Hi Y’all
How were various data plates attached to cars. I am referring to the
“replica plate” which goes on the dashboard, the caution about freezing
sign which goes in engine compartment above cab heater unit, and the
plate with engine, chassis number etc on it which also goes in engine
compartment. I think they were originally attached with brass rivets. I
would appreciate confirmation or a correction on this. If there is
anything special about the type or shape of rivet I would appreciate any
comments.
Thanks
Neville Laing
My “freeze caution” plate in the engine compartment is attached with
small screws. The “replica plate” on the dash is attached with small
brass rivets.
Good luck
Bob Orem
Robert
Thanks for responding to my question on correct method of attaching
various plates to car. I was hoping more folk would jump in and confirm
what you said. After what you posted I am going to restate what I now
think is correct and would appreciate one of concourse judges in our
group confirming this.
1) The “Replica Plate” is attached to the dash with brass rivets, solid
rivets not pop rivets which probably means it was fitted to dash before
dash was installed in car.
2) The “Freeze Caution” plate is attached with steel ( I assume round
headed screws)
3) The Plate with engine number, gearbox number etc I now after looking
at some pictures of what I think are correct cars, should be aluminum
pop rivets.
Thanks
Neville Laing
Neville,
I don’t qualify as an expert here, but that hasn’t stopped me before.
Perhaps the replica plate was attached with rivets with “serrated” shanks
that were forced into an undersize hole. I mention this because I just
pulled my dash out of the closet (you can tell I’m not married). The
replica plate holes were rough drilled and the back side of the holes
show bent metal from the drill and/or rivet insertion. There is no
evidence of the rivet being bucked from the back. I’ve been using small
brass wood screws, like you can obtain from a trophy store, to attach the
plate.
I believe that you are correct about the freeze plate.
I’d vote for the number plate being attached with brass screws and nuts,
rather than pop rivets. At least it looks more elegant. The body number
plate, located on the scuttle (I’m learning British) was pop riveted.
Any other people with information? Regards.
Mike Carpenter XK-140 OTS
To all
Just musing…..were pop rivets, as we know them today, in use when the
XKs were built? While Cherry rivets and similar blind fastening devices
were standards in the Aircraft industry, one wonders whether Lyons’
parsimonious ways would allow him to use aircraft priced parts in car
production.
Klaus Nielsen
On the XK-140, Jaguar used pop rivets to align sheet metal parts before
welding. You can see the back side of several such rivets on the scuttle
area near the bonnet hinges.
Mike Carpenter
The lubrication/engine number plate is also attached with screws –
panhead sheet metal screws (they have a flattened head). The “caution”
plate is held on with round head screws like you said. The brass rivets
that hold the replica plate to the dash are solid, as you said. The
screws are slotted – not philips head.
I go by Bob, regardless of what my e-mail address says. Glad to help
anyway I can.
Bob Orem