Frame serial numbers unreadable

[Dee R.]

I have a 1957 corvette frame with the two indentations for serial numbers top, middle drivers side. Where serial numbers once were. The frame has been sand blasted powder coated and reconditioned. I used 300 sandpaper to sand the powdercoating coating cleaned with paint stripper, and I can only faintly see a E and a 7 very hard to even see them. Any ideas on bringing the numbers back to life? a chemical etc???

I didn't have it blasted or coated, It was this way when I got it with the corvette in pieces (owner not healthy enough to finish restoration, may not even be alive?. any judges have any ideas.

[David H.]

Re: Frame serial numbers unreadable

I have a 1957 corvette frame ... Where serial numbers once were. .... Any ideas on bringing the numbers back to life? a chemical etc???.... any judges have any ideas.

Dee

Welcome to NCRS Tech Board. Expect folks that have had this issue will respond, however.

First, your question was directed to judges - frame partial VIN stampings are not evaluated during judging. On C1s that would require cutting access holes or a body lift.

As described, your situation is an uncompleted project car - is ownership in question - do you have a clear title? Does DMV need to assess in order to get it licensed?

Is authenticity of your driver side hinge pillar VIN plate in question?

As to your question re recovering frame stamping, methods used to retrieve firearm SN seem focused on differential metal response to the stamping process. Acid etching, fine metal dust response to magnetic fields, x-ray, etc are used but these all seem to be laboratory methods.

Dave

[Dee R.]

Re: Frame serial numbers unreadable

Dave, thanks for your response. Ownership is not in question we have a clear title. I will be selling this corvette to someone ready to finish restoring. I would just like to give them all the numbers. Thanks again, Dee

[David H.]

Re: Frame serial numbers unreadable

Dee

You might also try taking a good quality digital photograph and manipulating it in Photo Shop. Convert image to black & white and manipulate color density and contrast during that conversion. Often you can pull detail out of photo of faded paper document - might just work on your frame.

Dave