything possible to try and restore your TAG, be diligent to clean it up as good as you can.
Step 2) If you have no luck or the tag is too badly rusted, contact some local clubs, see what they know and how you can possibly replace the tag.
Step 3) If it is possible and legal, Find a reproduction VIN tag IE Trimtags.com or http://www.vintagsuk.com.
Step 4) Follow your local and state and federal rules and laws to replace the tag.
In hindsight, I would try to fix what you have to make it as clean as possible. Before going on... I suspect that some cars may have had a nickel plated VIN tag.
John
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