Web Development on a Stick
Dataplate Restoration
The original Bantam BT3-C dataplate gets a facelift (or a mask, depending on how you look at it). The original dataplate was still on the trailer, but half-painted over and quite faded.
A search for reproduction dataplates found that they’re available for the military versions of these trailers, but not for the BT3-C civilian version. So I worked with Frank Sanborn - of Sanborn Signcrafters in Charlotte MI - to create a decal that overlays the original dataplate. It has a window to allow the original stamped serial number to show through. Probably not the approach to win shows with, but it passes the “does it look good from 5-feet” test quite nicely.
I’ve run out of these decals, if you’re in need of some contact Frank directly at .
June 01, 2005
Thank you for the information on the Bantam trailer.I am begining a restoration on acivilian model,and I can just barely read my data plate.If you still have any of the decals ,I’d like one. Could you tell me how the stamping at the top reads,as I can only read my serial number.Thanks.Bob Obrien 7 Third Ave.,York,Me.03909
July 03, 2005
Hello Mike,
Thanks for doing the web page on your Bantam, I just finished painting mine today,wanted it olive drab ended up looking s**t brown but better than the 100 % rust it used to be. I’d also like one of the data plate decals as I can make out the stamped id and serial #’s but the BANTAM is weak.
You are right the purchase price is the least expense.
March 02, 2006
COULD YOU TELL ME HOW AND IF YOU CAN TELL THE YEAR OF THE TRAILER BY THE SERIAL #. OR DOES THE SERIAL # ONLY TELL YOU WHAT # YOU HAVE. I’M IN THE PROSESS OF AQUIRING A BANTAM . THANKS
March 02, 2006
Ken - no solid serial number to production year cross reference exists. The best resource is the database at the Bantam Trailer Yahoo group:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/BantamTrailer/