75 frame markings

[Ross F.]

Ok. The body is off the 75 Convertible. I have looked it over carefully, and see no part numbers, shim marks or even a vin stamp. Granted, there is alot of surface rust, but not a hint of markings. I have the chassis restoration book. But it only goes to 72. I kinda assumed the factory would have continued the practice. I found remains of masking tape on the shims. Any one have any experience with thus year?

[Tom R.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Ok. The body is off the 75 Convertible. I have looked it over carefully, and see no part numbers, shim marks or even a vin stamp. Granted, there is alot of surface rust, but not a hint of markings. I have the chassis restoration book. But it only goes to 72. I kinda assumed the factory would have continued the practice. I found remains of masking tape on the shims. Any one have any experience with this year?

Ross

My 21k mile 1978 did not have much of its shim markings but it did have other nice markings that I have documented over the years and have found on other late model C3 Corvettes. Its too often assumed that mid-1970s production was the same as late 1960s/early 1970s but production caused some subtle but observable differences.

Shim marks were used but numbers were scratched (instead of hash marks) on the frame in white (1973-74) or yellow (1977-78).

The VIN derivative would have been stamped on the top of the frame in the vicinity of the driver's side rear wheel well.

The job number was hand written on the passenger side underbody panel. Not sure if 1975 had the metal cover on the underbody panel but this tended to preserve the job number...but this is body vs frame.

The rear cross member, driver's side had the last two digits of the VIN along with typically an E but other letters were used, hand written with grease pencil. So my 78's VIN is 9041 and it had 41E hand written so it could be view from underneath and from the rear in yellow grease pencil.

I would say other markings typical of inspection paint daubs was consisted as early C3 such as drive shaft, steering linkage, etc. Another NCRS member who lives in Texas has a 1975 and has worked to retain the originality of his Corvette and would be a good contact. Not sure if he hangs out here but I'm sure he would love to compare notes. Look up Tory Syvrud.

If you need photos, drop me an email note with your address. Hope this helps

[Brian G.]

Re: 75 frame markings

About all I've found on our '75's frame are the remnants of the frame stencil.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Brian,
I have come to the same conclusion. I carefully cleaned the frame over the left rear tire and there is no signs of a vin stamp. There are no chalk numbers visible on the frame or the body. I havent started cleaning behind the right front yet, but as some pervious owner was very fond of spray on rust proofing, im doubtful of success there.

[Peter S.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Ross, I have the body off my '75 as well, and I also have no inkling of evidence that my VIN was stamped on my '75 frame.

Peter

[Brian G.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Although, I did find this tag wired and tucked into the frame channel by the passenger side rear bumper shock absorber. When I backlight the tag, it has the last two numbers of the cars VIN hand written on it.

[Tory S.]

Re: 75 frame markings

026 Wed 10-1-03.jpg

Ross,

I've completed a full restoration of my '75 (if these things are ever complete). I'm the original owner and have found many interesting things along the way. Attached is the stamping of the VIN on my frame. Hope this helps.

I also had shim numbers in white on my car. PB was written on the driver footwell under the splash shield. I have the heavy duty suspension option, so I had FE7 written in green on the front cross member and HD on the rear cross member. My frame stencil was in OK shape, enough for me to copy it and have it redone. One judge took a point off saying the yellow paint was rolled on and not sprayed. How he could tell the difference in application was not explained to me, but it cost me one point. I also had 3 digits of the body number written on the bottom of my headlight bezel, but nothing on the convertible deck lid - which I think were painted separate from the car.

I also found CHA written upside down in yellow pencil on the side of the engine block when I cleaned it. I also had blue paint on my pitman arm, and a blue stripe on the rear end for driveshaft alignment with 36 written on top of the pumpkin in white for the gear ratio.

There are hundreds more paint and crayon marking, but this will get the big ones. And don't even get me started on stickers!!

[Tom R.]

Re: 75 frame markings

[ATTACH=CONFIG]50331[/ATTACH]There are hundreds more paint and crayon marking, but this will get the big ones. And don't even get me started on stickers!!

Did you have a job number? How about a photo of he shim number...did you retain? I'll assume that in 75 four frame part numbers were used; two for coupe and two for convertible each for 4 speed and automatic. Quanta will create a template for your frame stencil if you can give them the data such as what Tory had. Tory...who did you stencil template?

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Thanks to all for the replies.
the photo of the vin on the frame shows its position well behind the #4 mount? I guess I've been looking in front of that. And what would the part number for a 75 automatic convertible with a trim tag build date J08 frame be? I have scraps and remnants of my tank sticker. Would anything on it help?

[Tory S.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Tom,

Yeah I had Quanta make up the stencil with my input. They had no database for '75 at the time.

[Peter S.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Thanks to all for the replies.
the photo of the vin on the frame shows its position well behind the #4 mount? I guess I've been looking in front of that. And what would the part number for a 75 automatic convertible with a trim tag build date J08 frame be? I have scraps and remnants of my tank sticker. Would anything on it help?

I've also have been looking in front of that. Unfortunately, that location on my frame is in the worst condition. Remnants of the VIN can be made out.

I also have this "-20" stamp in the middle of the rear cross member.

[Ross F.]

Re: 75 frame markings

Wow, I haven't even begun to excavate that far back on the rail. So funny how a "unique" the assembly process was with these cars.