C3 Frame dates

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Gilbert, you could have a frame stamped with the serial number in three places, but I have never seen that claimed in any reference or heard that stated before. If original, I think three serial number stamps is an exception rather than the rule for Corvettes between 63 and 72. Later C3s may be different.

From Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide by Joe Tripoli: "The 1963-1972 frame has the serial number stamped in the top of the driver side outside rail. It is located just forward of the #4 body mount. The number is also located on the driver side top rail just forward of the #3 body mount. (See photos this Section)"

My purpose in posting here is to insure that members don't look for three stamps on their frames, and think their frames are imperfect when they don't find the stamp on the front. My 70 frame had a lot of stamps and markings, but there was no serial number stamp on the front...only under the left door and over the left rear wheel as described in Tripoli's book.

[Tom R.]

[Michael H.]

Re: Not in the basement

Tom,

I agree that some of the processes did change slightly on the frame line from the 63 model year through the end of production at that facility but the frames did not begin assembly in the basement. They were never in the basement. The point at which they entered the building was ground level and almost the entire Corvette was assembled on this same level. Some sub assemblies, like the nearly complete differential and rear suspension/drive unit, were assembled in the basement and brought up through an opening in the floor right next to the frame line but that was about the only chassis sub assembly that was done that way.

The frame was only on a "buck" at one station during it's assembly. That was the very first position that it would have been in and that's where the front suspension/steering was assembled to the frame. After that position, the frame was on a conveyor, still up-side down, and the rest of the bottom side items were added as it traveled from station to station. The entire rear suspension and drive unit, including control arms and crossmember, was installed at about position number three. That, by the way, was the same location where the rear wheel alignment (caster/toe) was adjusted but that's a whole different story.

Michael

[Michael H.]

Frames Unloaded at St. Louis Plant *NM*

[Gilbert Tilghman]

Re: C3 Frame dates

I have seen frames with only one Ser # stamped in it (over rear axle). In the 70's and 80's i bought and parted out about 800 68 thru 72 vettes. I have seen all types of mistakes. The point is the people building these cars had good days and bad, mistakes were made. I did not mean to imply that all vettes must have 3 Ser #'s, just that those locations are the place to look. I have a 69 vette with only 14,700 miles on it. I keep it in a heated and a/c garage, in the last 20 years i have driven it only 7 times. IT is ALL org right down to the hose clamps except for repo red line tires, and ONE heater hose, I replaced it with a repo from Paragon. Every time i would take it to a show i would listen to some pompous fools tell others all the things wrong with my car, because of something they read or saw on some big name guys car.

[Brian H.]

Re: C3 Frame dates

Thank you Michael and all other contributors to this thread. As always, the broad knowledge base on this board hs proved invaluable.