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Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:19 pm
by theunz
While looking at the 67.5 2000 currently on BAT I noticed a difference between his OEM plate and the reproduction plate now on his car, in particular the spacing between the ENGINE and the NO on the left hand side, as well as the spacing between CAR and NO. There is a bigger gap on the OEM than the reproduction. The one’s on Dean’s site have the smaller gap like his reproduction. With everything else looking correct on the reproduction’s, it seems odd that that one spacing is off. There are also some other minor spacing issues.
Could there be variances between some of the years?
Are all the blank plates reproduction, or were some available from Datsun?
How long have they been available?
First picture is his reproduction
Second picture is his OEM
Third picture is mine that was on my car when I bought it in 1972
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 8:23 pm
by spl310
There are variations. The ID plates were available from Nissan. They were available in English, Spanish, Left hand drive, Right hand drive, 1500, 1600, 2000, SU, Solex, etc. There was even a plate for the French Market cars....
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 8:23 pm
by spl310
I have seen variations on the 1500 ID Plates used. The very early 67 2000s had the model for year line - later cars did not have that.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 8:59 pm
by theunz
Sid, I’m aware of the differences for models and countries as well as Solex vs SU carbs. I’m just curious if the differences I pointed out were just a lack of attention to detail on the reproduction plates or if Nissan changed suppliers at some point and their spacing was a little off. Thanks for all the minutiae however.
Would be interesting to see a sampling of OEM plates from different years.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 9:07 pm
by spl310
I pointed out that many variations were available from Nissan because some folks think that only the 150hp plate was available over the counter, and that isn't the case. I have seen variances from year to year with regards to spacing and font details. I have not kept the examples. Some make absolutely no sense, but it is what it is.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:01 am
by devo
My original Spanish plate for comparison:
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:05 am
by theunz
Thanks for posting Devo. Looks like the worker who stamped yours had a little more pride in his work than the guy who did mine or the one on BAT

Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 3:40 pm
by rwmann
I’m told the repro plates are stamped after downing a dozen or so strong sakes, to mimic originals?
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:12 pm
by DAC21
Anyone found a stamp set which has the rather distinctive No. 3 ?
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:06 pm
by datsun1500
DAC21 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:12 pm
Anyone found a stamp set which has the rather distinctive No. 3 ?
The Harbor Freight ones do.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:34 pm
by theunz
DAC21 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:12 pm
Anyone found a stamp set which has the rather distinctive No. 3 ?
Why bother? I count at least 6 discrepancies between the OEM and the reproduction plates.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:08 pm
by DAC21
theunz wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:34 pm
DAC21 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:12 pm
Anyone found a stamp set which has the rather distinctive No. 3 ?
Why bother? I count at least 6 discrepancies between the OEM and the reproduction plates.
Trying to keep it under 7

Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:59 pm
by theunz
LOL

Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:16 am
by Curtis
What about having the original plate screened over? Then you'll have the original sloppy numbers.
Re: Vin Plate OEM vs Reproduction
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:30 pm
by Mattk
Curtis wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:16 am
What about having the original plate screened over? Then you'll have the original sloppy numbers.
Now thats a cool idea! Has that been done already?
I think keeping/having the original sloppy stamps would cool!