I'm in the process of restoring my '63 coupe. I'm having difficulty finding a resource that identifies all the different types and locations of chassis markings. Can anyone recommend a reliable resource?
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Re: 1963 Chassis Markings
Check out Quanta Products at http://www.quantaproducts.com/store
They will sell you a kit for your 1963 that contains everything you need to detail the chassis. -
Re: 1963 Chassis Markings
Larry, your car is the best reference.
Unless the car has been previously restored by someone that obliterated all the chassis markings, then many of the marks should still be there. At best, Quanta's version of the marks should be considered a last resort starting point, since they were either observed on one car (but not yours) or several cars collectively (which may misrepresent the number of marks that the cars actually had).
Chassis marks were put there by human beings that may (or may not have) made the marks slightly different every day. Some of the marks are for important purposes that were thoroughly inspected/required on every car (e.g. shim marks, ball joint/spindle fasteners, etc); the bottom line is that there was no set formula for chassis marks, and they vary from chassis to chassis.
Another thing to remember is that chassis markings are not judged. If the car had marks, then they will give the restoration an authentic appearance...but if the car didn't originally have a lot a marks, it makes no sense to add marks formulated by someone else. Joe Tripoli's chassis restoration book (see NCRS store on this site) will increase your knowledge and give you some ideas on where to look for chassis markings...however, if you take a car apart and clean the pieces carefully, you will find chassis marks you never dreamed were there.Comment
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Additional...
To make a preliminary identification of chassis marks, it is procedurally better to do a gentle cleaning of the assembled chassis first before taking it apart. This will mean a lot of dripping filth in your face (wear goggles) and on your clothes, but it will provide some good information.
Some chassis marks may be as subtle as a single crayon strike over a nut and bolt end. Such marks, with short segments on part/nut/bolt end, may be visible BEFORE disassembly, but will be missed afterwards.Comment
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Re: So true
When I started to pressure wash my frame that had severe overspray on the side rails, I finally got beyond the grime and started to peel off the extra paint and all of the original shim marks surfaced!
There was even a crayon mark that must have used to align the transmission crossmember.
I evem came across the original paint daub on the steering box after carefully removing the grease and dirt.
The reason I found this, was because I was looking for it from reading up first again from Mr. Tripoli's book.
It's great resource material and very affordable from the NCRS store.
ChuckComment
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Re: 1963 Chassis Markings
When I recently tore my 63 apart I found evidence of the following:
-Yellow Paint Daubs on steering box
-Yellow Paint Daubs on end of Tie-rods and across center of steering knuckles
-Orange paint on top and bottom of front spindles where ball-joints mount
-About an inch wide white strip running up and down my fron shocks.
The rest were beyond recall. In my restoration currently underway (more pics at website below), I've added the stencil and the date. I've been debating what else to put on there for the simple fact, as mentioned, it is not judged. I may recreate the marking described above but haven't made the final decision yet. I also thoought I would add the CE to the top of the differential for the gear ratio, the stencil on the gas tank (not sure it was used in 63 but I Have one), stencil and orage/green marks on teh driveshaft. Again not sure.
Certainly it owuld add an authentic look to it. But no matter what you do, it won't be what it was 40 years ago.
Joe and Joanne's 63 FI Convertible
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Re: 1963 Chassis Markings
Many thanks to Ron, Joe, Chuck R. and Chuck S. for taking time to respond with some good advice on chassis markings.Comment
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