Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

[Jeffrey A.]

Attached is my tank Sticker for my 68. I currently have it stored in a protected sleeve but I was wondering if anyone has theirs and if they could share how they have been preserving theirs. I am the second owner of the car and I purchased it 4 years ago. Having Documentation like this is I need to preserve for many years to come. Thanks for any advise.

[Michael G.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Jeff, I had inquired about that around the middle of last year. There were many responses (archives). I am using a paper type container to help draw off the little moisture (some kind of fluid) that was on it. If it is paper that is in contact with your document, it should be acid-free. Sorry, but that was all I remembered from those posts. Mike

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Thanks Mike. I will see the archieves as well to see what people were using. Jeff

[Patrick T.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

What I did on my '67 tank sticker was put a brownie cake pan in the kitchen sink and gently laid the sticker in the pan. Then I turned on a slow stream of cold water which had a pH of 8.5., which is an alkaline rather than an acidic condition. Then I let the water run and overflow into the sink for about a half hour, thus creating a flushing action which cleaned the dirt off without touching the document.

Then I shut off the water and gently lifted the document from underneath with both hands and set it on a pile of paper towels to air dry. It was summer then and the AC was set on 69* so there was no humidity in the house. Let it dry for 24 hours and then cut 2 pieces of Lexan and sealed the document in between with a thick bead of silicone sealer, so it was airtight.

Now the tank sticker resides in my lock box in the vault at the bank, in the dark and in a temperature controlled environment. PT

[Paul O.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Jeffrey when I did mine many years ago I called the local museum to find out who they used to conserve their papers. They told me who contacted them and they cleaned and preserved the build sheet and placed in a special envelop with a clear Mylar front. I think the cost was about $95 it took about 3 months but it was well worth it 20 plus years later and it still appeared the same. Paul 18046

[Michael G.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Jeff,
I'm glad that Paul's efforts worked out, but he reminded me of another point that was made back when I asked. Be VERY careful about handing over your original document. Apparently some outfits are capable of doing a good job. Just keep in mind what happens if they don't. Mike

[Ridge K.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

What I did on my '67 tank sticker was put a brownie cake pan in the kitchen sink and gently laid the sticker in the pan. Then I turned on a slow stream of cold water which had a pH of 8.5., which is an alkaline rather than an acidic condition. Then I let the water run and overflow into the sink for about a half hour, thus creating a flushing action which cleaned the dirt off without touching the document.

Then I shut off the water and gently lifted the document from underneath with both hands and set it on a pile of paper towels to air dry. It was summer then and the AC was set on 69* so there was no humidity in the house. Let it dry for 24 hours and then cut 2 pieces of Lexan and sealed the document in between with a thick bead of silicone sealer, so it was airtight.

Now the tank sticker resides in my lock box in the vault at the bank, in the dark and in a temperature controlled environment. PT

Patrick, that is the nicest looking '67 tank sticker I have ever seen. Great job.
How did you get it off, so intact?
Sounds to me like you've identified a superb process. Ridge.

[Michael G.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Patrick, I agree. That is the nicest looking sheet I have seen. That's an interesting process. Prior to your process, was the sheet the dark amber color as is mine and most I have seen? Mine is in very good shape but the darkness of the paper makes it difficult to see the typing clearly. Mike

[Patrick T.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Patrick, I agree. That is the nicest looking sheet I have seen. That's an interesting process. Prior to your process, was the sheet the dark amber color as is mine and most I have seen? Mine is in very good shape but the darkness of the paper makes it difficult to see the typing clearly. Mike

Thanks guys, below is a picture of the sticker before I took it off the tank. Must be because it's one of those "rust free" West Virginia cars! It is slightly dirty but in good shape. The rinse method really cleaned it up though.

The tank sticker is only glued on with a thin strip of red contact cement the factory used to glue on the anti-squeak pads then they swiped the brush on the sticker and stuck it under the tank strap. See bottom photo.

I took a one sided razor blade in a scraper holder and lubed it up with some WD-40 and then slowly scraped off the sticker underneath the contact cement to lift it off in one piece. You have to dig DEEP into the zinc finish on the tank. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way to the top, changing razor blades and keeping them lubed, using a back and forth motion. It's a slow process...took probably 45 minutes to an hour. I had to refinish the tank itself but who cares? I got the sticker off in one piece! PT

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Guys - Thank you very much in providing your methods. I like your suggestions
Jeff

[Tom M.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Guys - Thank you very much in providing your methods. I like your suggestions
Jeff

Jeff, their is a company out of CA. called Mario Bruno art services, that restores old paper, they saved and restored a 400 year old Persian Land deed

CORVETTE FEVER MARCH 1995 , 415-731-3152, 707-939-0700

$350, Tom

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Tank Sticker For My 68 - Preserving

Tom

Thanks for the info.