C3 Tank Sticker questions

[Rich G.]

I have the tank sticker for my 68 and it is barely legible in some areas and worse in others. The Zone and Dealer blocks are blank to my eye, but so are the last few digits of the order. Was there ever the case where zone and dealer info was not printed there? I doubt it, but thought I'd ask. I know where the car was purchased, but that dealer is not in the database. I thought if I could decipher this, I could add to the data.

Also, is there any way to enhance the typed info so it's more legible? I have taken digital photos and some things are easier to read when blown up. If anyone has expertise in this area and would be willing to look at the pictures, let me know and I'll e-mail them off line. I still have not learned how to attach a picture here.

Thanks

Rich Giannotti

[Roberto L.]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker questions

Hello, try or made scan it in a high resolution mode and process the resulting file with a image processor program like Photoshop. Playing with image adjusting functions could make visible the hidden text if any.

My tank sticker shows zone and dealer (1970).

Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Ian S.]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker questions

I don't remember if it was on this site or not but some people have had success using the night vision option on digital cameras and video cameras.

Ian

[Jon #40768]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker questions

I to am trying to restore my 67 sheet. There have been past discussions about this subject. If you do a search of the discussions and the archives you will find some info. I recieved a sample of a sheet that was before and after using a night camera and noticed a differance. I have been calling around the Bay Area in California and have found a place or two that want to see my sheet. They specialize in document restoration. I have been checking photo shops and document restoration places (most want you to mail the document as they are out of my state). I am going to research this further with leagal paper restoration, water damage restorationplaces, and libaraies. I have not found much so far. Since my sheet states that the car is a 435 horse with leather, I am going to be willing to spend some bucks to try and get as much as I can out of the sheet. This may seem dumb, but I am going to investigate x-ray and MRIs as well as night vision cameras. If the sheet is valuble enough it may be worth it. What is a tank sheet worth on a 435 horse or LT1 car? Good luck and stay in touch. Jon

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker questions

Jon:

I wish you success in your endeavor!

Yours and Rich's situation is exactly why I advocated in previous posts on similar subjects, the importance of those inquiring whether to remove this document or leave it. It is a very important piece of Corvette documentation, they are indeed very fragile, and with time will disentegrate into worthless pulp! On those 2 examples you asked about, I would indeed place a great deal of value on that paperwork as it pertains to those options!

I purchased a '71 LS6, three years ago, and I figured the paperwork that came with the car was at least half the price I paid for the car! Good luck.

[Jon #40768]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker restore it

You are so right. I am starting to think there are more 435s than were actuall produced. Keeping the sheet in as good of condition as possible is priceless. I can't imagine leaving it on the tank. 75% of mine crumbles when you touch it. All I can read at this time is 435 horspower, leather, transister, and the sunflower paint code. If someone has to leave one on the tank, frame the real one and paste a repo on the tank. Without my sheet, my car is just another want to be.

[Gary S.]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker questions

I had very similar problems with the one off of my 72. It was only about 70% legilble. I scanned it and then played with that scan in Photoshop. I wound up with a copy that is more than 95% legible. Not too bad for an amateur! If you want to see the before and after, email me off line.
Gary Schisler

[Rich G.]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker restore it

Jon and everyone... Thanks. I don't even think I can get the sheet off the tank. A piece of it came off when the tank was removed. The rest is on the tank, but has delaminated in spots. In fact, that part is easier to read than the browned out part. I'm in the same situation. This is a 68 435 hp car with HD suspension, 4:11 gears and power steering and power brakes. Most of that is still legible and I want to preserve it. The original tank with most of the sticker is in a plastic bag in my dry basement. The rest is in plastic in a book.

I'm going to try the IR night vision trick next.

Rich Giannotti

[Jon #40768]

Re: C3 Tank Sticker restore it

I am glad to hear it. I think I would do the same and install a new tank. In fact, I was planing on installing a new tank as my old one is cruddy, (a technical term). Thank you for the idea of leaving part of it on the tank. I would look into placing adecicant (spelling) in hte tank to absorb any trapped moisture and prevent condensation. I dont know if there is any kind of treatment that can be done to help preserve the paper. Sounds like a great car.

Jon