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283 engine ID plates

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:03 pm
by Jim Godlewski
How should I go about restoring the engine ID plates? Removing and replacing the rivets seems to be the challenge. Should/can I reuse the current plates? Thanks.

Re: 283 engine ID plates

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 8:56 pm
by Judge1948
I remembered seeing a post on this, a little searching and it was found. Go to Hardware and Rigging and look for “How to clean manufacturing plates” Yes it’s possible with metal polishes (Flitz) but some like the aged appearance. Patina I believe it’s called. I too like the aged look. As with fine Scottish single malt whiskey, it only comes with time. As for the steel pins/ fasteners, seems like a small drill bit used as you would for any rivot removal would work. Center punch the head first so the bit doesn’t walk too much on you.

Re: 283 engine ID plates

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2018 2:20 am
by jim g
Those are drive pins. Not rivets. The best way is to cut a slot in the head with a dremel tool and try ti unscrew them out. The shanks have a twist to them. So when they are driven in. They twist in like a screw.

Re: 283 engine ID plates

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 10:09 am
by Bilge Rat
I agree with Jim G in removing the drive pins but once the head has been backed out enough, I use a vice grip to get a better handle on them and twist them out counter clockwise. New pins are available at a number of places such Restoration Supply. On that site, they call them drive screws.

www.restorationstuff.com

Re: 283 engine ID plates

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 5:54 am
by Jim Godlewski
Thanks guys, I'll have to decide if I want to keep the patina or go with NOS plates and stainless fasteners.