Original Data Plate Restoration

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:30 pm

Hi everyone, I have a quick question. Is there anyone out there restoring original data plates? I searched through the archives and couldn't really find anything. I am getting an all new reproduction set but I want to keep the data plate with production dates and contract number with the Jeep, so I would at least like to at least kind-of look like the others.

Or is there a good way to do it yourself? Just seeing.

Thanks,

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:14 pm

All I did on my 'a1 is scuff them down with red scotchbrite, sprayed on a couple of coats of black and let it dry real good. Then take a real fine sandpaper on a sanding block and scuff off the high areas (carefully). Finish with some clearcoat.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 1:30 am

http://www.1945gpw.com/plates.asp

http://www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=61659

Military Vehicle Magazine:

#63 - SEP/OCT 1997: Buying a MV for under $1000 (2); Driveshafts & Universal Joints; How To Install a Battery Switch; Jeep Engine C-Rations Can Warmer; Replica Machine Gun; Russian GAZ 67B; How To Strip Paint; Refurbish Old Data Plates, Replace a M37 Emergency Brake; Clunker Law and What It Means To You.

or: http://www.militarytrader.com/issueindex

Here's a very good PDF file on the topic:
http://www.avi-plus.com/download/MB_GPW ... RATION.pdf

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 3:40 pm

Yep, that's a good writeup (the last link - in PDF format). That's about the same way I did it, except for the electrolitic paint removal and satin paint. Now that I see it, I might have preferred the low sheen instead of the glossy. They look real good! That writeup also makes me want to set my cleaning tank back up - it is a very effective method (not to mention it take most of the work out of it - if you have time to wait on it to work it's magic). Only trouble is that I don't really have enough stuff left to clean and refinish!

I'd say go for it Paul! That's one more thing you'll be able to say you did yourself. It doesn't take alot of work or time to do (just make sure you let the paint cure as much as possible), and the reward and satisfaction is worth it!

Matt

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 3:55 pm

WOW! Great links...thanks for the help guys. I think I'll try the last method too...

bl5211a · Post by **bl5211a** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 7:22 pm

I did the same as wilfreeman. However, I used a penn eraser and then a matte (flat) clear coat.