C3 Frame dates

[Brian H.]

What is the normal time span between frame date ink markings and the body build date for a 1968 vette?

Were the frames dated when built and then stockpiled or were they dated when they were brought to the line in St Louis for assembly?

Thanks,
Brian

[Stephen W.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I'm restoring a late 68 myself and would also be interested in this info. I thought the date was marked when they pulled the frame to assemble the car itself. If thats the case would it be the same as the date on the trim tag? I have a very late production 68 that I'm replacing the frame on.The frame I purchased does not have the diagnal braces so I purchased them at Carlisle. Who can tell me when they started adding these braces and do I need to pay attention to anything else to make it correct for my car.

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I think the frame stencils (for 68 at least) were added to the frames upon leaving the AOSmith factory because the date is supposed to represent when the frame was manufactured.

As far as normal time, I don't think there is one answer. One book I have says that two weeks is normal, but I find that (personal opinion) too small a time frame.

My early April 68 appears to have a November 67 frame.

[Bill W.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I think all Corvette frames were built by A.O. Smith in Granite City IL. That plant was about 25 miles from the Corvette plant . The frames were shipped by rail and truck. My neighbor owned the trucking co that carried frames to St Louis. He had told me many times they would overload the trailers by stacking frames 2 wide due to the short trip. Also from conversations with him (before he died) and other people who worked at A.O. Smith I think the hand written dates on the frame were put on when loaded for shipment.And only 1 frame per stack was dated. I remember seeing stacks of frames at A.O. Smith( they built frames for many types of cars & trucks) I dont think first in first out was a big deal....Bill

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Bill,

That is interesting about only 1 frame per stack being dated. I haven't heard that before. My frame has the rolled-on type not handwritten and has all the appropriate numbers: AOSmith #, GM #, series #, and "GC". There is a part of the stencil that is not very discernable, but I can see what appears to be an "11" with the rest is unreadable (but I can see it is two digits).

[Tom R.]

[Gilbert Tilghman]

Re: C3 Frame dates

The frames were stacked upside down. ALL of the markings and stencils were applied only when assembly started! One stencil on right side, not sprayed, they used Rollers and some kind of ink. It was upside down because that made it simple too assemble. The stencil is the date code if you want to call it that. Some parts of the frame have AO Smith markings or numbers, and have no meaning other than AOS assembly. The cars SER# was stamped in the frame in 3 locations, all on the left side, over rear axle, middle under door, and just behind front axle(angled part). All other markings are body mounting info ( 3 marks ment add 3 shims to the mounting spacer) There is a book on restoring frames called Chassis Restoration Guide, it is very good. Also Quanta sells a complete kit,(with instructions). You tell them your build date a they will make you a chassis and drive shaft stencil

[Michael H.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

The stencil numbers were done at source, A.O.Smith, not the St. Louis assembly plant.

[Michael H.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Kevin,

You are correct. The stencil numbers were done at Smith. Frames coming into the back of the plant on rail cars already had the numbers on them.

The frame stencil date was probably anywhere from several days to a few weeks prior to the assembly day of the car.

Michael

[bruce11495]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Gilbert....Are you sure of the 3 stampings of the serial # on the frame? I've only seen C3s stamped over the rear wheel, and some not at all. I thought the 63-7 cars were stamped under the door. The later C3s...80-82s, I'm not sure. Could they have been stamped in either of these 3 places depending on the year?

[Michael H.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Tom,

Good information and most of what you said is accurate. The frames were stacked upside down at Smith and shipped to St. Louis that way. They arrived on railroad flat cars and were stacked 13 high. The entire stack was removed from the flat car that way and stored outside behind the St. Louis assy plant until it was their turn to come in. Once inside on the main floor, (not the basement) a worker with a handful of broadcast sheets added "job numbers" to the frames while they were still in a shorter stack and also some option information, such as suspension codes etc. The frames were then plucked off the stack using a sling and positioned on the first station of the conveyor for assembly, still upside down. I have a few very interesting pictures of these operations that I will try to post.

Michael

[Gilbert Tilghman]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I have 2 1969's 1 built sept 68 and the other march 69. i have removed both bodies and one car has all three the other has the rear, and center. the front is missing.

[Michael H.]

Frames at St. Louis with Part number

If the image doesn't come up, click on the link.

[Gilbert Tilghman]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I was typing to fast, the stencil on the right side was put on at AO Smith. All other markings were made at the assembly plant. Sorry and thanks to Michael Hanson( I will be more carefull next time)

[Bill W.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

The hand written greese pencil date on the side rail is the one that was only on one frame per stack. it had to do with shipping and was not needed on all the frames.