Advanced forensic chemistry

[Adrian Southgate]

I need to resolve a problem with an engine number thats been partially removed with either an angle grinder or a coarse file. Its on steel so... what chemical do the forensics boys use to bring the numbers back up and where do I get some?

[Adrian Southgate]

The original number was stamped so there will be some disruption to the structure of the surrounding metal.

[Big Vern]

A brand new engine brought through a Ford main dealer won't have a number on it, the numbers are etched on at the assembly plant just 20 minutes before the engine goes into the body.

[Steve Kerswell]

I'm not saying this is correct but a welding dye penetrate might do it. 3 pack spray, red dye penetrates the steel, then a white developer is applied and the red reveals through, but, just thinking out loud if was not stamped but cast onto the block so is proud before being removed will not show. I used to get fag money welding over Motorcycle cases that were alloy so scroats could say it was a T120 when really it was a T100.

[Steve Kerswell]

My son has just read this over my shoulder and reckons there is a proper etching acid to do this. He is now firing into the ipad :-))

[Adrian Southgate]

It was stamped into 1.5 - 2 mm steel plate which may have then been erased with a flap wheel or disc in a grinder.

PM sent Steve.

[28ullkq4hau58]

theres a way of x,raying it there used to be a small portable ,, sort of hand neld machine for the job ,, its what is used to identify stolen diggers etc

[Steve Kerswell]

well, we have had no luck. Everything seems to be commercial.