knockbill

hi guys,
happy holidays....

i have to locate/confirm teh vin number on my 56. i have the body on teh frame, and teh engine is in teh car, along with the steering column... there is no interior, so i have easy access to all teh new body mount bolts.... whats teh easiest way to see the vin number on teh top of teh left frame rail, for conformation? anybody have a trick or jacking procedure so it can be confirmed with teh least amount of disassembly?
thanks for any and all ideas,,
john

Geralds57

Here's a picture of my '56 stamping. It was stamped twice, almost dead center of the cross member. If you look close you can see the shadow. It was on the out board side of the frame rail. I wish I could tell you the best way to see it without lifting the entire body. Good luck.

62Jeff

I've helped a friend see their 62 frame stamping, using a mirror to look between the body and the frame.

The stamping on a 62 at least is on the frame rail approximately where your left hip pocket would be as you sit in the driver's seat.

Assuming a 56 has it in the same location, you'll need to clean the dirt off the frame in order to see anything.

shemp

I agree a mirror is the only way By the way it's the not teh.
Shemp

knockbill

thanks for teh replies, so far... i know where it is "supposed" to be, but i haven't seen it for many years,, teh frame is sandblasted & repainted, so rust isn't a problem..

i'm thinking of unbolting teh steering box from teh frame, and supporting teh column from a 2x4 across teh fenders, and removing teh radiator and unbolting the saddle, i should be able to lift the body enough to see the number, hopefully without any body cracks!!

again, if anyone has a different idea, i'd love to hear it,,,
thanks,
john

Vette Daddy

If you loosen up the body mounts (all of them) you can place a 2x4 under the floor board next to the rocker panel and raise it up with a floor jack. It won't hurt a thing and you will be able to see the numbers. You only need to go up a couple of inches.

knockbill

tahnks for the reply,,,
thats what i was thinking,,, i put an ecklers front end on it a while ago (cowl fwd), and i don't want to stress it to teh point of cracking seams...the steering column has to be disconnected also, correct?? how about the master cylinder line, clutch and accelerator linkage?
i was going to put long bolts and nuts thru some body mounts to help keep everything lined up, but allow the body to raise...

Vette Daddy

The steering column will be an issue IF you raise it very high. At least you have a big opening in the cowl, compared to 53-55.

The brake line should be ok with just a two inch lift. You can always disconnect and bleed again. It sounded like the car was a project and not fully operational??

knockbill

the cowl hole shouldn't matter, if i disconnect teh steering box from teh frame, the column should come up with it,,, i may have to remove teh generator and left exhaust manifold, but i don't think i need to lift it that high..
yep, i had it for quite a while and decided to get done... i want to confirm teh vin and frame numbers,,, i guess i should have taken a picture/rubbing of teh frame number before i set teh body back on it to fit teh front end...live and learn.....

DZAUTO

Just out of simple curiosity, I've always wondered if you proof read your replies BEFORE submitting?

Tom Parsons

OldKarz

knockbill

thanks for the reply!!
one hand is faster than teh other, or teh keyboard is worn,,, either way,it doesn't much matter to me, as long as someone gets the message....

Loren Smith

Your left hand must be faster than your right hand, because your left hand usually hits the left hand vowel quicker than your right hand can hit the "h" following a "t". And then you drag the ",,," with your right hand.

So by analyzing your typing patterns, I would predict that your quarter mile times would improve with right hand drive vehicle when drag racing with a manual shifter!

Just kidding - please don't take offense.

knockbill

bump

Vette Daddy

Ok, I'll bite. Did you find the original numbers on the frame?

knockbill

not yet,, going to give it try tomorrow,,,

Randy G.

I was able to see teh numbers on teh frome of my '54 with a mirror and a mag light, no jacking necessary. I just needed to learn to read upside down and backards while laying on my back.

All teh best,

RG

92GTA

This is from another '56

knockbill

thanks!!!! i'll try that 1st and work up to jacking up teh body...

knockbill

thanks!!!
i hope my numbers are that clear!!