57 Frame Stencil

[Bruce B.]

I have read the information in the archives concerning the 57 frame stencil configuration but have found no info concerning the revision level following the part number.
Should my car #809 be at rev. level 40 or one of the later revisions such as 41, 42 etc?
Thanks.

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 Frame Stencil

Bruce, frame stencil numbers are job/lot or batch numbers. Unfortunately, no inventory of quantity of frames per job/lot or batch numbers have been found. In the last two months it was determined that Aug/Sep built 1956's have 1957 frames and were built at the same time the 1957 pilot and first run 1957 Corvettes were. This recent discovery based upon a couple of original frame stencils. To answer your question about your stencil number - my best guess would be 303190-40 Am basing upon the thought of the original frame order would be for a 1,000 units or more, not very scientific. My 3004 had a -42 with 2.12.57 date if that helps any. Hopefully, someone with a car in your VIN range will share their original stencil number. Hard to determine as most of the original stencil numbers were not visible. Good luck, Gary....
foot note:
- original frames with -42 suffix appear to coincide with the change from 5 holes to 7 holes in the rear cross member approximate VIN 2800~ and could have happened Mar 1st 1957, which would be approximately VIN 2600, but not enough original stencils have been recorded to know for sure
- original frames with -43 suffix denote the change over in the additional rear axle bumper starting approximately with VIN 5600~
Any addition information of original stencils and these frame changes are welcomed

[Bruce B.]

Re: 57 Frame Stencil

Gary,
Thanks for the great info.
Bruce B.

[Todd H.]

Re: 57 Frame Stencil

I know this is a very old thread, but I uncovered my original fame stencil on my "57 #2968 today, and I thought I'd submit the info. The stencil was covered with overspray from a crummy late '60s paint job. The frame is completely rust free since the car was in southern California until 2012. It is a -42 frame with a date of 2.27.57. What I don't get is that there are nine holes in the original cross member.

Todd

[Gary C.]

Re: 57 Frame Stencil

Change over to the -42 frame was approximately VIN 2800.

The 9 holes are in preparation for the '58 frame rear bumper attached. Check the 2 sets of double holes and there should be no nuts welded on the inside. Nuts were added to hold the '58 rear bumper with the '58 frame production.

If there are nuts in the 2 sets of double holes, then the rear cross member has been replaced at some point in time.

Gary
....

[Todd H.]

Re: 57 Frame Stencil

Gary,

There are no nuts in the double holes.

Todd