JD 4310: Faded button lettering/symbols

[4310]

The lettering on my tractor switches for MFWD, load match, cruise, etc. Have faded or worn off completely and I'm just wondering if anyone has come up with any creative solutions to relabel them.

 

[beenthere]

Can you order new decals?

 

[kennyd]

P-touch label maker?

 

[4310]

I will probably end up using a label maker but I would prefer to keep it looking like it did when it left the factory. My PTO button is fine but the symbol on that looks like it is a bit recessed. The other buttons looks like the symbols where just painted/printed onto the face of the switch which allows it to wear off easily.

I haven't seen replacement stickers or even know if they make them. I even checked prices on new switches but they range from $20 to $40, a bit steep even for my OCD.

I've thought about getting a small paint brush and repainting the symbols, but I know that would look comical when I was finished. Mom always said I should have been a doctor because of my handwriting (it's sloppy).

If I can find pictures of the original symbols can I transfer them somehow to a computer and have them printed out on a sticker? I know a guy here in town that can print out stickers for people's names and such but I don't know if his machine can print fine details.

Which leads to my next question I guess. Does anyone have pictures of their switches?

Thanks again.

 

[JD5210]

I used white acrylic paint and put it on/painted it on with a toothpick (got the paint at Wal-Mart), to paint the raised turtle and rabbit symbols and numbers on 3PT on my tractor. It came out fairly nice, thought it would be a little lumpy, but it flowed together nicely. It has lasted 3 years now, do think if I do it again I will put something over the acrylic paint.

 

[Zebrafive]

Can you order new decals?

They are not decals.

P-touch label maker?

I like this idea, clear tape, white ink.

I will probably end up using a label maker but I would prefer to keep it looking like it did when it left the factory. My PTO button is fine but the symbol on that looks like it is a bit recessed. The other buttons looks like the symbols where just painted/printed onto the face of the switch which allows it to wear off easily.

I haven't seen replacement stickers or even know if they make them. I even checked prices on new switches but they range from $20 to $40, a bit steep even for my OCD.

I've thought about getting a small paint brush and repainting the symbols, but I know that would look comical when I was finished. Mom always said I should have been a doctor because of my handwriting (it's sloppy).

If I can find pictures of the original symbols can I transfer them somehow to a computer and have them printed out on a sticker? I know a guy here in town that can print out stickers for people's names and such but I don't know if his machine can print fine details.

Which leads to my next question I guess. Does anyone have pictures of their switches?

Thanks again.

My MFWD switch is worn/faded beyond reading too. I am too cheap to buy a switch just for new labels as long it works. At least I have light on the dash to tell me when in MFWD or I would label the switch.

 

[arcuriel]

If you have the GIFs or JPEGs you can print them on a Cricut. I have the same problem on my tractor. I was going to look for the images and print them up.

The Cricut is a small CNC machine that cuts and draws. A lot of scrapbook people use them. I bought one for my wife for Christmas a few years ago. i call it the Lady CNC machine.

 

[pipsqueek]

The lettering on my tractor switches for MFWD, load match, cruise, etc. Have faded or worn off completely and I'm just wondering if anyone has come up with any creative solutions to relabel them.

Duplicolor scratch pens. Maybe not, don't have a 4310, but looking at the Google pics, they are silk screened.
Can scan the symbols, trace them in Corel or Illustrator as vector files and cut on a vinyl cutter. They are quite small, if anyone has good clear photos of good switches, I could probably try convert to vector file. White vinyl material $1 per square foot, enough to do 5-10 sets or more.

Or trace and cut into stencil material and spray white, then spray with clear coat. If sprayed with clear coat when new, or covered with paint protection film.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I have the same problem so I'll subscribe!

If there was a metal symbol that was available and you could just melt it into the top of the switch with a soldering gun.

 

[pipsqueek]

Mini screens and labels, using Duplicolor white touch up paint, maybe someone crafty in the family can help.

Screen Printing Tutorial

Mini Screens and Clothing Labels (A Tutorial)