61 Vin Frame Numbers

[Greg G.]

Are the vin numbers on the frame of a C1 in the same location as the mid-years? I have seen the location on the mid's, top of the rear kick up and just in front of the kick up 6"- 8". I am trying to find the numbers on my 61 but want to narrow the search area a little more. I am hoping that i do not need to lift the body to see them.

Thanks, Greg

42101

[Ted S.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Top of left rail under the driver's seat. Some have seen it with a mirror. I've yet to see it on my '58 so I guess I'll wait for the body lift. Hope this helps. Ted

[John H.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Sometimes it's at least partially visible through the drain plug hole in the floor.

[Dennis A.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Greg...

Ted & John have it right... If the body has never been removed, the numbers may be very hard to read. On some 61's, the serial number was double stamped and a small mirror wiil allow you to get a look.

[Ray C.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

The frame numbers on my 61 were under the 1/4" rubber frame pad just behind the drivers seat on the out side rail. I found it when I was removing the pads to sand blast the frame.

Ray #36314

[Greg G.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Thank all of you. I have looked with a mirrow and can't see them maybe it is under the frame pad. I will try to check there next.

Greg #42101

[Gary Bishop]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

On my `62 the stamp was so faint it rubbed off when cleaning.

[Dennis A.]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Gary...

The Serial number was metal stamped on the top of the frame, The A.O. Smith frame part number & date was painted and could be rubbed off. I have seen rusted frames were the VIN was almost gone or painted over, but the indents were still there.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

They were in the paint. But when I cleaned the area for a photo it was gone. Not deep/hard enough of a stamp. I did read the correct Numbers before cleaning.

[Mike B]

Re: 61 Vin Frame Numbers

Greg,

I just went through the same exercise on my '61. It took some time but I did find the numbers.

Note that mine were stamped on the top outside edge of the frame rail almost parallel to the front bolt reinforcing plate for the seat rails. Others have suggested that if one were to dig straight down through their left back pocket to the frame rail it would be there. That is about one foot away from where I found mine so perhaps two places are stamped as some have suggested.

I loosened the body mounting bolts on the driver's side and carefully jacked up the body a little bit using wooden blocks as spreaders. I also made wood wedges and worked them between the body pan and rail. All told I gained about 1-1/2" which is not a lot, but enough. My car was a body off restoration so there was a thick layer of primer and paint. But with some careful sanding and patience I found the numbers. Between sanding tries I wet a rag with WD-40 and wiped the rail which helped bring up the contrast. Others have suggested baking powder. I first tried white chalk from a chalk line but that did not work. Perhaps those methods will work better against a rusted frame.

The numbers are about 1/4" high. Mine started from the "S" and listed the true serial numbers although one digit in the center was not legible perhaps due to a light stamping or the restorative sand blasting. There may have been other prefix numbers but I did not see them.

With the help of an assistant, we positioned the light and a mirror and I shot several digital photos. I got the best contrast with the flash off and the light at a tangental angle - you'll have to experiment. I then reversed the numbers and enlarged them on the computer so they could be read.

Why did I go through all of this? I bought my car sans VIN plate. It had been removed when the steering box was sent out for blasting and a rebuild by the previous owner. He put it in a "safe place" and of course, it was so safe that he could not find it. I can get a factory authentic VIN made but proof of ownership (title) and the frame numbers are necessary for verification. Naturally I was very relieved to find that the numbers did in fact match.

If you'd like, write to me at mbovino@uniclean.com and I will send you some photos of the numbers. You'll get a feeling of the task ahead when you see that they are not exactly jumping out at you.

Have some patience. When you lose the feelings in your fingers, get out from under the car and walk around a bit telling yourself that it will all be worth it in the end!

Mike