I was fortunate to aquire the tank sticker for my 71 I purchased recently. Tank was replaced but owner had sticker.First, is there any SAFE trick to cleaning it up? I used a fine brissle paint brush to remove the surface dirt but fear doing anything else. If a professional is the way, is there anyone in the NJ area thats good. I,m nervous about handing this off to someone without experience in this task. I can make out most of the info, but struggle with some. Im having trouble making a photo copy thats more legible than the original. Second, does anyone know the tranlation for dealer 127 or T27? And last, is it safe to assume I have an early 71 as the "date received" on my tank sticker is 70/09/09? Thanks in advance and enjoy the holidays.
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Re: C3 Tank Sticker
If photo copying using different contrast settings doesn't reveal any more than you can see by eye, you might try digital photography using the highest resolution camera you can get your hands on. 8 meg pixel cameras are now available. They are not cheap, but ask among your friends, or go to a professional photographer if need be. Don't let the original out of your site. No one but a certified Corvette nut will understand the value of that piece of paper.
With a good digital photo in hand (or in computer), and a good photo program, try changing contrast digitally and see what comes up. At the minimum you will have a digital image that will outlast all of us, and maybe you can produce a better image than what you can see by eye.
There are professional document conservators in most parts of the country. An Internet search may prove helpful. Inquiries at a local Historical Society, University Library, or the local Public Library may yield contacts in this field. There was an article in The Corvette Restorer by someone who found such a service, and their experiences. There also have been a few threads on this subject here in the past. Using one of these services will require you to leave the paper with them -- there is no other choice. Be sure to have the digital image before you leave it. And be sure to ask the price before you commit to the work -- it will not be inexpensive.
Be careful cleaning it yourself. What you have found is actually like a carbon copy (some of us are old enough to remember those things), and what looks like printing can be easily removed by mechanical means. It is not firmly fixed to the paper. Actually it is a chemical transfer process that resembles a carbon paper transfer, but the print is still not firmly embedded into the paper.Terry -
Re: C3 Tank Sticker
Over at the Corvette Forum there was a post several years ago about using a digital camera and the infrared light used with locating the flash. Don't remember the details but you can try a search.
RogerComment
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Re: C3 Tank Sticker
Terry's are right on the mark. I have my 72 tank sticker and it was 75% legible. I scanned it and then used Adobe Photoshop to alter contrast, background, and their other built-in functions to bring out the remaining data. I was actually quite surprised at how clear the missing areas turned out to be. It was almost like "seeing" through the dirt that was obscuring the information. I spent many hours learning and playing with Photoshop before I could claim success. Find yourself someone who has the program, knows how to use it and is willing to help.
GaryComment
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