My original tag has seen better days. All of the black paint and wording is gone. I'm thinking about ordering a shiny new one from Marti, but I'm thinking it will hurt the car's authenticity. I'd consider using the new tag that was included with my Marti Report, but the date doesn't match the original tag. Ironically, the marti date is more accurate because my engine tag says it was built in December.
Opinions welcome on whether having a shiny new tag hurts authenticity.
Thanks.
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on June 05, 2025, 09:36:56 AMMy original tag has seen better days. All of the black paint and wording is gone. I'm thinking about ordering a shiny new one from Marti, but I'm thinking it will hurt the car's authenticity. I'd consider using the new tag that was included with my Marti Report, but the date doesn't match the original tag. Ironically, the marti date is more accurate because my engine tag says it was built in December.
Opinions welcome on whether having a shiny new tag hurts authenticity.
Thanks.
Sometimes a new tag is necessary because it is missing for whatever reason and something needs to be in its place. In the case of a existing tag with patina a old beat up tag shows survival against time. I and others encourage the use of the original tag even if condition isn't the best. A tag with patina shows more authenticity then a shiny new tag IMO. With my judges hat on I have never took a deduction for a beat up old tag on a shiny fresh restoration in concours venues. I know of many other judges and enthusiasts that feel the same way.
Thanks Bob. I appreciate the response.
I'm considering painting the tag flat black and wiping the paint of the raised characters to allow reading the tag to be easier. Not sure just yet.
Hi,
Agree 100% with original tag be left in original condition. Strongly suggest not trying to change it in any way. It is currently on the car and that is where it belongs.
Just my 2 cent opinion.
R.R.
So originals were not "painted" they were etched.
How does black get between the letters? Was it painted before?
Quote from: Coralsnake on June 05, 2025, 02:28:39 PMSo originals were not "painted" they were etched.
How does black get between the letters? Was it painted before?
I don't know if this what happened here but I know of someone who had a door tag that was painted over during a Maco type primitive paint job. The owner used paint stripper so it was more readable but it took all of the paint off the tag (including the original black) except for some small specks in the letter and numeral crevices.
When I bought the car in 2009, the door tag was painted red. I tried unsuccessfully to strip the red paint and gray primer off the tag, but leave the black etching. The original tag is going back on. I also don't want to risk losing the original tag and someone finding it and putting it on a different car. My Shelby Automotive tag is missing some of the black etching and words also.
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on June 05, 2025, 04:46:34 PMWhen I bought the car in 2009, the door tag was painted red. I tried unsuccessfully to strip the red paint and gray primer off the tag, but leave the black etching. The original tag is going back on. I also don't want to risk losing the original tag and someone finding it and putting it on a different car. My Shelby Automotive tag is missing some of the black etching and words also.
The door tag is not something that you would want to lose but FYI there would be no good/nefarious reason to put that tag on another car because it is not used for VIN/registration purposes. The windshield tag and the stamped vin on the aprons are what are used for registration and VIN verification purposes.