1968 Door data plate

[franklinair]

I've never installed one. How to you secure the blind rivets?

Neil

 

[Batgirl89]

On our '68 convert, I used a drill bit (cant remember the size) Use the end that goes into the drill chuck, and press gently (or you will press through it, the rivets are soft)

 

[Batgirl89]

Neil, I found it!
I dont know what is under the black marker, Marti crossed that out.
~Sheryl


 

[franklinair]

Thank you, Sheryl...

Neil

 

[Batgirl89]

It looks perfect Neil! (like everything you do) Im glad I could finally help a little. You are always helping me :grin:

 

[sportyworty]

If and when a door tag is needed I age them for patina. They are a dead give away if not

 

[franklinair]

I agree that the patina aspect would be of value if the vehicle involved has some overall degree of patina. But this particular CS has none of that- body panels, new (not original) paint color, and interior. An original looking door tag would look out of place, with everything else being new.

Neil

 

[sportyworty]

I respectfully disagree on a restored car. The only time a tag should look almost new is on a high quality original survivor. Most of the Gold concours cars retain their original tags regardless of condition. There are no point deductions for original tags regardless of condition. That all being said so long as it works for you then that is what counts but it is not the general consensus in the hobby. The letters are all shifted right and even the bright tin is a standout as new not restored. A little Acetone and fine sand paper with the original or aged rivet will keep your eyes from going straight to the tag. It is a stand out

 

[dalorzo_f]

Looks great Neil!

IMO an "aged" tag on new paint seems odd IMO.

A ratty/faded tag and new paint sticks out even more...

 

[Ruppstang]

Neil I think it looks fine but here is the bigger problem to me and this is not you fault. It is that Kevin Marti will make door tags that have what ever changes that you ask for and I think that is wrong. I know you will not represent the car as a original Highland green car but what about two or three owners from now.
As far as patina I would not try to age it to further the deception.

A Concours class car is represented as it was delivered to the first owner and would not have had a aged door tag on it. The MCA does not deduct for issues with original tags because we feel that it is important the original tag stay with the car.

Just my opinion.
Marty

 

[franklinair]

All points well taken.

I don't build concourse cars. I build 'drivers' that come close, but with some year/period changes or upgrades. Consequently, I want the door tag to represent the current status. The Marti Report will always reflect original status (color, engine, drive train, options, etc.).
That's one of the great elements on our site: different concepts & techniques. Love'em all.

Neil

 

[CougarCJ]

Kevin does a great job on the reproduction door data plate tags. But they are clearly reproductions. I don't believe that he has all of the dies to make them just like the originals. Check out these 1968 versions from Dearborn. Two styles of type size, and light and heavy. There had to be multiple stamping machines being used in Dearborn, Michigan. These examples are all fairly close by date range.

 

[Ruppstang]

Great business plan on Kevin Marti's part, sell fake door plates and cause a atmosphere that makes everyone buy a Marti report before they buy a car to know the truth.
Smart business.

Scott you are correct it is not too hard to spot the reproductions but the average person would not know the difference.

 

[CougarCJ]

Great business plan on Kevin Marti's part, sell fake door plates and cause a atmosphere that makes everyone buy a Marti report before they buy a car to know the truth.
Smart business.

Scott you are correct it is not too hard to spot the reproductions but the average person would not know the difference.

Nor would the majority of Mustang owners know the various color and interior codes for any given year without a reference.

Fake is a strong word, lets leave it at reproduction. :wink:

 

[Ruppstang]

Nor would the majority of Mustang owners know the various color and interior codes for any given year without a reference.

Fake is a strong word, lets leave it at reproduction. :wink:

You are right that was a poor choice of words. One thing I want to clarify is that I have no issue with a reproduction replacement tags as long as the information remains the same as the original.

I get a bit worked up a bit over this because on a MCA concours judge sheet the Color, Interior, Engine and Transmission are all 20 point deductions if not as the data plate. It seems to me like cheating to build the car however you wish and change the data plate so you get no deductions.

 

[CougarCJ]

I get a bit worked up a bit over this because on a MCA concours judge sheet the Color, Interior, Engine and Transmission are all 20 point deductions if not as the data plate. It seems to me like cheating to build the car however you wish and change the data plate so you get no deductions.

I totally agree with you. My Acapulco Blue GT/CS will have a door tag accurately identifying it as Meadow Lark Yellar.

 

[Ruppstang]

I totally agree with you. My Acapulco Blue GT/CS will have a door tag accurately identifying it as Meadow Lark Yellar.

Good on you Scott. I have no problem with people making their cars what ever they want. BTW Acapulco Blue is my favorite Mustang color.
Marty

 

[Tequila]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but just wondering if it would be possible to salvage the original door tags and transfer to a replacement door? Are there any tricks to removing the rivots without damaging the original data plate?

 

[Ruppstang]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but just wondering if it would be possible to salvage the original door tags and transfer to a replacement door? Are there any tricks to removing the rivots without damaging the original data plate?

It is very easy if the door panel is off. Just give them a tap from the inside and they will come right out. Other wise you can very carefully drill them out.

 

[CougarCJ]

Those tags are easy to remove, I have literally removed 100's of them.
I use a thin screw driver with a round shaft. Stab it in the middle of the rivet, and waller it around until the rivet falls out. Easy peasy.