Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

[Mark R.]

I would appreciate advice on the best method of obtaining clear rubbings of numbers on the engine stamp pad and other components that may be difficult to decipher visually or photograph. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and suggestions.

[William C.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Although a 6 megapixel or similar digital camera is likely the best tool, if you want a rubbing, an old fashoned carpenters pencil with the wide lead tip works well.

[David H.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Like Bill recommended, use a digital camera. I side lit my pad with a shop light so my camera could 'see' what to focus on, took several semi 'blind' shots, uploaded on my PC, and was amazed at the detail I could make out!

[Mark R.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Thanks Bill and David. Actually, I've been able to do pretty well with the digital camera. The proper lighting is often critical. Too much and the shot gets washed out. My biggest challenge has been trying to photograph trim tags on the mid-year cars and even the shark cars. Often the angle just makes it very difficult to get a clearly focused shot.
I think the carpenter's pencil is a good idea, better then a regular #2 pencil. I just wonder if there is a preferred paper to use for rubbings ? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Terry M.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Mark, The Bloomington Gold folks have been doing rubbings for years. The prefered method is the carpenters pencil rubbed on the pad, then apply Scotch brand(R) "Magic" tape -- 3/4-inch width. Rub the tape well with your finger, removing all air bubbles, then lift the tape and place on a clean, unlined sheet of paper or card stock. Trust me this will not work well on a hot engine (don't ask how I know), and it will not generally transfer the background texture of the pad -- broach marks -- very well.

An alternate method is to first apply the tape, then rub the carpenters pencil on the tape. After the tape is on the paper or card stock, cover it with another layer of tape to prevent the pencil marks from being rubbed off.

When you perfect the technique you can graduate to head stones. JK

[Tracy C.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Some guys like to use 3M scotch tape. Pick the kind that had a matte finish and becomes mostly invisible when pressed onto the surface. It's thin enough to transfer the details you want and usally has enough tack when your done that it can be stuck to another piece of heavy paper for long term storage.

tc

[Mark R.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Terry and Tracy thanks for the Scotch tape tip. I look forward to trying it. It has got to work better then my previous attempt to get a rubbing by applying zerox paper to the metal surface and rubing the surface with a #2 pencil. BTW, what are your thoughts on using emory cloth lightly on the bottom of the differential carrier housing to bring up the rear axel number, when the number is dificult to decipher due to aging of the surface ?

[Tracy C.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Beings that broach marks are not a concern on the diff housing.. I'd use a wire brush to remove the scale. If you can put a rotary brush in a drill motor then that is even better.

tc

[Terry M.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Tracy's wire wheel suggestion works well -- if there is any stamp left to see. Sometimes corrosion and a light hammer blow combine to defeat our best efforts.

[Mark R.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Thanks everyone who have generously responded to my inquiry. Your knowledge, experience and suggestions are greatly appreciated. In the NCRS, we truly: "get by with a little help from our friends." Best wishes to all for the happiest of holidays !

[Harmon C.]

Re: Engine Stamp Pad Rubbings

Mark
When you buy the tape get the magic type as Terry said the results are much better.

Lyle