'64 Data Plates

[Kevin]

On the subject of '64 Vettes again. How should the two data plates be attached under the glovebox? I am looking at a '64 for sale. It has the lefthand plate (BDY,PNT,TRM tag) riveted. The righthad plate (the plate with the VIN on it) is not riveted. It looks like it was at one time, it has holes in it, but now it has been held there with what looks like a small spot of weld or sodder. They both look in very good condition, with the VIN plate being shinier and newer looking. The VIN# on the plate matches the engine block, but should I still have a concern?

Thanks again, Kevin

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 Data Plates

Kevin-----

Well, I don't know if you have anything to be concerned about or not; it's often hard to know FOR SURE with these ID plates. However, your configuration sounds alright. The VIN tag for your model year was originally spot welded to the cross brace under the glove box area. These spot welds sometimes fail, but the two "bluish" marks from the welds should remain visible, though. This plate is made of polished stainless steel, so it's usually a lot shinier than the trim plate mounted next to it.

The trim plate is pop-riveted to the brace next to the VIN plate. This plate is made of some type of non-polished metal and is usually not as "shiny" as the VIN plate.

[David Wolf (#33277)]

Re: '64 Data Plates

I went out and checked mine (early '64 coupe) and can tell you the following. As Joe mentioned, the VIN plate is much shinier as it is polished stainless. The trim plate has no shine and is attached by two rather large rivets at the bottom corners. The VIN plate is attached in an interesting manner and kind of hard to describe but I'll try. Under the plate are the usual grinding marks where the paint was removed for a clean weld. There doesn't appear to have ever been any welds on mine however. At both sides are indentations where the metal from the tag was 'pushed' thru the holes on the mounting bar. If you feel from the back, it feels like the end of a rivet, about a 1/8th to 1/16th nub. Hope this is clear. I know mine is unaltered so if it sounds strange it is only because I am describing it poorly.

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 Data Plates

David----

I believe what you are describing is the spot welds that 63-64 Corvettes used for attachment of the VIN plates. These welds are not seen as a "bead" type weld, but as the two "indentions" on either end of the plate that you describe. The "ground off" area beneath the plate was done to insure a better and more secure spot weld, although some of these plates later fell off, anyway.

[David Wolf (#33277)]

Re: '64 Data Plates

Joe: Trust me when I say you're the last guy I would debate anything with re Corvettes as I am in constant awe of your knowledge and memory. If my plate is welded in any way, you would never know by looking at it. There are the telltale grinding marks but no indication of heat being applied anywhere. The indentations are as bright as the rest of the plate. It looks much more like a punch was used to push the metal thru the mounting bar and then somehow 'mushroomed' over. This is what I meant by the nub on the inside. It is very secure in any case. Hard to describe, but 99.999% sure no heat was used. I'll try to get a digital photo to make it easier to see. My car is a September build and maybe that has something to do with the configuration. I've found a number of unique things on this car (although others have described the vin mounting as the same). I do think I may be one of the only '64's that did not come with black wheels, as a good example. I'll find out for sure in July when hopefully I'll bowtie this baby. David

[David Wolf (#33277)]

Did I say 99.999% ?

Well, a man has to know his limitations. I guess mine is my eyesight. I climbed under the dash this time with proper lighting and a digital camera. Sure enough, traces of residue from a welder. There are the two indentations I described which were done with a punch of some type and right above each one are small spot welds. You can see a small trace of discoloration from the heat to the left of the tag. I took a photo which came out pretty well. You can see it at
Sorry Joe, I will never dispute you again, unless I think I'm 99.9999999% right.

[Joe L.]

Re: Did I say 99.999% ?

David----

No apologies required; I do make mistakes. This one was an easy one, though.