Description: OK Stamp
Year: 1969-70
Model: Mustang, Cougar, Ford, Mercury
Model Options: ALL
Engine: 302, 351W
Construction#: Wood and high quality rubber
Quantity: 1 stamp
Accuracy Rating: 10
Best Repro Available: YES
Jack's Comments:
This is the less common smaller OK stamp without a dash found on FORD engines from 1969-70. It measures approximately 3/4" tall by 3/4" wide. When the engine testing was done the assembly line workers would apply this stamp to the drivers side valve cover. The last picture shows this stamp on a 1970 Fastback Mustang Survivor in Bob Perkins collection.
Basic Tip: If you don't have some good industrial ink we suggest using yellow spray paint. Spray a thin coat onto a smooth surface, wait a few minutes for the paint to dry a little and then apply the stamp. Stamps with wet paint can slip and get sloppy looking on smooth surfaces. Test your stamp on something with a smooth finish before stamping your valve covers so you get comfortable applying the stamp. (Glass works well for this and can easily be removed again and again)
Q: I need to redo the OK stamp on my aluminum valve cover as they have been refinished. Any tips you can pass along on re-applying it?
A: Applying the OK stamp looks simple but can tricky since you really want to stamp it only once since removing the paint if you make a mistake might be difficult on aluminum valve covers. I would practice stamping a surface with the same texture before stamping the actual valve cover. You could use the inside of the valve cover to test your stamping skills and to test if you can remove the paint if you make a mistake (I'm assuming the finish is the same as the outside).
I personally like using a slightly darker yellow spray or canned oil based paints. I spray or brush a thin coat on a sheet of plastic or a slick side of a cereal box and let it dry a little before lightly dipping the stamp in the paint. Make sure the surface is very flat. How long you wait until you dip the stamp will depend on the ambient temperature and on how much reducer is in the spray paint. Apply a large area paint so you can test different dry times. Count how many seconds from the time of the spray and when you first dip your stamp. You will eventually find just the right amount of time to make the paint wet enough but sticky enough so it's easy to apply without sliding around on the valve cover.
The key is to test and test again varying the amount of paint you spray and how long you wait to stamp your test surface. The other skill you will develop is how to apply the stamp evenly. Sounds easy but you will be surprised how difficult it can be.
I've also seen restorers just brushing or spraying paint directly on the stamp itself. It seems to work well for them although I have not tried that technique.
Q: What about about tips for stamping chrome or painted surfaces?
A: Chrome and paint are really smooth so it's difficult to stamp them without the stamp slipping across the surface. I suggest following the tips above but waiting until the paint is very sticky but still wet enough to transfer. Test drying times to get it just right.
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