Frame VIN # location 63-82

[Geoff C.]

I have only seen the VIN # stamped on the driver side frame rail almost
directly above the rear axle. Sometime a couple of inches forward, sometimes a couple of inches rearward. A fellow on the CF says they were also stamped on the driver side frame rail below the door sill. Is this so for C2 and C3?

I know C1 used that location.

Geoffrey Coenen




CF Frame VIN

[David H.]

Re: Frame VIN # location 63-82

yes, on the left top, not much room to look but it is posible with a mirror. David

[Joe L.]

Re: Frame VIN # location 63-82

Geoffrey----

I'm not aware of a secondary frame location for VIN derivative stamping. For C1s and, at least, early C3s, I don't think that a secondary location was used. For later C3s, it's quite possible.

I'm going to have to scrutinize some bare 63-82 Corvette frames the next time I get a chance.

[Tom R.]

Re: Frame VIN # location 63-82

Geoffrey

Yes there was a secondary location. A 67 was on display with body-off at Stone Mountain and we got an excellent view of the stampings. I would have to say on this particular frame, the frame rail stamping was not as far forward as the door sill...it was further toward the back. In fact, it was just above the clip used to secure the brake line to the inside of the rail where it begins to parallel the frame. I have a pic of this stamp location...drop me an email if interested and I'll share.

[Dave McDufford]

Re: Frame VIN # location 63-82

My 65 Convertible is stamped on the left frame rail about 2/3rd's of the way between the #2 and #3 body mount. It is also stamped above the left rear wheel. Based on the shim tape and condition I do not think the body had previously been removed.

[Mike Yager]

Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 frame

Is there a place on a C2 frame that indicates the year?

I know there are differences between a C2 and C3 frame and that C2 frames from '65 to '67 had a dip in the front crossmember for a big block. However, are there differences between a '63 and '64 frame and '65 to '67 that you can tell what year the frame is for a given VIN?

[Mike M.]

Re: Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 f

mike. 63 frame differs from its 64 sister in that the 63 vets did't have rubber cushions between frame and body mounts, hence the body mount brackets weled to the frame are about 1/4" more towards the top surface of the frame than a 64. neither 63 nor 64 frames had the recession in the front crossmember that the Mark IV introduced in 65 necessitated. Other minor differences exist but its been too many years since i explored this issue. hope this helps, mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Frame VIN # location 63-82

Dave and Tom------

Now, this is all a revelation to me. It baffles me that I've been around Corvettes for so long and was unaware of this secondary stamping. Just goes to show that no matter how much one has learned, there's always something new to learn. That's a good thing, too, because it might get boring, otherwise. I am going to have to look at some frames and check this out for myself.

[Jack H.]

MY 65 BB has two VIN wacks on LH rail too.... *NM*

[William C.]

Re: Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 f

65 and '66 differ in that the '66 had bolt holes in the crossmember for the shifter mount wheras it was bolted onto the trans in '64-5. '67 is differentiated by the hardware attaching points for the e-brake in the console setup rather than under the dash. Just a few things to look at, I'm sure others will give you more, but each year has minor differences.

[Mike Yager]

Re: Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 f

Bill:

From you comments and Mike's I take it that there are no date codes on frames as there are on many other parts of the car?

[William C.]

Re: Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 f

Just the VIN derivitive, as far as I know. Others may have more knowledge.

[Wayne M.]

and another -- '65 last year F/R brake line on ...

top of frame rail. '66 and later line clipped high on the inside frame rail -- hence holes for clips in different locations. Ditto hole for clip on frame kick-up ('65 last year). Keyholes for rear side-exhaust mount starting with '65. As Bill says, there's probably other differences.

[Mike M.]

Re: Is there a way to determine the year of a C2 f

If you are lucky enough to have a frame with the stenciled part # and date still present(on pass side outboard wall in vicinity of sill plates) you can narrow it down to month of production(of frame that is). mike