63 License plate frames

[Michael G.]

I'm sure this has probably been discussed before, but I have little or no success searching the archives for common terms such as license or frame. So here goes:

Were 63 license frames made of magnetic or non-magnetic stainless?

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Not much response there, how about a pic of original 63 license plate screws? Anyone got one?

Thanks,

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Not much response there, how about a pic of original 63 license plate screws? Anyone got one?

Thanks,

Michael

Here are some NOS 3794162 license plate screws.

[David L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Mike,

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 3797485 in Gr. 7.800 for the following models:
63 CORVETTE...........FRAME, rear.....................3797485 2 req'd $2.95

My 1967 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (April 1967) lists GM # 3797485 for the following models:
63-67 CORVETTE
64-66 PASS..............FRAME, front and rear.......3797485 2 req'd $3.10

I bought 2 frames from my local Chevrolet dealer back in the early 1980's. I installed one license plate frame on my 1966 but removed if after about a year. The other frame is still sealed in it's original unopened GM paper wrapper. I believe paper GM wrappers were common in the 1970's. The 1980's GM wrappers were plastic.

Dave

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Mike,

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 3797485 in Gr. 7.800 for the following models:
63 CORVETTE...........FRAME, rear.....................3797485 2 req'd $2.95

Dave

I think Mike is looking for information on several of the unique features of GM license plate frames from the early/mid 60's. There were quite a few changes over the years but I don't remember what all of these changes were.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Mike,

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 3797485 in Gr. 7.800 for the following models:
63 CORVETTE...........FRAME, rear.....................3797485 2 req'd $2.95

My 1967 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (April 1967) lists GM # 3797485 for the following models:
63-67 CORVETTE
64-66 PASS..............FRAME, front and rear.......3797485 2 req'd $3.10

I bought 2 frames from my local Chevrolet dealer back in the early 1980's. I installed one license plate frame on my 1966 but removed if after about a year. The other frame is still sealed in it's original unopened GM paper wrapper. I believe paper GM wrappers were common in the 1970's. The 1980's GM wrappers were plastic.

Dave

Dave-----


These frames were available until very recently, but were finally discontinued about a year ago---another part first available in 1962 and continuing to be available from GM for over 45 years. However, there were several minor changes to them over the years, although the part number never changed.

[David L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Dave-----


These frames were available until very recently, but were finally discontinued about a year ago---another part first available in 1962 and continuing to be available from GM for over 45 years. However, there were several minor changes to them over the years, although the part number never changed.

Joe,

I bought the frames in the early 1980's. Both frames were in GM paper wrappers. I believe that the paper wrappers were 1970's vintage.

When I bought my two 1966 Corvette rocker panels in the early 1980's one panel was in a paper GM wrapper while the other was in a plastic GM wrapper. The one in the paper wrapper had "smooth" ends just like my originals while the one in the plastic wrapper had "ribbed" ends. Since they were slightly different I bought an addition panel in the plastic wrapper just so I would a matched pair. I sold the NOS panel with the "smooth" ends back in the 1990 recession for a nice price. I know that the panels with the "ribbed" ends are not correct. I guess GM was cutting corners in the 1980's.

Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm trying to find some original frames, but I want to know what to look for. I'm curious as to what the original materials used for both the frames and screw/washer assemblies were.

My repro frames seem to be a non-magnetic stainless, the screws and sems washers are chrome plated carbon steel. Are those materials correct for originals? Any help would be great.

Thanks,

[David L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

My NOS frames (GM # 3797485, assumed to be 1970's vintage) have the following stamping on each of the end clips:
"U.S. PAT. NO. 3,314,181"

Enclosed below is a link to this U.S. patent number. You can click on the drawing shown on the right side to see the details. The date on the drawing is April 18, 1967. The filing date was Feb. 5, 1964. The inventor was Norman C. Bauer.

Also check out patent # RE25182 (dated June 5, 1962 and filed on March 1, 1956).

Dave

http://ip.com/patent/US3314181

http://ip.com/patent/USRE25182

[Ronald L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Mike,
Get the print, it will tell you all the changes over time. Since it was in use until recently, there is a good chance it still in the archives.

I would like to hear what you see as I know the general trend was to use a lesser grade of stainless, that would have been magnetic. Would prefer to see that material spec on the print.

And...the same supplier was supposedly making these so there could be some good info to document for future restores of these fine machines.

[Russ S.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Of the four original sets I have, they are all magnetic. One is NOS with a date of 78 in the GM wrapper. Don't know if this is of any help.

[Peter L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Mike - The currently available license plate frames from GM are a "magnetic" SS. I know the 66 and 67 one were "magnetic" SS but I don't know for sure about the 63s but since there same part number was used, probably so. Pete

[David L.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Of the four original sets I have, they are all metallic. One is NOS with a date of 78 in the GM wrapper. Don't know if this is of any help.

Russ,

Is "0H1" (1970 August 1st or 1980 August 1st???) the date on the wrapper on my NOS 3797485 frame?
My 12:45 AM post, 4th photo

Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Sounds like I need to find magnetic stainless frames, but how about the fasteners material?

Thanks,

Mike

[John D.]

Re: 63 License plate frames

Michael

Here are some NOS 3794162 license plate screws.

Thanks for putting up the nice photo Michael. Too bad you have forgotten about the license plate frames though.