Best way to preserve original paperwork?

[Daniel K.]

I recently became the proud second owner of a '71 LS5, and a very new member of NCRS. I look forward to learning a lot from everyone.
The original owner did a great job as a caretaker of the car. In addition to keeping the entire owner's packet, down to the small white key envelope (but no clear plastic "don't invite car theft" bag), he also held on to the window sticker and two dealer documents: "retail order for a motor vehicle" and "car invoice" -- the receipt from when he collected the car from the dealer. I am told the tank has never been out of car.
The window sticker is browning with age. I'd like to preserve all of these documents to mitigate future wear and aging.
I plan to simply purchase a high quality photo album, but I would appreciate any other ideas you guys may have. Also, the owner's manual obviously isn't a great fit for an album, so ziploc for the manual?
I have a follow-up question regarding the keys, but I'll hold off on that for now.
Dan

[Ed S.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

If you are going to store and display the documents in a photo album like book be absolutely certain that your documents are in contact with "acid free" paper. It is the acid in nexpensive paper that does the greatest amount of damage, other than ultra violet light. You can find or get quality acid free backing or mounting paper at any good picture frame shop. It is not terribly expensive and worth the investment if you want to preserve important historical documents or art work. Congrats on you acquisition and welcome to the NCRS.

[Ralph S.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Where did the car sell from when it was new ?

[Alan S.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Hi Dan,
WELCOME! First post on the Discussion Board!
I think Ed's suggestion to check into archival materials to store and display your items in is a good one.
I'd only add that if you purchase plastic sleeves they often have a piece of black backing paper in them. I've found that some of those sheets are slightly adhesive in order to help hold the document/item in place. This is a nice idea but makes me nervous especially with fragile items.
I like the 'non-sticky' sheets better since there seems to be less chance that the item might somehow get 'bonded' to the sheet. You do have to be a little careful handling the sleeves though so the document/item doesn't slide out.
How about a little more info about your car and a couple of pictures?
Again, Welcome!
Regards,
Alan

[Daniel K.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Ed: Great advice, I appreciate the insight.
Ralph: The car was ordered on Jan. 14, 1971, from Kentris Chevrolet in Johnstown, New York. Based on my research Mr. Steve Kentris (d.o.d. 11/28/04) owned this small dealership from 1968 until 1987. His signature is on the "car invoice". The car has a body build date of Feb. 9, and was delivered on April 2. None of the paperwork has been reviewed by NCRS, I will likely do that. She still wears her Kentris plate frames, along with her 44 year old plates.
Alan: After lurking as a guest here and at CF for a couple of years, I know what an incredible resource you are to all C3 owners. Thank you. If the links work, you should see the exterior and one photo from under the hood -- too close to tell much of a story, I know. I am a few thousand photos behind your collection!
Dan

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm183/danielkesten/IMG_5163_zpsm36sjp3c.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm183/danielkesten/IMG_5487_zpsew3zjods.jpg

[Paul O.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Daniel

This is what I did and would recommend this for any document you would like to conserve.
Contact a large Museum located close to you inquire on who they use to conserve their historical documents. They may have their own staff but could recommend an outside source. If you find a conservator explain to them what your intentions are for your paper. They should have a plan on how to properly clean and then preserve those paper plus how to store them.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Welcome Daniel,
Beautiful car!😀

[Alan S.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Hi Daniel,
It looks like a really nice car!
The picture of it at the beach is a beauty.
As far as being a resource goes I really only know about one car and the photos are mostly of just one car too. There are many folks who scope of knowledge is miles wider than mine.
I hope to see you at a Mason Dixon Chapter event soon!
Regards,
Alan

[Donald A.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

I'd like to preserve all of these documents to mitigate future wear and aging.
I plan to simply purchase a high quality photo album, but I would appreciate any other ideas you guys may have. Dan

Dan, I had these same questions regarding my tank sticker. I discussed this with an archive document preservation specialist and was told basically avoid anything with PVC (emits hydrochloric acid over time), heat, humidity, acids in papers, plastics and adhesives, and avoid prolonged storage in bright light. An acid-free humidity-controlled environment is best. A rigid container is better than a loose binder or anything that would allow document movement, bending etc. I was told to obtain polyester film material rather than acetate film, place the document between two pieces of that and then place all that in a rigid case. So I used Dura-lar .005 clear archival polyester film and that went in between two pieces of glass in a rigid picture frame. Photos below. There are many options, but this is what I used after researching this question. Great car, congrats!

Polyester Film for Document.jpgSticker Small.jpg

[Daniel K.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

Thanks everyone. Very helpful.

[Terry M.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

You may want to check out:

http://www.amnh.org/our-research/res...ival-materials

I purchased an acid-free box and papers from University Products for the items from my C6 and for what is left from the 1970, but I am sure the other suppliers listed sell similar or the same products.

I would encourage you, as others have, to get professional advice regarding specific products for your application. The condition of your documents will dictate the products you should use, and that can best be determined by a conservation professional.

[Loren L.]

Re: Best way to preserve original paperwork?

20 years ago, I took the Le Mans Tech Inspection Sheets and laminated them in oversized sheets, punched the 3 holes in the
oversized portion and put them in a binder. No regrets and they are always available.