reading decked block #s

[68COPO]

Heard it is sometimes possible to pull and read stamped #s from a decked block thru some "etching" process. Anyone heard of this technique?
Thanks

[firstgenaddict]

It has been discussed at length before within the last year... try a search using decked numbers or acid etching.

[rpoz11]

I belive it is called some sort of "acid etching" the metal to pull up the #s that are impregnated into the density of the metal. I think this began as a process for police groups , etc that were investigating things.

[firstgenaddict]

Exactly and it is a one shot deal... the casting is changed by the stresses of the letter/ number stamp and then the heat and acid show the stressed places...thus revealing the numbers.. but the process also relieves the stress thus erasing all traces of the numbers/letters, so when you do it you really need to photograph the process and have some witnesses like a Notary or something.

[kenham]

You all are right on reading these numbers. I supervised an auto theft unit years ago and the process is very sensitive, and takes some experience to recognize the numbers. I would suggest that you phone your local police department and talk to an auto theft detective and explain what you want to do. I'll bet he (she) will do it for you and you will have your witness also.
ken

[68COPO]

Thanks for all of the excellent info guys!