C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

[James H.]

I have a 1970 LT1 Corvette, that restoration shop suggested that I replace the frame on. Are there any identifying serial numbers on a C3 frame that traces back to the VIN or Block or any other numbers on the vehicle?

Also, I know this is difficult, but can anyone give me a range of pricing to remove a body from the frame, remove the motor and components and media blast the frame and re-assemble (labor and blasting, not parts).

Lastly, can anyone recommend a restoration shop in Southern, CA who I should be talking to?

Thanks

Jim
1970 LT1 Convertable

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

The VIN is stamped on each frame. If the VIN is legible on your existing frame, I suggest that you cut it out and cut out a similar sized section in your new frame. There will be no questions about the VIN that way.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

I have a 1970 LT1 Corvette, that restoration shop suggested that I replace the frame on. Are there any identifying serial numbers on a C3 frame that traces back to the VIN or Block or any other numbers on the vehicle?

Also, I know this is difficult, but can anyone give me a range of pricing to remove a body from the frame, remove the motor and components and media blast the frame and re-assemble (labor and blasting, not parts).

Lastly, can anyone recommend a restoration shop in Southern, CA who I should be talking to?

Thanks

Jim
1970 LT1 Convertable

Jim
Welcome to NCRS. 1970 LT1s are neat.

A portion of the VIN is stamped in two places on the frame. Driver's side mid-frame rail, about where your hip to knee would be if you were sitting in the car. Also more or less over the rear half shaft on the driver's side. There was no jig for them to stamp them, so they can be a couple of inches to half a foot either way.

Dick's suggestion to cut them out and weld the section into the now frame is a good one.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

There are companies that will rehab a frame, should you wish to look into that.
I would assume your car did not live its whole life in California.

Any pictures of the frame?

[David H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

I have a 1970 LT1 Corvette, that restoration shop suggested that I replace the frame on. Are there any identifying serial numbers on a C3 frame that traces back to the VIN or Block or any other numbers on the vehicle?

Also, I know this is difficult, but can anyone give me a range of pricing to remove a body from the frame, remove the motor and components and media blast the frame and re-assemble (labor and blasting, not parts). ....

Jim,

Remove body and replace (new) frame? or Remove body and restore (media blast, etc) old frame?

Several utube etc video on lifting body - DIY not particularly difficult. Condition (restoration) cost estimate will drive your decision on repair or replacement (used or new). Why does your restoration shop suggest you replace frame (what damage)?

Dave

[James H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Jim
Welcome to NCRS. 1970 LT1s are neat.

A portion of the VIN is stamped in two places on the frame. Driver's side mid-frame rail, about where your hip to knee would be if you were sitting in the car. Also more or less over the rear half shaft on the driver's side. There was no jig for them to stamp them, so they can be a couple of inches to half a foot either way.

Dick's suggestion to cut them out and weld the section into the now frame is a good one.

Thanks for the information.... Jim

[James H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

The car spent some years in Ohio. Her are a few pics of the worst areas.

Have you heard of America's Finest Corvettes in So. Cal.? Any pros or cons?

Thanks

Jim

[James H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply.

Although it has only been looked at in pictures so far, but a guy Jeff Reade, NCRS judge out of So. Cal. at least from pictures, thinks the frame is questionable and even if the strength is OK, he says I would never be able to media blast it and make the finish look good on it.

I uploaded some pics on a previous post reply here, so take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply.

Although it has only been looked at in pictures so far, but a guy Jeff Reade, NCRS judge out of So. Cal. at least from pictures, thinks the frame is questionable and even if the strength is OK, he says I would never be able to media blast it and make the finish look good on it.

I uploaded some pics on a previous post reply here, so take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks

Jim

Jim------


I totally agree. Just from what I see, I think I'd be very dis-inclined to continue using this frame both from aesthetic and structural points of view. At a minimum and from only an aesthetic perspective, once bead blasted you are going to have a very pock-marked frame. I'd also want to check the birdcage of this car to see if there are not corrosion problems there. In fact, the whole chassis also warrants inspection. The trailing arms and a-arms may need replacement, too.

You need to determine what everything is going to cost before you set out on this project. Unfortunately, it's possible to get into an expense that might rival the value of the finished car.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Jim------


I totally agree. Just from what I see, I think I'd be very dis-inclined to continue using this frame both from aesthetic and structural points of view. At a minimum and from only an aesthetic perspective, once bead blasted you are going to have a very pock-marked frame. I'd also want to check the birdcage of this car to see if there are not corrosion problems there. In fact, the whole chassis also warrants inspection. The trailing arms and a-arms may need replacement, too.

You need to determine what everything is going to cost before you set out on this project. Unfortunately, it's possible to get into an expense that might rival the value of the finished car.

Agreed, especially regarding the birdcage.
Restoration costs could be prohibitive. If the birdcage is bad then potentially the firewall has to come apart.
It may go along with one of my sayings - "Even if you got it for free you couldn't afford to restore it."

[Daniel S.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Based on what was shared, I believe this frame is candidate for blasting and fixing. I see topical scale not structural issues beyond repair! I would save the OEM/born with frame at all costs.

Dan

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Based on what was shared, I believe this frame is candidate for blasting and fixing. I see topical scale not structural issues beyond repair! I would save the OEM/born with frame at all costs.

Dan

That is what I was thinking based on the photos. It may be bad at the kickup but the photos do not verify that

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Someone who has seen the frame doesn't think it's worth saving.
That usually means more to me than guessing based on photos.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Someone who has seen the frame doesn't think it's worth saving.
That usually means more to me than guessing based on photos.

What I read is that Jeff Reade looked at the photos and made his comment based on them. I have fixed worse looking frames than that. At least three of them have obtained Duntov and Bloomington Gold.

There are ways to make it look new.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Corvette Frame Serial Numbers

Based on what was shared, I believe this frame is candidate for blasting and fixing. I see topical scale not structural issues beyond repair! I would save the OEM/born with frame at all costs.

Dan

My first reaction when looking at the photos is that the frame wasn't bad enough to discard, but it is hard to judge from photos. I, like Patrick would be more concerned about the bird cage. There would be no substitute for rapping on the frame with a small hammer in strategic spots to test its integrity.

I think the people in California (Jeff & Joe) are used to more sterling examples than those of us in the rust belt.