Preserving signature?

[Bruc3]

Bit of a random one, and was wondering if anyone had any good ideas!

I inherited my late dad's XJS 18 months ago, and I got him to sign the glove board before he passed away... He signed it in Sharpie marker, and it's on the usual vinyl/leatherette part of the glove box.

I've kept the glovebox off the car for the last year, but now I'm planning to use it in the summer months I'm worried about it fading in the sunlight!

Has anyone ever preserved a signature on their dash, or have any good ideas how to stop it fading?!

Bruce

[SteveR1979]

Why don't you preserve the signed one off the car and buy a replacement glove box off ebay and put that in the car??

[Spleen]

SteveR1979 said:

Why don't you preserve the signed one off the car and buy a replacement glove box off ebay and put that in the car??

Because I suspect he'd like to drive around with his dad, so to speak.

[Krikkit]

It'll look a bit odd, but something like this would protect it come what may: https://www.wrapdirect.com/matte-paint-protection-...

[Coxey]

Could you get someone to embroider over it?

[stuthemong]

I don’t know the answer to your question - but good luck - will be really special when done

[Dr Interceptor]

I think I'd spray it with a UV resistant lacquer of some sort, but would have a go with another piece of trim first off the car to see what kind of finish you get!

After all you only get one shot at the bit your Dad signed...

https://www.toolstation.com/plastikote-quick-dry-c...

[AlexGSi2000]

Dr Interceptor said:

I think I'd spray it with a UV resistant lacquer of some sort, but would have a go with another piece of trim first off the car to see what kind of finish you get!

After all you only get one shot at the bit your Dad signed...

https://www.toolstation.com/plastikote-quick-dry-c...

Would expect the solvent / thinners in that to take the signature off within seconds.

How about getting a good hi-resolution photo then having it transferred to vinyl as a sticker?

[996TT02]

I don't know where it is nor familiar with the XJS interior. So here goes. Maybe you could get the part wrapped in transparent wrap. Or maybe not.

[Bruc3]

Cheers for all the replies!

I did think about getting a replacement trim, but ultimately I think it would take a bit of the meaning away!

The vinyl stickers a good idea, think I'll do that anyways just as a back up!

Cheers again all!

Bruce

[Bobtherallyfan]

Bruc3 said:

Cheers for all the replies!

I did think about getting a replacement trim, but ultimately I think it would take a bit of the meaning away!

The vinyl stickers a good idea, think I'll do that anyways just as a back up!

Cheers again all!

Bruce

I’d talk to someone in the art world…they are far more likely to know what the long term results of various methods would be…preservation is their field after all.

[Wacky Racer]

Cover it over with a small piece of cloth every time you take the car out in strong sunlight.

[InitialDave]

Coxey said:

Could you get someone to embroider over it?

I think this or similar sounds like a good and visually interesting way to do it.

[RDMcG]

I have some signatures on my cars. I generally have them by permanent marker and then when I get home an art restorer applies a fixative over them. This appears to leave the in very good shape.

Here is Dr Wolfgang Porsche's sig on a 991RS from 2015:


...and Vic Elford/Hurley Haywood on a 997 RS

[R Mutt]

I inherited the keyring from my Grandad's XJ6 Sovereign and didn't even want to risk destroying that with a bad DIY restoration where the enamel had come off.

Embroidery would look pretty good in your case

[mwstewart]

The ink isn't UV fast. You could try a matt or satin finish two pack lacquer over the top but that carries its own risks (adhesion, bleeding of the signature).

The best option would be a scan of the signature and have a copy printed on some replacement vinyl or leather, and trim a spare cover/lid.

[Second Best]

As mentioned, get someone who signwrites to accurately replicate the signature on a replacement glove box. Keep the original at home, somewhere safe and where you can elevate the legacy of your dad's calligraphy - even if it's just keeping it in a shed and sometimes bringing it out when you miss him and want to remember how he did things.

Naturally I'm sorry for your loss and I'm only speaking as an ignorant stranger, but having seen a surprise restoration before, sometimes it's the memories you carry forward, rather than the actions.

For example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNnBQOTzCEE&t=...
leading to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNnBQOTzCEE&t=...

I know it's an American video but still, the sentiments are universal.

Hope you're doing ok matey.

[vikingaero]

Whatever you choose, test it first. Sign something with a Sharpie and spray/apply the film onto the test signature to see the result/hopefully non-result.

[swisstoni]

I’d also keep the car out of the sun as much as possible when not in use. Garaged ideally. UV light is pretty powerful.

I had a stain from wet pink post-it’s on the light coloured leather seats of a car and by the time I’d worked myself up to trying to sort it out (a week or so) the stain had faded away.