[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Dale,

From my experience, I've only ever come across the data plates that were mounted on the front driver's side guard on LP2's. They were made from cast iron, and were of a "generic" type that had sections where the builder's name and production number could be stamped or inscribed - at least on the one's I've seen from 1941 and 1942. I even managed to recover one that appears to be from a production change, and the letter "A" was stamped into the builder's plate immediately after the LP2. That hull (or what was left of it) appeared to have been modified to take a radio set and had the aerial mounting point on the driver's side of the air scoop.

I do know that LP1 data plates were brass,and very finely cast too.

I don't know when the change was made on the later production LP2A's to the smaller oval shaped data plate on top the driver's instrument cluster housing, nor what those data plates were made from .

As discussed before, I have 3D printed data plates made, and could easily have one made to suit what year your carrier was made, it would then be a matter of having the manufacturers details and hull number laser engraved in the relevant sections.

I have previously made enquiries locally about having data plates either cast in cast iron or brass, but to do a run would mean a minimum production of 25, and the cost per plate would work out to be in the order of about $500 -$600 each! Similarly, having once CNC machined is just as expensive once you take into account set up time for the program and art work and machine time. If you're only wanting one plate the cost is about the same as casting.
Of course, you could always have a go at casting it yourself, once you choose the metal and work out shrinkage rates etc, set up a furnace and crucible and have your mold properly set in casting sand then you're ready to go!

If your interested in a printed data plate, please contact me.