Correct vin plate type / number stamping

[decampos]

Can anyone recommend a good way to achieve the correct look for the type and the numbers on a new blank vin plate?
Any pointers much appreciated.

(on a separate note, am mildly non-plussed that the makers of the new plate haven't really put much effort into finding the correct font of the old, but there you go).

 

[dp]

Can anyone recommend a good way to achieve the correct look for the type and the numbers on a new blank vin plate? Any pointers much appreciated.
(on a separate note, am mildly non-plussed that the makers of the new plate haven't really put much effort into finding the correct font of the old, but there you go).

When you say nonplussed, are you surprised, or "unperturbed"? Its one of those words that the dictionary seems to say has two meanings, but I always read it as "not bothered."

That said, the very idea of replicating VIN I.D. tags is still a red flag for many in the collector car hobby. From a strictly legal perspective, and perhaps more importantly, it is still considered by many countries (as well as most of the United States) to be illegal. Perhaps thats why people silkscreening the blanks don't go the extra mile and offer you a way to replace your 40-year-old ID tag with something that appears new and shiny. Even a 100-point show car will receive no deduction if the VIN tag is not new in appearance. IMO a new-in-appearance VIN tag will ALWAYS raise the kind of question most enthusiasts would prefer to not have to ask.

 

[decampos]

Thanks for your reply dp. I guess by by 'non-plussed' I really mean 'unimpressed'. The original plate has a really nice distinctive and tasteful typeface; looks very considered. The remake looks like they've just used Helvetica with the attitude 'that'll do, no-one will notice the difference'.

I see the point you're making. I guess that would explain the half-assed job. I can imagine that is indeed the situation. Though I can see why it can be illegal to replace a vin plate, it should surely be a case by case thing. My vin plate is fairly damaged (that's not mine in the photograph), and it's weird that replacing it with a (near enough) exact copy would make me a criminal. But I can see why that law is in place.

Anyway, regarding lettering. I've thought about using Letraset transfers (remember those?) but that would be easy to scratch off. Any suggestions?

 

[61porsche]

There is

at least one vendor who provides the vin plates stamped and lettered here in the states- Blunt. But for 02s.

Perhaps someone might inquire as to the availability of the same for E9s. IIRC, so does a German vendor on Ebay there.

If one were to take the intitiative, a reverse photo or scan on silkscreen film with precision cutouts could duplicate the plate exactly by airbrushing over the template and plate. There must be some sort of anodizing for production purposes would be another way.

Here in the states for other certain marques there is the service. Reputable vendors require some form of ownership and verification.

 

[Stan]

Coupe King

Coupe King sells the VIN plates for E9 and 2002
For a bit more he will stamp your VIN number with the correct die.

 

[decampos]

Coupe King sells the VIN plates for E9 and 2002
For a bit more he will stamp your VIN number with the correct die.

Yes, I saw that after I bought the blank one from somewhere else. I wonder what they use for the type. I'm guessing it's part of the original silkscreen and they stamp the numbers using standard number stamps.