My VIN tag is rusted, worn and very hard to read.
The trim-tag is also very worn.
I'd like them both to stand out, easier to read.
(I'm getting old, eyes are the first to go..)

What should I do?
1) re-stamp it?
2) replace it?
3) Navel-Jelly?
4) fine sandpaper?
5) black paint?
6) black back-ground w/ white painted letters?

Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments?
What do you recommend?

http://www.tonymueller.com/68camaro/images/VIN.jpg

http://www.tonymueller.com/68camaro/images/VIN-close.jpg

http://www.tonymueller.com/68camaro/images/trim-tag.jpg

If you glass bead them both with very low pressure (30 -40 lbs.), you should be able to clean off all of the scale, and not harm the characters. Then paint with low-gloss black.

use a propane torch, like the one you solder with, and heat lightly, it dosnt take much and use a medium stiffness wire brush. it will shine the cowl tag like you wouldnt believe and clean the scale off the vin. dont hold the torch close or directly toward it just get it close enough to get the surface warm.

..glass bead them both with very low pressure (30 -40 lbs.),
Thanks BelAir Bob..!
I don't have a glass bead blaster in the garage, and most rental stores around here have discontinued them for EPA and insurance reasons.
I could buy one at HFT
Blaster (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45998) $15
Glass Beads (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46426) $20

....but I thought I'd check and see how you feel about Naval Jelly (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=117792-133-117792), $5
(are chemicals taboo?)

use a propane torch, like the one you solder with, and heat lightly, it dosnt take much and use a medium stiffness wire brush.
oooh, I like using fire....

Honestly, those arent worn that bad at all. VIN a little rusty, but the tag is fine, really. I have a 70 Z that the trim tag is darn near smooth thanks to someone :angry: . Still legible, but sometimes have to catch the light just right.

I think the bigger issue will be placing them back on the car, since the original rivets are now gone. In no way accusing you of anything at all, but theres a possibility of questions arising somewhere down the road.


dave

....I think the bigger issue will be placing them back on the car, since the original rivets are now gone. In no way accusing you of anything at all, but theres a possibility of questions arising somewhere down the road.
dave

I hope not..
TRIM TAG rivets are $12/pair. (http://www.trimtags.com/rivinstall.html)
When I purchased this car, it was inspected and documented by Jefferson Country Sheriff. Colorado law requires this inspection before title transfer. I've also created a before and after video diary of each stage.
(my profile picture (http://www.camaros.net/forums/member.php?u=22217) should explain why I had to remove these..)

I wouldn't do anything to the trim tag. That's what it's supposed to look like. You can strip it if you're repainting the firewall and tag.

VIN - I'd just strip, paint, and reinstall after the dash was painted.