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I've been reading other forum threads about custom console data plates, and I'd prefer to do the custom lettering myself. I'm not interested in the '3 window' blank data plates that you can buy. I want to use the '4 window' data plate like you see on the 68-72 Corvettes. I have a spare one that I can wipe the current numbers away, but want to replace the values that reflect the displacement, compression, HP, and TQ ratings of the BPE stroker that I'm going to put in.
Ignatz did something like I would like to do, but where do you get the sticky sided clear lettering? The shop willing to silkscreen this is pretty far away, and they aren't open on weekends, so it's a logistical challenge to get to them, and I don't mind doing this myself if someone can provide specifics on how they printed the lettering or where they bought it if they did not make the lettering themselves.
I have never done anything like this before, so I don't even know where you'd get the one-sided clear printing paper that you can throw your average everyday printer. I suppose Kinkos could do it, if that the best way, but open to alternatives, along with specifics on how you create these numbers and the materials involved.
This is what I refer to as the '4 window' console plate. I have a spare one of these, and want to use this as my template. I intend to only wipe the numerical values clean and replace with the ratings for my new stroker motor. Thanks to C3 Stroker for the image of his shift console!
This is what I refer to as the '3 window' console plate that you find on the post-'72 C3 corvettes.
Last edited by Corvette-ZL1; Oct 25, 2023 at 12:16 PM.
As the original is printed metal and not paper, if I were looking to do what you are, I’d take some exemplar photos to a reputable print shop and see what they can come up with. They can print on silvery metal with an adhesive, can match the font, etc.
One of my after school high school jobs was working in a print shop, so I enjoy taking projects to print shops. Some things are better done professionally than DIY.
This is a blow up of a photo from mine, so image quality isn’t the best.
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by Corvette-ZL1
Hi members,
I've been reading other forum threads about custom console data plates, and I'd prefer to do the custom lettering myself. I'm not interested in the '3 window' blank data plates that you can buy. I want to use the '4 window' data plate like you see on the 68-72 Corvettes. I have a spare one that I can wipe the current numbers away, but want to replace the values that reflect the displacement, compression, HP, and TQ ratings of the BPE stroker that I'm going to put in.
Ignatz did something like I would like to do, but where do you get the sticky sided clear lettering? The shop willing to silkscreen this is pretty far away, and they aren't open on weekends, so it's a logistical challenge to get to them, and I don't mind doing this myself if someone can provide specifics on how they printed the lettering or where they bought it if they did not make the lettering themselves.
I have never done anything like this before, so I don't even know where you'd get the one-sided clear printing paper that you can throw your average everyday printer. I suppose Kinkos could do it, if that the best way, but open to alternatives, along with specifics on how you create these numbers and the materials involved.
This is what I refer to as the '4 window' console plate. I have a spare one of these, and want to use this as my template. I intend to only wipe the numerical values clean and replace with the ratings for my new stroker motor. Thanks to C3 Stroker for the image of his shift console!
This is what I refer to as the '3 window' console plate that you find on the post-'72 C3 corvettes.
My bad.... Thanks for the correction, but I'm really looking for specific information on how to edit my console data plate for my '69 from folks who have done it themselves.
I bought a somewhat blank data plate from a Vette vendor because the stock H.P. data was too modest for me.
Take a look on Amazon for a "Label Maker". You can adjust the font, size of letters and script style. Handy for labeling toolboxes, etc.
The label itself is a roll of tape. That come in white, green, red, yellow and CLEAR, which is what you want. Clear with black letters / numbers.
You can print out sample sizes to check for fit on the engine data plate. Once the correct size label is created, it's just a matter of peeling off the backing and applying.
It leaves no curled edges or wrinkles. Looks factory, but custom made.
I bought a somewhat blank data plate from a Vette vendor because the stock H.P. data was too modest for me.
Take a look on Amazon for a "Label Maker". You can adjust the font, size of letters and script style. Handy for labeling toolboxes, etc.
