Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

[Joel Severinghaus]

I'm looking for one original stamped brass wing tank fuel transfer valve placard, the one that says "ON / REFILL MAIN TANK IN LEVEL FLIGHT ONLY / OFF" (see thumbnail below).

I'm also looking for one original stamped brass wings-shaped Vne placard, that says "DO NOT EXCEED 140 MPH".

I'll pay you a ridiculous amount of money for these, as long as my wife doesn't find out...

Please PM me, or email directly to [email protected]

Thanks,

[Robert Lees]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

a ridiculous amount of money

Lets see. $300 for the male die, computer-laser-etched. (you supply original artwork). $300 for the female die (you supply...etc). 10 cents for the alumin(i)um or brass strip. 10 cents for the boot polish. $1 for the boot polish roller. $3 for international postage of said strip.

Or you could go to your local glove-box handle supplier (!) and get it moulded in plastic, paint it with a silver rattle-can, then boot polish + roller (as above) and do the whole thing for under $5 for the pair.

No-one would be able to tell the difference.

Rob

[Joel Severinghaus]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

See, that's the difference between a quixotic romantic and an engineer.

For Oshkosh last year, I made artwork on the computer, printed it onto clear label stock, stuck the labels onto thin brass sheet from the hobby shop, sprayed on flat varnish, and then trimmed the brass sheet to size with scissors and glued the homemade placards into place. (Artwork on attached thumbnail.)

But that's still not good enough for a restoration perfectionist, so I'm looking for factory originals. Got any over there?

[Joel Severinghaus]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

Thanks to John in Montana, I now have original brass Vne and "removing control" placards on my panel (see attached photos.) After paint remover, Brasso, and some spray varnish, they look fabulous.

But I'm still hoping to find an original brass "fuel transfer" placard (see photo in post above) before judging at Oshkosh. I'll pay way more than my wife would approve for one. Anybody?

[N96337]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

Those really cleaned up well Joel! I'm glad they found their way to a restoration with the quality yours has!!! Seeing those in that aircraft made my day!! Good luck in OSH....I'll be thinking of you!
John

[1938BF50]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

FWIW....I thought I would include a shot of prewar plates that I took off an original 1938 panel.

[Carl E. Carson]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

Joel and others: My guy here in Cedar Rapids is still working on my placards, not original but serviceable. I did have him make up a model on the small "Taylorcraft" with the curved surface that was used on the compass of my '40, BC-65. I didn't know the exact dimensions so just estimated a size and shape and it turned out quite well. If anyone can provide exact dimensions, print type, etc. I would appreciate it. BTW he said he could make up a bunch of them for $5.00 each including shipping.

I don't know how to post pictures on this site but if anyone wants to see the prototype of the compass logo send me a PM at "[email protected]" and I'll I can forward you a picture.

Joel: Congratulations of securing more originals for your fine restoration.

Carl

[colinc]

Re: Seeking original stamped brass cockpit placards

This may not be a suitable process for these but is worth a look:

http://steampunkworkshop.com/electroetch.shtml

Colin