77' Frame Serial Numbers

[Michael B.]

Hi All,

I purchased a frame for my rusted out 77'. The used frame I picked up is in great condition with only surface rust on most of it and some original paint on much of the side rails. I'm almost finished sandblasting and have completed welding some minor stress crack.

I found the serial number at the back but cannot find a decode in any of the books or the CD.

Does anyone know how to interpret information for 19S4240291 (I think the 1 at the end may have been an accidental mark). This is stamped on top of the frame rail just behind the body mount at left rear.

There is another interesting stamped in number: 9 036. I've read on previous postings that this may be an assembly sequence number.

Can anyone shed light on the interpretation of these numbers.

I am also looking fo an opinion about frame paints. I see older postings about VHT Chassis Paint and John Deere Blitz Black. Does anyone have experience as to adhesion, rust inhibiting and durability of the 2 in comparison.

Thanks,

Michael B.

[John H.]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

Michael -

If the second digit is a "9", it's a '79 frame from #424029; if it's a "7", it's from a '77 with the same number.

[artarmstrong]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

Michael, Are you sure you are reading/typing the number correctly? I have look in my VIN books and see nothing like what you have posted.

Art

[Michael B.]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

Art,

I've checked the numbers several times. I'll check again tomorrow to see if their open to interpretation.

Michael B.

[Michael B.]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

Figures that the frame was upsidedown.

I've checked and the leading text might be either "I9" or "L9" but there is no bottom to the L visible. If it's an L it would match with the serial number of my 77 VIN plate, L7, so by this logic it could be a 79' frame.

Does this sound correct ?

One thing I forgot to ask, there are bolts at the base of the frame rail that were sheared off (they are still partly sunk in the frame). They do not match my 77. They are on the underside on the straight portion of the rail (midsection), 2 sets of 2 bolts about about 2" apart and offset. The only thing I could think of was either an aftermarket side mounted exhaust, or if this were a much earlier frame a factory exhaust. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Michael B.

[artarmstrong]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

I don't know---it still doesn't jive????

Art

[John H.]

Re: 77' Frame Serial Numbers

Same as the VIN derivative stamped on the engine and transmission:

1 = Chevrolet
9 = 1969 Model Year (or 7 = 1977 Model Year)
S = St. Louis
XXXXXX = same digits as the last six on the VIN plate; these last six digits started with a "4" in both 1977 and 1979