1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

[Charlie P.]

Are the part numbers different for 1971 and 1972 frames? What would it, or they, be?

Sorry, I've asked this before, but wasn't able to find the old thread. As I recall, they are different. THANKS.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Charlie-----

Yes, the frame part numbers were different for 1971 and 1972. However, the frames are interchangeable. The 1971 frame for 4 speed cars was GM #3987882 and for THM-400 cars it was GM #3987883.

The 1972 frame for 4 speed cars was GM #6263620. For 4 speed cars it was GM #6263623.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

According to Joseoh Tripoli's book, Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide, the frame stencils for 71 and 72 are not the same.

There is a list of frame stencil numbers for the different years, but I have an old copy and I know there were some errors in this edition. I recommend you try to lay your hands on a newer copy.

From his book, there are three unique stencils for 71 frames, and four unique stencils for 72 frames. The frame part numbers given are esactly the same as those given by Joe Lucia above, but there is also a hyphen and a three numeral suffix. I would say if your stencil is no longer visible, it will be tough to come up with the original stencil numbers unless you know when in the model year each of the suffixes were used.

[Charlie P.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Thanks, Joe. Your are da man. I believe you meant to say THM cars for #6263623.

My July 12 (21,467) build '71 automatic has the '72 part no. stencil, and also has "1972" in grease pencil. An inventory mix-up as model years transitioned, maybe? Also, it has two stencils (side rail and behind front wheel), one with 6-7-71 date, and one with 6-8-71.

[Charlie P.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Chuck- My car's stencils have # 140 suffix.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Charlie,

You have your Bowtie, what are you worried about?

I hope to see it at Boston.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Charlie-----

At the beginning or end of model year, "carryover" is possible for many parts. Not ALL parts, but many parts. In this case, the frames would be among the parts that could easily be utilized for either model year. The 1971 and 1972 frames are fully compatible and interchangeable. I'm sure that there is some difference(s), but I'm quite sure that they're minor and don't affect compatibility.

[Robert E.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Hi Charlie,

I have the original stencil on my July 15 build date '71. I have a couple of photo's at home I can forward to you.

Robert

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Tripoli shows the 72 frame stencils as having the 140 and 141 suffix for an automatic transmission car. Early frames were probably stenciled 140 with the suffix changing to 141 during the model year. In 71, he shows automatic transmission cars with suffixes 120 and 121.

For 70 manual transmission car frames, Tripoli's shows FOUR suffixes being used through the year...80, 81, 82, and 83. However, his information was incomplete in my case...My car was very late 70, and the frame was stenciled 3974600-83X; his list only shows the numerical characters, and not the X

[Charlie P.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Patrick-

What, me worry? It is just the insatiable quest for knowledge that drives me.

cp

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971/1972 Frame Stencil Part Numbers

Yeah, right.

See you in Boston. I have a new digital camera that will have to get filled with pics of your car so I can restore my 71.

Patrick