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MG TD TF 1500 - Restoring ID plates

Anyone done a restoration on the ID plate? I have one out of a wreck and would like to start seeing what is the best way to restore them (work on the one out of the wreck and when i get it right, do mine).

Figure to have it plated in Nickle, but any thoughts on the best way to do the black in the letters/numbers?
Bruce Cunha

I have not restored one, but here is a picture of my unrestored plate that you can refer to if you wish.

Matthew.

M Magilton

See my suggestion at the bottom of the linked page:
http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_etchings.htm
Chris Couper

Bruce; Did mine a few times before I got satisfied. Had the plater do only a clean and minimum polish followed by a coat of nickel. Tried a couple of techniques for the black; screw it up...wash it off with thinner and try again. Final approach involved Krylon and a wide blade plastic scraper. Trick is to catch the paint at the right time in its dry cycle. Worked best just before full dry. Scraper was rigid enough to just take the black from the raised lettering and leave the rest. Patience was the best tool in the process. Dan

Dan Craig

Green is a reflection

Dan Craig

Last one

Dan Craig

I know there has been discussion of this before, but I can't remember the answer. I have seen many brass VIN plates on original cars, that show not the slightest trace of ever having nickel plating, and no sign of having been restored or modified in any way. But I have also seen original cars with clear and old nickel plating very evident on the VIN plate.

Did they do both? When did they change and why?

Thanks.

Tom Lange
t lange

Dan,

Great job showing a lot of patience. I would suggest that the stamped letters/numerals would not have "black" in them. Sorry to be ultra picky. it seems like you are striving for full authenticity so I thought I'd risk a comment.

Cheers,
Max Irvine
Max Irvine

With you, Tom. Don't remember if there ever was a conclusion. If they were all plated, it must have been really thin and not very durable.
Max - I bet you are completely correct. A little thinner on a toothpick would correct that issue. Dan
Dan Craig

Nice job, Dan; looks like you've discovered the way to go with this.
Geoffrey M Baker

Tom: Here is 0253 and it shows some nickel. It does not get much earlier than this.

But again the nickel is almost gone and come back in a few years and it probably wouldn't be there if it was not protected.

I suspect any plates you have seen without nickel have just worn off. Its not very hardy, hence the reason chrome was added on top of nickeled car parts.

Chris Couper

Many years ago, before I knew that the plates were not chrome plated, I had mine done at the local chrome shop. I found a stick type black paint that I simply rubbed over the chromed plate and shortly thereafter wiped it clean with a tight rag on my finger. It turned out beautiful even if not particularly authentic. It looks much like Dan Craig's pictures. Maybe if you were to Google Black Paint Stick or similar words you would find something like I used.
Jim Merz

Sharpie now has an 'ULTRA FINE POINT' Permanent Marker. I used one to relabel the oil filler cap. Holding up very well. Bud

Bud Krueger

This is truly the best part of the internet. Where could I find this much information on a unique topic like this.

Your knowledge is very impressive.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 29/04/2014 and 05/05/2014

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