cleaning a data plate

maydaymurph · Post by **maydaymurph** » Wed Jul 25, 2018 10:08 pm

Howdy all, Wesk has been urging me to post on here rather than emailing him directly so that everyone may benefit/input on what ever subject matter I may inquire about or bring to the forum. So here goes.
This may be a simple one. I tried to do a search but came up with zilch.
I am trying or wanting to bring a data plate on a 52 M38 back to life., without losing the black background. I've heard from other sources to use Brake fluid but my experience with that strips the paint right off. I was told to use Xlene, but that strips also. I just want to bring out the brass without losing the paint.
anybody got some tried and true methods???
MAYDAYMURPH/52 M38

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 5:53 am

A quick search on Google for 'data plate restore' came up with a lot of results.

zeke57 · Post by **zeke57** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 6:42 am

When I restored my data plate I used a fine piece of sandpaper(1000 grit) on a flat block and carefully rubbed over the raised brass. Worked for me.

maydaymurph · Post by **maydaymurph** » Thu Jul 26, 2018 7:27 pm

Most of the google searches I've read want to use a chemical stripper of one kind or another.
Zeke57. I've got some 2000 grit on hand I'll give that a try sounds like that might work, thanks
and thanks to one and all for any input /advice it is readily accepted and needed. Out

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:53 am

When I did my plates I used brasso to carefully polish just the high spots. But the Canadian plates are copper over brass with no paint.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jul 27, 2018 8:57 am

Most of the google searches I've read want to use a chemical stripper of one kind or another.

That's because you are asking a machine (Computer) "How do I clean data plates?". The machine will supply all methods with no special regard to saving the paint or type of metal in your plate. You must eliminate those not applicable to your desire to save the paint and the type metal of your plates. They are the only google hits you should be reading.

maydaymurph · Post by **maydaymurph** » Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:42 pm

Howdy one and all! Hey Zeke57, tried the sanding block and it worked pretty darn good except on one plate that has a bit of a bow in it. a tractor refinisher who works with emblems and such said to use plain old "Brasso" but use your fingers only and lightly rub it into each section. your fingers will feel out the raised portions and regulate how much pressure to use. Its like checking wet sanding with your wet hand you can feel the little flaws rather than see them.
I tried this method and got good results enough so that the plates are once again legible and the black background remained intact.
I thank all kindly,
Larry