C3: restamping rusted frame

[Steve L.]

The rust has removed my original frame stamps.
Anyone have any opinion as to whether I should restamp it while I'm restoring and repainted the frame.

What is the height of the numbers?

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve, depending on the depth of the original stamp and the amount of rust needed to peel the metal to remove the stamp, I'd be more concerned about the stability of the frame. Measure the thickness of the metal.

If the frame is OK, check a copy of the Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide by Tripoli for some great pictures.

Other will comment on the depth of the stamp.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve, depending on the depth of the original stamp and the amount of rust needed to peel the metal to remove the stamp, I'd be more concerned about the stability of the frame. Measure the thickness of the metal.

If the frame is OK, check a copy of the Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide by Tripoli for some great pictures.

Other will comment on the depth of the stamp.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Frnkly, I wouldn't bother...Few potential buyers know where or how to look for the VIN derivative stamp, and those that do know it's not a big deal. A good sound frame is much more important than the stamps and frames are frequently replaced. If you can duplicate the stamps, that's fine too. JMHO.

As far as remaining metal thickness, I doubt that you have any problems with that. The numbers on my frame were so shallow that a good sandblast removed probably half the stamp depth...even after I directed the blaster NOT to hit the stamps directly with the blast.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Frnkly, I wouldn't bother...Few potential buyers know where or how to look for the VIN derivative stamp, and those that do know it's not a big deal. A good sound frame is much more important than the stamps and frames are frequently replaced. If you can duplicate the stamps, that's fine too. JMHO.

As far as remaining metal thickness, I doubt that you have any problems with that. The numbers on my frame were so shallow that a good sandblast removed probably half the stamp depth...even after I directed the blaster NOT to hit the stamps directly with the blast.

[Bill B.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve, if the frame has pretty heavy rusting on the flat section in stamping area, I would check the rusted condition of the sill's underside. More importantly, check to see that sill and floor extensions are solid. I am sure you have already done this but . . . we had to fabricate an extension and replace. Little more work than we wanted. I can't picture anybody reading frame stamping once the body is on either? If you just have to restamp because you will know that it isn't there, let me know and I will send you picture of our 72 convertible stamping. Bill

[Bill B.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve, if the frame has pretty heavy rusting on the flat section in stamping area, I would check the rusted condition of the sill's underside. More importantly, check to see that sill and floor extensions are solid. I am sure you have already done this but . . . we had to fabricate an extension and replace. Little more work than we wanted. I can't picture anybody reading frame stamping once the body is on either? If you just have to restamp because you will know that it isn't there, let me know and I will send you picture of our 72 convertible stamping. Bill

[Tom L.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve,

I just realized while looking at the picture that the 73 stamp is one number longer.

Tom

[Tom L.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Steve,

I just realized while looking at the picture that the 73 stamp is one number longer.

Tom

[Steve L.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Thanks all,
The frame is on a rotisserie. I've repaired the rusted areas and replaced everything that is thin. All the rear X members took a beating(replaced#2,3,4) but the kick-up side rails aren't bad. Looks like anything horizontal takes a beating while anything at an angle survives a lot better.

Tom,
Thanks for the picture - that's great.

Steve L.
73 coupe since new

[Steve L.]

Re: C3: restamping rusted frame

Thanks all,
The frame is on a rotisserie. I've repaired the rusted areas and replaced everything that is thin. All the rear X members took a beating(replaced#2,3,4) but the kick-up side rails aren't bad. Looks like anything horizontal takes a beating while anything at an angle survives a lot better.

Tom,
Thanks for the picture - that's great.

Steve L.
73 coupe since new