Serial Tag Refresh

Steve@Advance · Nov 21, 2013

Any proven methods of refreshing an aluminum serial number tag? The tag is in perfect condition except the black background is faded away. This is an embossed tag (TO35 Ferguson) with slightly raised, very tiny print. The actual serial number is raised higher than the rest of the background printing.
I saw the recommendation of a fine sharpie and clear coat, but I don't think I could ever get around all the tiny print... Any other suggestions? Thanks!

RTR · Nov 21, 2013

(quoted from post at 19:49:31 11/21/13) Any proven methods of refreshing an aluminum serial number tag? The tag is in perfect condition except the black background is faded away. This is an embossed tag (TO35 Ferguson) with slightly raised, very tiny print. The actual serial number is raised higher than the rest of the background printing.
I saw the recommendation of a fine sharpie and clear coat, but I don't think I could ever get around all the tiny print... Any other suggestions? Thanks!

I would paint it (removed from tractor) a nice flat black or semi gloss black then take the tag and rub it painted side down across some fine grit sandpaper. Do it on a peice of glass so you know the surface is flat. Also be careful to only sand the raised lettering. It should sand the paint off and bring out the letters/numbers. Afterwards, apply a clearcoat to seal everything up. Install back on tractor and done.

RTR · Nov 21, 2013

Now, if you are worried about retaining the original print that isn't raised, It might be possible that someone could make you a decal to "refresh" the look of the tag. I know that Tim Talleur in NY makes them for the Farmall Cub and other Farmall tractors. I don't know how long they'll last but they sure do work nicely and put the finishing touch on.

See my Before and After Pictures from using one of his decals on a Farmall 140. If you didn't look close, noone would ever realize it was a decal.

Athol Carr · Nov 21, 2013

My son used a very fine draughtman's permanent marker pen to touch up the black. When finished looked just like the original. Then put two coats of clear enamel over the tag. Looks good. The tag was no perfectly flat so painting and sanding against a flat surface was not likely to work well.

Larry NEIL · Nov 25, 2013

I have done the same a number of times with great results. On things like the old air cleaner bowls I just sprayed it all red on my Olivers and then used one of those fine rubber sanding blocks with some 320 grit wrapped around it and sanded VERY LIGHTLY!

RTR · Nov 25, 2013

(quoted from post at 22:20:17 11/25/13) I have done the same a number of times with great results. On things like the old air cleaner bowls I just sprayed it all red on my Olivers and then used one of those fine rubber sanding blocks with some 320 grit wrapped around it and sanded VERY LIGHTLY!

Please post which sanding block you used. I would like to try the same. Thanks

Serial Tag Refresh

Steve@Advance

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RTR

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RTR

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Athol Carr

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Larry NEIL

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RTR

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