Hard to read Frame number, options?

[bdawson]

Attached are 2 photos of the frame number on my '32 Chief. 303866 One is with the paint still covering the number, and the other one (more grey in that serial number area) is the one with the paint off of that area. It looks like it isn't a very substantial stamping from the factory, but you can make it out if you use a little imagination. Question is, what should I do with this as I need to get the frame painted? I know not to paint over this number, but since it isn't a very clear stamping should I just leave it alone? Should I try and do something to it to make it more legible? Should I have it restamped? Just curious what the consensus is for things like this. thanks.

[T. Cotten]

Don't look now, Brent,..

But any re-stamping (without State authority, which would be ugly) is a felony, especially in Illinois.

So 'enhancing' it ain't always kosher either.

Just explain it to your painter!

...Cotten
PS: Please don't view the rest of the machine so idealistically, lest you might grind it to dust before you ride it.

[joe fxs fxr]

Yes, no way to improve that without making it worse. Mask it over and just clear it.

[bdawson]

Woah!! Had no idea this was such a hot topic. Thanks very much for the insight guys....will do just that....leave it alone, and have the painter put clear over it, and move on. Thanks again.

[KNUCK]

I would not even put clear on it just leave it alone in its original raw condition. It looks good enough to me. Glad you asked this question here for others to learn about also.

[exeric]

Your #'s look great to me. My '41 Sport Scout has badly stamped, crooked, light, and heavy hand stamps that look amateurish. Fortunately, only myopic, Indian techno-nerds look at that stuff.

[RonH]

I cant even see the numbers on my 35 frame!

[bdawson]

thx everyone