Replacement BIA plate?

[lawyertob]

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement BIA plate made? I know that I could never find an original plate...what I am looking for is a place that could take my old plate and make me a new plate.<br /><br />I assume that the plates are some sort of anodized aluminum printing process...but I am not sure about that either. I guess what I am trying to figure out is where I would even look to find someone who could make something like this.<br /><br />As you can see, my old plate is less than attractive. Glastron BIA plate <br /> <br />Also, is there a legal requirement that the plate be mounted on the boat? If not, and if I can't get it replaced, then I will just use that dash space for switches or something. And maybe just put the ugly old plate somewhere out of sight.<br /><br />$0.01 for your thoughts,<br />Joe

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Replacement BIA plate?

Seeing as that isn't your Coast Guard plate, I'd try contacting an engraver. Might be able to engrave an aluminum plate with similar fonts and etch the letters. I don't think having that plate onboard is necessary like your capacities plate.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Replacement BIA plate?

You could cut a piece of plexy and spray paint silver from the backside and mount it. Won't have the lettering on it, but it would look nice and emulate the original design well.<br /><br />Another option is to take a high res digital pic and bring it into Photoshop or the like. Then clean up the pic so it looks like new, print it on transfer paper and apply it to the back side of plexy and it will look just like the original.<br /><br />Transfer paper you will have to find on the net, but you might be able to use iron on tranfer paper instead and see if that works. I think the iron on paper is easier to find at staples, walmart, etc.

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Replacement BIA plate?

Originally posted by sangerwaker:<br /> Seeing as that isn't your Coast Guard plate, I'd try contacting an engraver. Might be able to engrave an aluminum plate with similar fonts and etch the letters. I don't think having that plate onboard is necessary like your capacities plate.

The other side of the plate does have the capacities. I guess I will have to look and see whether they are actually required to be on the boat, or if I am just required not to exceed the capacities.<br /><br />Another $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Replacement BIA plate?

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> You could cut a piece of plexy and spray paint silver from the backside and mount it. Won't have the lettering on it, but it would look nice and emulate the original design well.<br /><br />Another option is to take a high res digital pic and bring it into Photoshop or the like. Then clean up the pic so it looks like new, print it on transfer paper and apply it to the back side of plexy and it will look just like the original.<br /><br />Transfer paper you will have to find on the net, but you might be able to use iron on tranfer paper instead and see if that works. I think the iron on paper is easier to find at staples, walmart, etc.

Mark,<br />Interesting ideas. I found a couple of places that do anodized aluminum printing. I sent them e-mails to find out cost ranges, and to see if they even do runs of just one piece.<br /><br />The hard part will be getting camera ready art done, because the old plate is in such bad shape.<br /><br />Another $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Replacement BIA plate?

Just an update in case anyone was wondering. <br /><br />Neither of the companies that I e-mailed bothered to answer at all. I guess they weren't interested in doing a single piece run. Oh well, there are more anodized aluminum printers...just gotta find one willing to do it...and do it cheap on top of that. <br /><br />Another $0.02 worth,<br />Joe