Can't read Model A frame serial number

The serial number on the frame of my '30 P/U was weak to begin with, but the frame was painted with something like POR-15. I've looked at the thing with magnifying glass, lights, tracing everything I can think of and I can not make out all the digits. The cab is off now but when it's back in place, nobody will ever see that number anyway. (It was a family farm truck/doodle-bug/barn find for the last 40 years or more - no papers - so I doubt the number is known to any modern computer system.)

What is the best course of action to legitimize it and get papers for it?



I saw mention* of using dye to reveal the serial number... but that won't work with por-15 on it, right!?





* from another thread;

 

You'll have to pull the POR-15 off most likely.

 

I bet if you gently sand away the por15 down to metal the por15 will stay in the stamped area and it will be much easier to read.

 

This is the best way. Use a sanding block, not a power tool. You do not want to damage any of the numbers.

 

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, Thanks!

 

spot sand blaster and repaint?

 

Funny you should bring this up! I have a NICE '28-'29 Model A frame, just easy surface rust...My wife and I sanded, scraped, steel-wooled it with and without paint thinner for 4 feet on the drivers side and the same on the passenger side, (starting at the steering box location) NO NUMBERS! No stars, no nuthin'!

Later V8 chassis had numbers also at the drivers said rear, (besides the main ones in front)

We sanded 'til hell wouldn't have it...Is the acid CHP uses relative to Muriatic?
That's next...Meanwhile, we have wrapped it in white vinegar soaked towels.

Any 'better ideas' will be appreciated...

 

I'd acid etch it if I was you. It's what the cops do to recover ground off vins. When you stamp something it changes the metal on a molecular level. The acid etch will pull the numbers up.

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