Getting build sheet read
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11
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From: Baltimore MD
Getting build sheet read
I have a build sheet for my 69 Conv. 427 car. I can read some of the items on the build sheet, but because it was the one above the tank some stuff is very tough. So Does anyone know a company that can read these properly and certify there finding and then put the old sheet into some protective covering so it doesn't get more damage and then make me a new one showing the findings maybe certifing that it a reproduction from the actually finding from the orginal.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
I will do that but it is in multiple pieces and even has dirt stuck to it and I am a little afraid to start wiping all the dirt off since its so fragile 37 years old and all.
I am sure if they I could read it I could dicypher it well most of it anyway. I am thinking that it might need some sort of CSI style equipment to read what can't be seen wit the naked eye. This paper was printed on using a typewriter style head I believe so the might be able to pick up the impression that I can't see.
Bill
I am sure if they I could read it I could dicypher it well most of it anyway. I am thinking that it might need some sort of CSI style equipment to read what can't be seen wit the naked eye. This paper was printed on using a typewriter style head I believe so the might be able to pick up the impression that I can't see.
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 2,487
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I had the same problem. Be careful the ink is very delicate at this point. Don't brush it, etc. Put in protective sheet covers. What I did was take photocopies at various intensitites and magnifications. I then compare it to the known option list and was able to decipher it. The copies will help you preserve what you have as well. These are very delicate documents and while GM and some others believe there are copies somewhere in the bowels of GM, no one has found them yet. Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,338
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
A recent Corvette Restorer magazine had an article about reading faded dirty build sheets. I think they recommended taking a photo with an infra red sensitive camera. Don't take my word though, just try to get a copy of the magazine article. As I remember the guy had a virtually unreadable build sheet, and he was able to get a clear pricture.
To chase down the Restorer, start at NCRS.org.
To chase down the Restorer, start at NCRS.org.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Take some photos of it too!!
Both digital and film, just so you've got them for your records.
I found my buildsheet in about the same condition as yours, I was able to use a fine brush to remove alot of the crude and was able to read a good portion of it. I then stored it in a drawer in my garage where it ended up becoming building material for some friggin mice.
Thankfully I wrote down all the info. I could but this no proof to anyone
Google document restoration, should give you some good ideas and maybe point you in the right direction.
I seem to remember something about soaking paper towels in ether and laying the buildsheet between them, but check for yourself.
Goodluck,
Rick
Both digital and film, just so you've got them for your records.
I found my buildsheet in about the same condition as yours, I was able to use a fine brush to remove alot of the crude and was able to read a good portion of it. I then stored it in a drawer in my garage where it ended up becoming building material for some friggin mice.
Thankfully I wrote down all the info. I could but this no proof to anyone
Google document restoration, should give you some good ideas and maybe point you in the right direction.
I seem to remember something about soaking paper towels in ether and laying the buildsheet between them, but check for yourself.
Goodluck,
Rick
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Originally Posted by b_critical
I will do that but it is in multiple pieces and even has dirt stuck to it and I am a little afraid to start wiping all the dirt off since its so fragile 37 years old and all.
I am sure if they I could read it I could dicypher it well most of it anyway. I am thinking that it might need some sort of CSI style equipment to read what can't be seen wit the naked eye. This paper was printed on using a typewriter style head I believe so the might be able to pick up the impression that I can't see.
Bill
I am sure if they I could read it I could dicypher it well most of it anyway. I am thinking that it might need some sort of CSI style equipment to read what can't be seen wit the naked eye. This paper was printed on using a typewriter style head I believe so the might be able to pick up the impression that I can't see.
Bill
Rick B.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,338
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Uh-huh. I've got three or four of those lying around somewhere.....
Anyhow, the suggestion to use infra-red was originated by the person who was able to "read" his build sheet. Maybe it was a
idea, but it was successful. Once again, the infra-red suggestion was in an article in the Corvette Restorer, it wasn't my idea.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
What I really want to do is have an expert do it someone who has done this many times. There has to be a source for this. I mean yea I can try but what I want is somebody that can do it they certify it is correct. So there is no question what can on the car orginally.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 298
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From: Gander Newfoundland
I'm sure there are many experts that will provide that service for you at a price. I would think that level of certification would be Bloomington NCRS or the like, as you seem to need an infallible level of expertise. Most of us here are content (read poor, dirty and/or crazy)
to take the posted word of our resident "elders" as good enough!
crazy) to take the posted word of our resident "elders" as good enough!