New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

[Ned T.]

I just bought a 1969 Coupe. I saw the engine pad before I bought it and the owner stated that the engine had been decked when it was rebuilt approximately 10 years ago. I bought it just for driving but after looking at the engine pad I'd like to know if there is any way to "enhance" the numbers? This would only be for my own curiosity since I'm not going to sell the car, my son already laid claim to it when I die!!! I was wondering if theres any way a chemical, or blueing, or acid or some other process would let the rest of the numbers show through at least a little. As you can see the 19S72 is barely visible and the last 4 should be 6685.

This is an original side exhaust car as the owner stated, which has been removed,and all items match my 427/400 car, here's what I found.

Quarter panels are not patched and in original condition with original seams to rear panel and inner fender
Crude lower front fender cut out for exhaust pipe clearance
Spacer under transmission mount
Found the N14 behind the carpet in back of the drivers seat in crayon
The original insulation is still in place under the rocker channels
The side exhaust covers came with the car

Numbers Stamp.JPG

[Steven B.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

Ned, law enforcement and government labs have used acid to "raise" the stampings on metal (iron, aluminum, steel) where grinding has been performed, although it does not always work. I have also heard of heat making the stampings readable in some cases.

Steve

[Terry M.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

When I worked in a metallurgy laboratory eons ago we used to treat samples for microscopic examination with chemicals (acids) that revealed the grain structure of the metal. I am sure these chemicals would reveal the "shadow" of the metal deformation made by the stamps. Do I remember what those chemicals were? Not a chance. I don't think they were commonly available -- that is not available from the drug store. Do you have a University with a metals engineering program nearby?

I would not be optimistic that a law enforcement lab would be very forthcoming with their procedures -- too many bad people might want to know how it is done so they can subvert the process. But that avenue is worth a try too. I am sure they could do it if the issue was a stolen car of considerable value, or more likely a weapon with the serial numbers removed, but just like getting the shipping information from NCIC you might need a case number.

[Larry M.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

This is the best I could do in about 15 minutes of searching. http://www.camaros.org/public/acidetch.txt

Just use the Google search function and the phrase "engine pad acid etch" or something similar. Also check the firearms sites, as this technique is also used there.

They also recommend having a few different lights and camera ready to take photos, as the results will fade/deteriorate with time. A few similar procedures posted on-line use additional chemicals added to the acid mix to supposedly improve the image resolution and results. You can search for this and add if you desire.

Larry

[Mike F.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

You could also try taking a very high-rez digital photo (5MB or more) and then play with the color/contrast/negative features of your picture viewer.

[Ned T.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

This is the best I could do in about 15 minutes of searching. http://www.camaros.org/public/acidetch.txt

Just use the Google search function and the phrase "engine pad acid etch" or something similar. Also check the firearms sites, as this technique is also used there.

They also recommend having a few different lights and camera ready to take photos, as the results will fade/deteriorate with time. A few similar procedures posted on-line use additional chemicals added to the acid mix to supposedly improve the image resolution and results. You can search for this and add if you desire.

Larry

Larry, I read the instructions and it looks pretty easy to do with a common chemical. Since the decking seems to have removed a minimal amount of metal I think I have a good chance of this working. I'm just wondering if once I do the acid etching does it remove all chances of another process working.

Steve, I'm going to try looking at the numbers after the engine is heated up, I never tried that. I also have a heat gun I could use that wouldn't do any damage for other processes I might try.

Terry, I don't think any law enforcement agency would be willing to try it either. However, I do know the owner of a large shooting range and gun sales store near me in Pittsburgh. I'm going to see what he says.

Mike, I'm not much on photography but this seems like the best way to try first since it won't do any damage to the pad.

[Mike F.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

However, I do know the owner of a large shooting range and gun sales store near me in Pittsburgh. I'm going to see what he says.

Mike, I'm not much on photography but this seems like the best way to try first since it won't do any damage to the pad.

I'm in the "burgh" (Mt. Lebo) as well. If you're close I can take a picture, and wouldn't mind checking out your car.

[Rich G.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

I'm in the "burgh" (Mt. Lebo) as well. If you're close I can take a picture, and wouldn't mind checking out your car.

OT, but I'm in Mt Lebo right now, visiting our son! Going back to LI on Tuesday!

[Mike F.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

OT, but I'm in Mt Lebo right now, visiting our son! Going back to LI on Tuesday!

Well, if you would like to look at a 70 Coupe, give me a call. 703-431-9143

[Rich G.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

Thanks Mike

Doing the Mother's day thing today. I will try to give you a call. We are staying on Parker Drive.

Rich

[Ned T.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

I'll be in the garage until 5:00 pm 412-812-0603. I'm in Jefferson Hills, close to Mt Lebo.

[Ned T.]

Re: New Purchase 1969 Engine Pad Question

I have a friend checking with Anthony Arms, a gun shop here in Pittsburgh, tomorrow to see if they have a method of raising numbers. I'll keep you posted of the results.