C1, 1958 VIN Problem

[Ken Susnjara]

First, I am quite new to this Corvette restoration thing but am a very enthusiastic new NCRS member. I bought a 1958 partially restored project car with the intention of developing as "correct" a car as possible. The VIN plate and title had a number issued by the state to California rather than the original GM number. When I removed the body I found that the frame appeared to be a replacement although it appeared to be from the era rather than a modern frame based on the condition, etc. It was however a 59 frame but had no VIN number stamped. It was not removed or filled in, the frame was simply made without a number. It did have some white chalk writing across the top on both sides but was too far gone to read except for the words "Santa Ana". Other body evidence suggests that it was hit in the right front at some time. The engine is not correct either. Efforts to find the original VIN number have so far been unsuccessful. OK, here is my question. Is it possible to ever have this car judged for flight awards? I will probably restore it differently (as a shiny show car) if it will not qualify for NCRS judging. Any help or nsuggestions are appreciated.

[Jack H.]

Of course!!!!

There are few mandatory prerequisites for having a car flight judged and they are:

(1) You are a member of NCRS in good standing.
(2) You actually own the Corvette and have proof of ownership.
(3) You have current liability insurance on the Corvette.
(4) The Corvette has a legally recognized VIN.

The NCRS Judging Reference Manual (the 'white' book) will tell you the club recognizes EITHER the properly affixed original mfgr's VIN plate OR one provided by a duly recognized State authority. Sounds like you've got both the paperwork and the State issued VIN tag on the car, so it doesn't appear there's a problem!

On the frame, older cars that were raced/wrecked as well as those owned/operated in the 'salt belt' are notorious for having seen frame 'transplants' (either in part or whole). Frames can be 'pieced' together from various donor frame sections thus obviating factory original ID marks. Also, before the inventory was exhausted, it was possible to buy a complete, factory fresh frame as a spare part. In this case there would be NO vehicle ID marks because that component didn't leave the factory as a completed automobile....

[Ray C.]

Re: C1, 1958 VIN Problem

Hi! Ken

Just a thought!

When I removed my body from my 1961 I could not find any numbers stamped on the frame. The rectangular rubber body cushions that are on the top of the frame covered one set of numbers and the other set of numbers closest to the driver door was very faint and did not show up until after the frame was sandblasted. I noticed small depressions where the stamps were applied prior to sandblasting.
Ray
#36314

[Ken Susnjara]

Re: C1, 1958 VIN Problem

Thanks for the help. I checked it over well before and after sandblasting and there was no number stamped anywhere except the -10 in a circle on the back cross member. I guess we will try to do it "right". There seems to be a lot of original components on the car that suggest a mid-February build date so I guess I will shoot for that.