Currently and over the years the paper engine ID decals have been reproduced by the thousands. Some have been more like the originals than others but none- currently available commercially - are made out of the same material or using the original process. Since few of you will be making your own you will will be left to use what is commercially available.
Looking at the originals they were a printed paper label/sticker with a clear layer laminated over the surface of each. Also we find fine serrated ends where it appears they were torn from a spool of labels much like we would find in a large tape dispenser today.
Here is a close up of an original where the clear laminate has separated from the base material over time. The fine serrated edge is also barely visible.
Current commercially available reproductions are based on vinyl or plastic decals with no clear laminate and ends designed with everything from rounded to jagged ends
Here is an example of a jagged edge similar to being cut with fabric scissors.
To at least improve the reproductions you may be using I've been recutting the ends using the following process to at least improve that little detail.
As always this may not be the best or easiest - just what has worked for my after trying a number of methods. Hope it helps others.
- For the process you'll need a large packaging tape dispenser and a metal object (have used a straight screw driver or other tool with a small flat edge)
- Since the labels are not delivered with much extra material on either end getting them to stay in place during the process is the first challenge. For this I fold over the end of the decal approx 1/8" from the pre cut end and place a small piece of package tape on that edge leaving a tail of approx 3". This additional tail will provide me something to anchor against the dispenser as I make the end end. I place the tap on the back side of the decal so that the finished surface of the decal is closest to the cutting edge on the dispenser for a clear cut.
- I place the decal surface and that hard fold I placed in the decal (fold does not show well in the picture) over the cutting edge making sure that its alignment all along the edge then press the anchoring tape to the surface of the dispenser.
- Then while providing tension with the untapped edge, not too much just enough to insure contact I rub the metal tool across the cutting edge which produces the new cut edge.
- I then repeat the same process on the other end of the decal repeating all the steps
- The decal at that point is ready to be applied. Always check to make sure the location is correct for your engine type and year as the location is very different depending on those details. If the decal as a two piece backing only removed on side. This will allow you to not touch the adhesive on the rear and use the covered half to guide the decal into place. Press out any bubbles under the first half then roll off the backing on the other half, apply and press out any remaining bubbles
- If the engine is cold or even sometimes when it is the vinyl decals can benefit from assuring a warm contact surface and even a light warming of the decal one applied to improved contact.
Hope this helps other in their effort to improve their restorations
