Gas Tank Document Resto

Red 69 · 06-15-2006, 12:32 AM

I have been disassembling my 79 for a freshen-up and have been looking at the build sheet glued to the gas tank. It came off rather easily and is intact, but most of the print is illegible. Is there a simple process that will bring out the faded print and make it legible?

KapsSA · 06-17-2006, 06:18 PM

Don't think there's any way to bring out the print. But I did realize if you actually know what things say sometimes it becomes obvious. I took barely legible tank sheet copies for 2 of my Vettes and compared them to 2 other mint copies that I have and was able to make out a little more.
Lot of the info was the same from one sheet to another except colors.
Made up some "reproductions" using photo copies, white out, and cut and paste. Turned out pretty good. Not trying to fool anyone and they wouldn't but it's nice to see what they would look like when new.
I can post a pic of an original and a repro if that helps at all.
If you have red interior, L82 and gymkhana that would compare favorably to my sheets.
Mike

GaryS · 06-18-2006, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red 69

I have been disassembling my 79 for a freshen-up and have been looking at the build sheet glued to the gas tank. It came off rather easily and is intact, but most of the print is illegible. Is there a simple process that will bring out the faded print and make it legible?

Yes. I am not a computer whiz by any means but I used Adobe Photoshop and brought out 99% of the script. I have an intact build sheet that is 75% legible. I played with Photoshop for a couple of hours trying various contrasts, and colors and finally got it to the point that it stood out. If you don't have Photoshop, you might try to find someone like Kinko's or another document service that can do this.

Gary

Red 69 · 06-18-2006, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the suggestions and tips guys! The car is a fully optioned L82 AT and thought it would be nice to have a copy I could read. There are a couple computer/graphics businesses nearby I will ask to make a legible copy for me this week. Thanks again for the suggestions!

KapsSA, yes, the car has red interior and code 72 red exterior with all available options. It is a L82 with AT. If you can send me one that is close that would be super!

KapsSA · 06-18-2006, 04:34 PM

Red, can't post a large enough pic to be legible because of my Village Photos account

. Don't know how to email pics through the Forum

. PM or email me your email address and I'll email directly from my Kodak files in full size. Have 4 sheets to send.
Mike

Red 69 · 06-18-2006, 05:49 PM

Mike, email sent, thanks!!
Mike

lemish · 06-27-2006, 01:04 PM

There are tips and tricks all over the internet for this... try the following:

scan it
convert it to greyscale
invert it (swap) the black and white colors

GOOD LUCK

RMS73 · 06-29-2006, 11:53 AM

There was a post years ago about using infra-red lighting with a digital camera to read the build sheet. I look to see if I kept a copy.
Try the Yankee Lady website, there was an article above preserve the build sheet.
Roger