I started down the path to doing this. These are what I figured out:
To do it right the big challenge is the art work. You need a vector graphic file with the right font (Futura), line weights, markings etc. I found a guy who could do the artwork-get it scaled, spaced correctly etc - just never worked out what he wanted to do the job. He's next door to me so I could easily start the talks back up. Once you have the artwork you can get a screen made - like silk screen, but the harder screen type like they use for screening on PCBs. (Once you get the graphics file done you could use it with an engraver, to make decals or T shirts or whatever you could want.) There is an AKer in my area with a machine shop who could/would probably help with the screening.
The smaller challenge is the faceplate itself. It needs to be plated in a finish that matches the original brass plating. I have several pieces with this type of faceplate and it is brass plating over steel on them. I've sanded an edge down to bright silver steel. The shape of these faceplates is like a shoebox lid. Some guys say they have solid brass examples of this faceplate type, but I don't have one.
Once you have both a correct screen and a refinished faceplate you need to find a paint to screen onto the faceplate that's the right color and adheres aggressively to the brass. And then probably clear coat in a semigloss.
If we could figure all these variables out on one we could do the early x100, X101st, x202, 202T, 100T, 400 and 400A versions of the preamp line, 500s and ta600 and several models of tuner with the same process. There would even be a lot of efficiency in getting the graphics done for these because they are all variations on the theme, with many elements (volume markings for example) common to all, and the same brass replating on the faceplate should work for all.
Engraving could work but you still need that graphics file to tell the engraving head where to go and at the end of a serious undertaking you have a neat, but not original faceplate.
I talked to Front panel express. They could do the engraving but they only do engraving on aluminum and their anodize colors don't include an aged brass AND the edges of a faceplate they make would be unfinished aluminum. Also they have a fixed font library that doesn't include Futura. Once again you need the graphics file.
Anyway - anyone want to help me head down this path?
