need to emboss VIN on replacement ID plate

[72911T]

So I sprung for the Aase replacement VIN plate for my 69T, the plate for which was lost by a PO. Any suggestions for how to best imprint the VIN into this thing? It has the correct "911T" etc on it, just needs the car's individual VIN. I would like it to look correct.

I'm picturing using a set of number dies like in the link below, and pressing or tapping the numbers into the plate. Obviously want it done right, and am not sure of the font or size.

http://www.amazon.com/Letter-Number-.../dp/B0006IY52U

[super9064]

I wonder if this is something Porsche would do if you provided documentation. I know in some states even removing the VIN in the first place isn't legal.

I'm sure the laws vary state to state, but how do you handle a lost or damaged VIN plate. Plates are removed all the time during a restoration, doesn't mean its legal. Its a sticky situation, on the 356 registry advertising the sale of number stamps or restamping services is prohibited.

[Larryg57]

Try this. German number stamps with close to the original font.

http://www.samstagsales.com/kukko.ht...pinglettersets

[72targa]

We've seen plenty of examples of poorly done restamps...

1) Look through this thread for some good examples of originals (example attached)

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ad-911S/page47

2) See if you can study a real-life example and get the precise height of the stamp

3) Go slow and practice on another piece of thin aluminum

http://www.ehow.com/how_7391814_stam...-aluminum.html

4) Keep us posted (and get the right rivets, too!)

[PeterM1965]

Based on the fact that the VIN number fills the space alloted, and that they were stamping many of these, I would guess that the punch dies were held in some type of device. I would try to take a solid block of plastic about 3/4" thick X 3" high X a little wider than the VIN box and drill holes through it to hold the dies. (see rough illustration below) Do this on a drill press so that you can control the positioning of the holes. Then you will not have to fumble with lining up the numbers and making sure that they are square. You can see in actual VIN stamping there is a certain amount of skewing and jumping baselines. Of course to do this you will need more than one set of punches since most VINs have duplicate numbers.

[72911T]

Based on the fact that the VIN number fills the space alloted, and that they were stamping many of these, I would guess that the punch dies were held in some type of device.

This was my thinking, that this will need some sort of typeset device. The DIYer in me says to get creative and tackle this, but I wonder if I will be better off finding a professional to do this, as I only have one shot at it (these replacement plates cost $275 + shipping from Aase...).

[72911T]

Yes, I can see how folks would approach this topic carefully. In this case, where the titling and provenance of the car isn't a matter of question, and it's simply a matter of a removal ID point having been lost, I think I am on safe ground. In related threads here and on Pelican, the laws I've seen quoted from statute appear concerned with cases of possible changes of the VIN.

I wonder if this is something Porsche would do if you provided documentation. I know in some states even removing the VIN in the first place isn't legal.

I'm sure the laws vary state to state, but how do you handle a lost or damaged VIN plate. Plates are removed all the time during a restoration, doesn't mean its legal. Its a sticky situation, on the 356 registry advertising the sale of number stamps or restamping services is prohibited.

[merbesfield]

FWIW, 22 years ago I ordered a new VIN from Porsche for my 73S bc I did not like how dirty the original was. I am sort of anal like that. Anyhow, it was no big deal then and they just sent me the new one that looked exactly like the old one. I never got around to install the new one bc I was not sure about how to do the pop rivets properly.

[Bullethead]

The factory likely used a sequential die press to stamp the lot needed for production, not one at a time.
Why not do as Mark suggests above and send it to Porsche? Another alternative is a trophy shop or jeweler.

[72911T]

The factory likely used a sequential die press to stamp the lot needed for production, not one at a time.
Why not do as Mark suggests above and send it to Porsche? Another alternative is a trophy shop or jeweler.

Yes, that is what I may do. Someone who has experience with this type of work. Although this does not look like rocket science.