The label itself is a roll of tape. That come in white, green, red, yellow and CLEAR, which is what you want. Clear with black letters / numbers.
You can print out sample sizes to check for fit on the engine data plate. Once the correct size label is created, it's just a matter of peeling off the backing and applying.
It leaves no curled edges or wrinkles. Looks factory, but custom made.
No I do not.
It's a white table-top machine, 120V w/ adapter. Has a mini keyboard and several fonts to choose from, plus letter sizing.
The cartridges come in 3 or 4 colors, clear, white. But you will want clear w/ black lettering.
The cartridges have a spool of the tape, self sticking. Great for custom made, engine data plates
Might try Amazon, Brother Label Maker. Model PT 2030
I've been reading other forum threads about custom console data plates, and I'd prefer to do the custom lettering myself. I'm not interested in the '3 window' blank data plates that you can buy. I want to use the '4 window' data plate like you see on the 68-72 Corvettes. I have a spare one that I can wipe the current numbers away, but want to replace the values that reflect the displacement, compression, HP, and TQ ratings of the BPE stroker that I'm going to put in.
Ignatz did something like I would like to do, but where do you get the sticky sided clear lettering? The shop willing to silkscreen this is pretty far away, and they aren't open on weekends, so it's a logistical challenge to get to them, and I don't mind doing this myself if someone can provide specifics on how they printed the lettering or where they bought it if they did not make the lettering themselves.
I have never done anything like this before, so I don't even know where you'd get the one-sided clear printing paper that you can throw your average everyday printer. I suppose Kinkos could do it, if that the best way, but open to alternatives, along with specifics on how you create these numbers and the materials involved.
This is what I refer to as the '4 window' console plate. I have a spare one of these, and want to use this as my template. I intend to only wipe the numerical values clean and replace with the ratings for my new stroker motor. Thanks to C3 Stroker for the image of his shift console!
This is what I refer to as the '3 window' console plate that you find on the post-'72 C3 corvettes.
Do you know what size of label width you used? 1/4" or 3/8" or 1/2" or 3/4" or 1"
No I do not.
It's a white table-top machine, 120V w/ adapter. Has a mini keyboard and several fonts to choose from, plus letter sizing.
The cartridges come in 3 or 4 colors, clear, white. But you will want clear w/ black lettering.
The cartridges have a spool of the tape, self sticking. Great for custom made, engine data plates
Might try Amazon, Brother Label Maker. Model PT 2030
Do you know what size of label width is best? 1/4" or 3/8" or 1/2" or 3/4" or 1"
Do you know what size of label width is best? 1/4" or 3/8" or 1/2" or 3/4" or 1"
Looking at my "Clear" Brother cartridge it says 0.70 width. That seems wide to me, but it must be close to 3/4".
Keep in mind, that's the tape or label size. The machine can set any size of font you desire.
If the tape seems too wide, you can always trim away with common scissors.
The hard part is determining the length of your word to fit inside the data plate box or window. It may take a few practice runs to perfect it.
Once the labels are installed, there is not a curled edge showing. So it looks professional or factory.
My bad.... Thanks for the correction, but I'm really looking for specific information on how to edit my console data plate for my '69 from folks who have done it themselves.
For what it's worth
I used 2x4 Avery 7663 clear laser labels
The font was NimbusSan Regu
460 was 32pt 100% tall and 53% narrow (skinny)
CUBIC INCH was 10pt, 125% tall and 90% wide, 14pt spacing between the lines
Torque/comp was 10pt, 130% tall and 90% wide, .222 between the two lines of text
Made with a process for metal called sublimation…. Had my local sign store make them for me for $20 each.
they took raw aluminum and made them…. I did not buy blanks… rather had them made…
Made with a process for metal called sublimation…. Had my local sign store make them for me for $20 each.
they took raw aluminum and made them…. I did not buy blanks… rather had them made…
Custom Console Data Plate
