VIN plate

My 1967 El Camino's door jamb VIN plate is painted over. The one on my 1967 Camaro was not. Two questions: Did they come from the factory unpainted (I believe they did), and if so, what would I use to safely remove the paint? Thanks.

i tape my tag around the outside,and slow clean it with a green scottbright and it came out nice

i tape my tag around the outside,and slow clean it with a green scottbright and it came out nice

Sounds like a good method, although you can soften up the paint first with a very quick blast from a heat gun or small torch.