Custom Data Tags & Data Plates: What They Are, Who Needs Them & How to Order
What Is a Data Tag or Data Plate?
A data tag (sometimes called a data plate, identification plate, nameplate, or tag) is a metal plate affixed to a vehicle, machine, or piece of equipment that carries permanently marked information. The markings may include serial numbers, model designations, regulatory certifications, operating specifications, or manufacturer identification ā and they are intended to remain readable for the full service life of the equipment they're attached to.
Data tags appear on nearly every manufactured product: cars and trucks carry them on the firewall, door jamb, or instrument panel. Military vehicles and equipment carry them on specific mounting points. Industrial machinery carries them on motor housings and control panels. Vintage motorcycles carry them on the frame or engine. In all of these cases, the tag is part of the vehicle or machine's permanent identity ā and in many cases, a missing or damaged data tag creates problems for registration, certification, or historical documentation.
Who Needs Custom Data Tags?
The demand for custom data tags comes from several distinct groups:
- Classic car and motorcycle restorers who need period-correct reproduction data plates for vehicles where the original tag has been lost, damaged, or is missing. Whether it's a firewall tag, a door jamb tag, or an engine specification plate, an accurate reproduction preserves the vehicle's completeness and documentation.
- Kit car and component car builders who need custom identification plates that match the specific requirements of their build ā including any required regulatory markings for their jurisdiction.
- Military vehicle restorers who need reproduction data plates and data tags for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam-era vehicles. Military vehicles often carried multiple data tags covering the vehicle, individual components, and subsystems ā many of which are now missing or illegible.
- Industrial and commercial equipment operators who need replacement data tags for machinery where the original tag has worn, corroded, or been damaged.
- Custom builders and fabricators who want to add professional identification tags to handbuilt equipment, tools, trailers, or specialty vehicles with their own brand identity or specifications.
- Collectors of vintage equipment who need period-appropriate tags for tractors, farm equipment, marine engines, and other machinery.
What Information Can a Data Tag Carry?
Data tags can be designed to carry virtually any combination of text, numbers, symbols, and graphics. Common data tag content includes: serial numbers and model numbers; manufacturer name and logo; production date or date code; material specifications; operating specifications (voltage, pressure, weight ratings); regulatory certifications and compliance markings; safety warnings; and country of origin markings.
Data Tag Materials
We produce data tags in a range of materials depending on the application and the era the tag is meant to represent:
- Aluminum: The most common data tag material for mid-20th century American vehicles. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily stamped or embossed. Correct for most Ford, GM, and Chrysler data tags from the 1940sā1980s.
- Stainless steel: Used where maximum durability and corrosion resistance are required. Common on industrial and marine equipment, and on some European vehicles.
- Brass: Used on many pre-war and WWII-era data tags, instrument plates, and specialty equipment. Has the warm patina of vintage equipment.
- Phenolic/Bakelite: A period-appropriate material for certain pre-war and WWII data plates, particularly on electrical and electronic equipment.
Data Tag Attachment Methods
Data tags can be produced for any attachment method: riveted (using period-correct rosette rivets, which we also supply), screwed, adhesive-backed, or welded. We produce tags with the appropriate mounting holes, tabs, or backing for each installation method.
- Rosette Data Tag Rivet ā $25 ā The period-correct rivet type for many automotive and military data tag applications.
Restoration of Existing Data Tags
We also offer restoration services for data tags that are present but damaged ā faded, corroded, scratched, or illegible. Our restoration process preserves the original tag while restoring legibility to the markings. Contact us for details on tag restoration projects.
- Restoration of Data Tags ā Inquire for pricing ā Full restoration service for original data tags.
Ordering Your Custom Data Tag
To order a custom data tag from RestoStamps, contact us with the following information: the vehicle, equipment, or application the tag is for; the dimensions required (or examples from the original); the material you need; the text, numbers, and any symbols or logos to be included; and any reference photos of original tags for matching purposes. We work with you to produce an accurate, high-quality result.
š·ļø Need a Custom Data Tag?
Browse our custom data tag and plate service, or contact us directly with your specifications ā we produce tags for any application, in any material, any style, any shape.
Custom Data Tag ServiceContact Us