Numbers on a '61 Frame?

[Stan's Customs]

Good day vette setters...
I saw an ad on e-bay for a C1 frame and some mention was made to some frame numbers on the left top side close to the front. Does anyone have any information (exact location) regarding these numbers? If they really are supposed to be there or not, and what they designate. (model or ID for individual cars etc.). When I was checking out the title before paying for my '61 project, I was told that the only numbers on the '61 and '62 were on the steering column. Is this right or wrong...?

Thanks ...Stan M.

[critchie]

The official Chevrolet VIN tag (the one the RMV cares about) on a '61 is spot welded on that portion of the steering column in the engine compartment. If yours is still there, try to secure it so it doesn't fall off. The spot welds are weak. I put a radiator clamp around mine. Some people affix them with epoxy.

Then there is a super secret spot on the frame where the VIN is stamped. It is on the top of the frame rail under the driver's seat. You can see it from underneath the car with luck, with a mirror, and by shining light in there at different angles. Sometimes you can see it by removing the plug on the floorboard under or near the driver's seat. Many of these are stamped twice in there.

The VIN was also stamped on the original engine and transmission.

[Stan's Customs]

Thanks for the reply Critchie...
I have the body off the frame . I don't see any numbers, but it has been cleaned and painted. the paint could have obscured the numbers. Do you by chance know how to determine the exact location from a given point on the frame this # is supposed to be. I would like to remove paint in that area...without stripping anymore than I have too.

Thanks Stan

[richscorvettes]

The frame VIN is stamped almost directly across from the drivers seat mount on the outer frame rail. As critchie mentioned they are often stamped twice. Apparently, if they didn't set the numbers deep enough they would stamp them again. You might be able to take a wire wheel or a little paint remover to remove the paint and see the number. They are often not stamped that deep or, over the years, surface rust may have eroded them somewhat.

To make ours easier to see, if needed later on, we cleaned the numbers well, rubbed a little black paint into the numbers and painted clear over them when the chassis was painted. I also cut a small rectangular hole in the floor and installed a cover plate directly over the number just in case the MVD wanted to see another place for VIN verification. Apparently some states want to see two places to verify it.

Rich Lagasse

[61 Silver]

Hi! Stan

My 61 frame had the stamp on the frame twice. They were about 6" apart on the left rail directly across from the X in the frame. One of the numbers was located under the body mount pad that is glued to the frame and I did not find it until I prepped the frame for sandblasting. The other number showed up after the frame was sand blasted.



Ray

[studiog]

I agree with all the info above. I have my body off now so I could measure for you from a given point if you want. Also my serial number had a coat of tar over the area where the numbers are. I couldn't read them until I removed the tar with a solvent. After removing the tar the numbers were pristine as the tar had protected the area from any corrosion. I can also send you a photo if you would like so you know what to look for. Glad to see so many '61 projects going on

[studiog]

One more thing I thought I should mention. I used POR 15 on my frame, it is great stuff but you DON'T want to put it over the serial number as it has a tendency to fill in and the POR 15 is very difficult to remove once it cures. I just used a spray primer in that spot and my numbers are very clear. I put a rectangle of masking tape over the numbers while I was painting the frame so I would't forget.

[loren59]

The frame VIN number is right under the driver's wallet.

[studiog]

Here is a photo of the frame stamped #s