1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

[Gordon A.]

I have a customer with a lost VIN tag from the steering column and a incorrect VIN number on his title here in Texas. He has owned the car for decades and has some collateral documentation for the correct VIN, but he mislaid the VIN tag. The local constabulary in Texas will correct the error and permit him to use a replacement VIN tag [surprisingly] if they can see the stamping on the frame. I cut the floor above the cross piece on the frame once on a 53 before I bought it to make sure it was real, but I am not certain that the stamping is in the same place in a 1961.

Can someone give me some guidance about the location of the stamping before I hack away on the floor. Thanks

[Jerry G.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

Be sure the frame VIN matches what the customer is telling you is the VIN. I'm still looking for my stolen 61 from that area. Jerry

[Pat H.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

Gord
Its about half way in the door opening on the drivers side. I was able to get a photograph with a mirror and a good camera. First you will have to clean the area with varsol to remove any paint as mine was. Since then, I lifted the body and found it was stamped twice, the 2nd stamp about 6 " from the first one. Both stamps were on the outer portion of the rail. If the frame has rust, then it may not be possible to read. We just remove a body from a 60 and the rust made the numbers unreadable. Good Luck

[John H.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

Both stamps were on the outer portion of the rail.

To clarify, the stamps are on the top horizontal surface of the main frame rail, about 1/4" in from the outboard edge; one is directly opposite the square reinforcing plate on the frame "X" junction, about where your wallet would be when seated in the car, and there's a second stamping between six and twelve inches forward of that one.

[James G.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

I have a few photos. I have tried to post photos with no luck. Send me a PM, and I will email them to you.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

Here are pictures of where my frame vin is located on my '59. Using a small mirror with double stick tape applied to the back will help. You can push the floor upwards a bit to help. I usually use my 3/8 drive deep socket set and select a few sockets to push the floor up in that area if it's very tight up there.

It's stamped in 2 places as John said. You may have to use some abrasive means to get it to be more visible, sandpaper etc. Then some lacquer thinner. I usually grease it up after I record the numbers to protect it.

Rich

Left frame rail rearward of outward body mount
FRAMESN_1.jpg FRAMESN_2.jpg

[Joe M.]

Re: 1961 Corvette location of VIN number stamping on frame

Gently run your fingers across that area from side to side and you will feel the slight indentations where the stampings are located. The numbers on my 60 are lightly stamped into the frame. Even after I knew where they were, difficult to read the numbers.