1650 – serial # plate removal for painting? “Unethical?”
I’ve got a 1650 I’d like to do a detailed restore on – including sending the frame and sheet metal out for professional repainting. I’m concerned that between the cleaning and prep (on frame) I need to do, along with that the shop would also do, the serial number plate would become damaged or erased. (I realized the actual serial # is stamped – I’m referring to the black logo and lettering)
I’m wondering if I were to grind off (from the back) the rivets holding the plate on if there were tools/rivets to reattach it to OEM specs upon reassembly? I don’t want it too look like a hack job should I even want/need to sell the tractor. In the end the tractor would have the correct, original Kohler K341 engine, correct sticker pack and correct serial # plate – so it shouldn’t matter. Also, as I understand it, the frame and all else among the various models (1250, 1450, 1650) were the same amongst all the model. However, there is something that also doesn’t quite “feel” right about removing the plate and reinstalling it – especially if it were to not look 100% correct. Something along the lines of “faking” the 1650 – even though it seems silly for someone to do so.
Am I being over anal about the whole thing? If I were to go ahead with it, any ideas on where/how to get the proper rivets & tool to reinstall the plate?
Thanks,
-Calvin