1958/59 Frame Number??

[Hugh S.]

Howdy,
I'm new here and to early Corvettes. Is there any way at all I can look at/view the Frame number on my 1958/59 Corvette without having to take the body off the Farme ? I've got to figure out what I have either a 58 or a 59? What I think I have is a 1959 with an early 58 VIN number ,mounted on the drivers side door area. (J58S100010) is on the VIN number on the driver side?

Thanks in advance,

Hugh Smith

[Dan H.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Hugh, 59 will have traction bars on the rear end, 58 no.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Hugh, Dan is right about the original rear end but the rear end could have been charged any number of times in 55 years. Search the archives this has been discussed several times. I can't remember, and I'm not home to look it up, if you can see them from the inspection hole on a 59 or not.

[Gary C.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Hugh,

Can you read the stencil number and date? That would give you a clue on when the frame was made.

Gary
....

[Joe M.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

It is almost impossible to read the stamped numbers while the body is in place. To improve you chance of seeing the numbers, slip a cleaning cloth with a good cleaner like Simple Green on it between the frame and body and clean the area with a back and forth motion where the numbers are stamped; then take a small mirror on telescoping rod and flashlight and see if numbers are visible. Some cars have a gap in that area wide enough to allow you to see the numbers, others don't. If there is rust and you can't get the area clean enough you won't see numbers.

[Hugh S.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Dan,

Great Do you have a pic of rearTraction Bars?

Thanks,
Hugh

[Hugh S.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Terry,
Thanks, "Inspection hole", where is that?

Hugh

[Joe M.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Here is a photo looking down onto a rear traction bar, driver side.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Hugh, Joe gave you good info. Here's a old thread with some pictures I took of my '59's frame vin#. See the picture links in there.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ation-and-size


What will help is this. The floor can be pushed up a bit. Jam small blocks of wood between the top of the frame and the floor, jsut a little to help clean and to get a mirror up there against the floor. I often just take a couple of 3/8" drive deep sockets, using bigger ones until I find a few that fit and roll 'em in there on each side of the area where the vin is stamped. Usually a 1/4" or so is all you need.

Here's a few pics of where they are on a bare frame. (can't remember if I already posted these here or over at CF)?

P5190002.jpg P5190003.jpg P5190004.jpg

Rich

[Hugh S.]

Re: 1958/59 Frame Number??

Rich,

Your are right good advice!! Thank You and Thanks to Joe!
I'm New to the NCRS and already I'm glad I joined!! You fellas have really helped me out. I hope In the Future, I'll be able to help others!

Regards,
Hugh