Labelling Switches

I remember Dad using a Dymo Labeller to mark things out and, man, it just seemed hokey.


Those new labellers are cheap, and cover the print in plastic, which would make the label last longer, but it's lacking in cool


Then there's the plastic engraving where they cut through to the white underneath...not bad, but...it's missing some I-Don't-Know-What.


I have a plate in the 89 Vette and want to label the switches N2O ARM and PURGE....functional (and misleading, they're not hooked up...yet) but I'd like a little snazzy.

So, what have you seen that's H.A.M.B. worthy for this plate?

IMG_0832 by Matey-O, on Flickr

Edited to add:

I got a little smirk when thinking the label should read:

Code:

ARM      PURGE
   SQUEEZE

 

pinstripe that thing up..

 

Stamp it. Letter stamps are not expensive.

 

Hamb worthy? 89 'vette?

 

Ain't the only horse in the stable.

HAMB worthy in the way Kerb feelers are not.

 

This or make some plates and have them silk screened like the Alliance plates.

~ Carl

 

I'm liking that idea. Keeping them in line vertically shouldn't be a problem, horizontally may take a little practice...

But I could use a set of stamps in other parts of the garage.

 

I deem this to be relevant.

Letter stamps can look as bad- or worse - as anything else, unless you get them all even and at the same depth. I was thinking it might work if you got a few sets and built a jig to hold the WORD together.

There's another option, but it's quite involved.

Use clear plexi-glass, a overhead transparency and a photocopier.

(1) Print out your labels on regular paper. Take your time to lay out the lables and other graphics you may want properly. The beauty of doing it on paper first is that you can mock it up and test fit everything.

(2) Use the photocopier to reverse the image (so it's a black background with white letters)

(3) Touch up the reversed image, if necessary

(4) Copy the page on to the transparency.

The end result will be that the letters will remain clear, while the background will be blacked out.

(5) The transparency goes under the clear plexi, with another clear plexi layer under it. Sandwich them all together.

(6 ) Paint the BACKSIDE something that matches the rest of your gauges. like blue or green or whatever fits your style.

(7 ) Add a bulb or led and you've got an awesome, backlit panel.

 

Dave, I like what you're thinking, and will have power to the plate (the switches are lit)...using an art package and laser printer really avoids the registration issues with using letterstamps.

I'm also toying with brass etching, but that may be a little period incorrect for the car (a-la the HAMB plates mentioned by cederholm.) You can silkscreen plates, or float paint over an etched design.

Using something like: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/07/making-antique-brass-name.html

Opens up a whole world of possibililties.

 

Something like:

 

Like pinstriping, It would be cool to get good at engraving fancy lettering.

 

I don't know where to get them or if they are still available... but I've seen blank, etched metal tabs (like the HAMB plate) that are designed to fit over a toggle switch and the blank area can engraved with the function. They remind me of something you'd see on a WWII aircraft. But it would be easier ifn you could just get cool knobs with the lettering already on them, eh?. I smell a business opportunity here. Gary

 

Laser engraving is cool...

 

There is an engraving process similar to the laminated-plastic process, but in metal, and sometimes the letters are filled with paint afterwards. One sees it on everything from the back of watches to pet collar tags to trophies to professional practitioners' brass plaques. One can use that process either on little tags with a screw hole on each end, or on plates like Gary describes (they're shaped something like an inverted keyhole) only somewhat thicker to allow for the depth of the engraving. I think that would be most HAMB-friendly of all, and there is still a lot of scope for creativity within the constraints of the process.

 

I have a vintage Dymo label maker that has stainless steel tape in it.I've printed some labels out but I don't know if the tape is still available.Same as the plastic tape only metal. If you like PM me your address and I'll print them up and mail them out in an envelope.

 

Thanks, safariknut, I don't think I'll be heading in that direction, but I appreciate the offer.

 

Probably not what you are looking for, but a neet idea from a vendor known to a lot of members here for their high quality ;-I

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/ButtonBuilder/?refint=footer

Not a recommentation by any means.

 

electronic transfer letters, as used by ham radio operators for their home built devices (and probably available at electronic supply stores), are good if properly applied and sealed.

And oh, re "not bad, but...it's missing some I-Don't-Know-What" if you want to sound cosmopolitan you say "missing some ... je ne sais quoi."

 

PetSmart has some nice engraved plaques available. The small rectangular one might look nice.

 

Probably not what you are looking for, but a neet idea from a vendor known to a lot of members here for their high quality

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/ButtonBuilder/?refint=footer

Not a recommentation by any means.

 

My Dad always used dry transfer letters like these.

http://www.amazon.com/Transfer-Lett...6UN0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1320859886&sr=8-3

They are available in different sizes and fonts. You just lay the letter on the spot where you want it and rub the backing. It transfers the letter to the object.

Slonaker

 

I didn't wanna sound too ejumacated.

 

Make the blanks to suite your fancy, take them to the nearest "things rememberd" at any major shopping mall. Pick out a font you like and let them engrave it.
Fast, cheap, and good!!! Most of the time you only get two of those.

 

Take the entire plate to a trophy shop and have them engrave whatever you want on it in whatever style of lettering you choose.

 

You might also "ESREVER" Engrave on clear plastic then turn it over for
a smooth look "REVERSE " . You can then color your letters also .

FOR SALE 1940 Chev 4 door sedan in Classifieds .

 

look up KIRK! and his previous posts on etching the dash of the Legion Special....

if anything you'll learn something....

 

my thoughts too, they can engrave your existing plate. rub some paint on it to make the letters show.

 

I wasn't all that happy with Things Remembered...I used them for an award and it looked nice enough, but this ain't that.

 

Fuckin-A Salty that's EXACTLY what I was lookin' for!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=540911

 

Maybe try your local jewelry store or watch shop ?
I have had some really inexpensive pcs. / plates lettered at them.