CLEANING DATA PLATES

[No.2Diesel]

This is somewhat MV related... What is the safest way to remove paint from a data plate without removing the important stuff? Acetone? A heat gun?

I just acquired a Vintage Cletrac model EHG crawler c.1937-41 with a 30HP 4cyl Hercules gas motor. It's complete but needs "the works." The previous owner "schlapped" some thick yellow paint over everything to keep it from getting worse out in the bush. I will post some pictures within the week showing its recovery. I rescued it just in time. It was starting its descent back to die Teufel

 

[JDToumanian]

Try this... it worked great for me!

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=7281

Regards,
Jon

 

[BKubu]

I've used regular paint thinner. It will take CARC overspray off of dataplates.

 

[BKubu]

I guess I need to add that you'll have to rub/wipe with a rag for a bit, but I was able to restore a plate to near original condition...at least it looked original compared to the faded area that had no overspray!

 

[RICE670]

I used oven cleaner on my plates.To corrosive? maybe ,but It worked out for me. regards scott

 

[cranetruck]

I'm pretty sure the screen printing on the data plate is done with epoxy type ink so a lot of solvents will leave it untouched.

 

[maddawg308]

I have a couple plates that are so-so, and only partially covered by paint. If I get the chance, I'll try out oven cleaner on one, and paint thinner on another, and post pics to compare the results this weekend.

 

[Crazyguyla]

I have some faded data plates, how to restore the bakground color?

 

[BKubu]

I don't think you can restore the background color once it has faded badly. You might have trouble finding some of the more rare dataplates, but most of the common ones are around. Try www.mvdataplates.com.

 

[Blake]

regular dot 3/dot 4 brake fluid

 

[BKubu]

Hey Blake: Brake fluid will restore a plate that is seriously sun-faded? Very cool if this works... I'll have to try it out on all of the plates I've taken off and replaced over the years. I did not think anything would bring them back.

 

[No.2Diesel]

Thanks for the advice JDToumenator and company. I will try both the pressure washer AND thinner.

 

[OSO]

Have to give that a try to see what happens

 

[jamboly]

I should have read this before I tried using Xylene to clean my axle data plate. I first tried paint thinner but that didn't seem to work to good. The Xylene cleaned it off pretty easy. However, it also did a good job of taking the lettering off of the plate.

 

[DeucesWild11]

An old thread but I wanted to add my cleaning method. I had allot of CARC overspray on my data plates, allot.. Sorry no before pics.. I took off the hard stuff with a razor blade at a very flat angle to the plates.. carefully which did not damage the plates, did it on a few of them. For the lighter stuff I used Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish. It's just what happened to be in the garage but it worked great, brought the plates back to life.

Here are some pics. Also, my truck used to be a firetruck.. I would possibly consider selling the related FT plates to someone who is looking for them.. Kind of like the history though..haven't decided yet..