How to clean up data plates?

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
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Parsons GPW
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How to clean up data plates?

Post by Parsons GPW » Wed Nov 22, 2017 7:35 am

Hi Guys

It looks as though the original data plates are on my '43 GPW but they are really dirty. They are riveted to the glove box. Any ideas what works well to clean them up, other than "elbow grease" of course? There's some corrosion on them too, in places there are small holes in the plates. I'll try and upload a photo if I can later.

Thanks

Matt
MB 346447 (06/44)
ACM II Tub 143790 (09/44)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ivzx8yk9nooz8 ... 0.jpg?dl=0


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1943Willysgpw
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by 1943Willysgpw » Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:07 am

I will follow this. I too would like to know. I remember seeing an article with pictures or a thread on here about restoring the plates. It might have been for a Fire Extinguisher. Anyway, like to know how to repaint the black as well.
"None of us are as smart as all of us"

1942 GPW 1871 DoD 2-27-42 Dallas Plant
1945 GPW 247890 DoD 1-26-45 Louisville Plant
1942 GTB 136166 DoD 9-18-42
1942 GTB 135938 DoD
1952 M100

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Chuck Lutz
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by Chuck Lutz » Wed Nov 22, 2017 11:44 am

Might help to post if they are brass or aluminum. Different chemicals could do the trick.

Maybe oven cleaner or lye based cleansers?
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
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dpcd67
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Nov 22, 2017 12:38 pm

No, do not use lye on aluminum plates; you won't have any left.
I just restored some brass plates; (ok, for an M38). They were dirty, but no paint left. I cleaned them with acetone and a scotch brite pad. Painted them and then sanded them back down with some 600 grit paper. They came out ok except for the caution plate which was already flat.
M38 DATA PLATES - 1.jpg
M38 DATA PLATES - 1.jpg (54.31 KiB) Viewed 578 times
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17thAirborne
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by 17thAirborne » Wed Nov 22, 2017 12:51 pm

dpcd67 wrote:
Wed Nov 22, 2017 12:38 pm
No, do not use lye on aluminum plates; you won't have any left.
I just restored some brass plates; (ok, for an M38). They were dirty, but no paint left. I cleaned them with acetone and a scotch brite pad. Painted them and then sanded them back down with some 600 grit paper. They came out ok except for the caution plate which was already flat.
nice work!
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
http://gpw.castraponere.com/ (My Restoration Page)

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1943Willysgpw
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by 1943Willysgpw » Wed Nov 22, 2017 1:31 pm

OK, we just ship ours to him and WA LA! New business idea for you.
"None of us are as smart as all of us"

1942 GPW 1871 DoD 2-27-42 Dallas Plant
1945 GPW 247890 DoD 1-26-45 Louisville Plant
1942 GTB 136166 DoD 9-18-42
1942 GTB 135938 DoD
1952 M100

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dpcd67
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Nov 22, 2017 2:06 pm

Let me think about it: no.
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D Pizzoferrato
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by D Pizzoferrato » Wed Nov 22, 2017 4:32 pm

Here is a link to a tutorial I did on Data Plate restoration http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f= ... es#p837033
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by DDTrustee » Wed Nov 22, 2017 4:53 pm

I’ve used paint remover on the old plates and then sprayed really good lacquer black covering the entire plate. Two coats. Let dry a few days. Used 600 grit or Emory cloth on a hard block of wood and gently remove the paint over the top of the raised letters and lines. Generally works on nice flat but faded plate data plates. Crooked, bent ones are harder but can be done with careful sanding with a hard block and fine paper. This does not work with thick spray paint – requires lacquer plant for a thin coat that is below the level of the lines and letters.
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dpcd67
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Re: How to clean up data plates?

Post by dpcd67 » Thu Nov 23, 2017 9:03 am

I used Rustoleum semi gloss black, sanded it, and then coated with clear spray poly. The caution plate had already been sanded flat by the previous owner so there are no raised letters to catch paint.
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