I'm sure this question has come up before...

Way back in '86 I had my block decked during a rebuild. The engine ID code is readable, except for one digit on the day of the month. Not bad. But, the matching VIN number is essentially gone. I thought it was more readable in the past (back in '86 when I got it back), but not anymore.

Is there any process that can resurrect this number for documentation purposes?

Now that the engine's out of the car, I figured I try to get this taken care of, if possible.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions, aside from the fact that I'm a dope. Well, that's fair game, too.

Guys, I figured that this thread may more correctly fit under the Restoration forum. So, I'm posting it there, but will check back here.

John

John,

If it's gone, it's gone. Sometimes a light stamping can be enhanced by acid etching, but that will not resurrect something that no longer exists. Sorry :(

Bill,

Thansk for the reply. They are not 100% gone. The engine code numbers are difficult to read, but readable. The VIN numbers are less, so. Some appear gone. Oh well!

I believe there may be a way that they can be chemically resurrected since they were originally stamped, they inevitibly left marks in the metal down a little bit at least. I've only ever heard that this is sometimes a possibility, but I have no clue as to the feasibility, cost, etc. Perhaps a talk with a college chemistry professor might yeild a result.

I think it can be done too - the ATF has ways to trace guns and stuff where someone tried to file off the serial numbers -

I think they can tell by the way the metal is compressed in the stamping

good luck