vjjack04

I expect there has been much discussion on this, but I will ask (because I did a search and didnt get a solid response)....my frame is off and has been repaired in places. Didnt have to repair the top of the kick-up or the frame rails where the VIN was, but could not make out the VIN due to surface rust. I am going to have it blasted and powdered coated (the frame) but was interested in stamping the VIN back in the frame. Anyone know were I can get the tool(s) to stamp the approrpriate size and font VIN in the frame?

JohnZ

The George T. Schmidt Co. in Chicago (still in business today) made the original frame VIN stamper and all of the individual character dies.

Gary's '66

Nice machine, wonder what it'll cost ya vjjack04?

Mike Ward

Actually, no. Can't remember more than one or two mentions of frame stamping. No idea why a person would want to do it.

vjjack04

Very nice. I thought there might be a way to do this based on using individual metal number "punches" (not sure what this would be called). I guess it doesnt really matter, but thought as long as my frame is seperated from the car, it would be neat to restamp the VIN number on it.

Vette Daddy

Against the law in most states. I would NEVER stamp a frame...period. You can't see the numbers with the body in place anyway.

vettebuyer6369

I agree with VD... its neat when you can document the frame VIN matching your car for your records (as below) but stamping a frame sounds like a bad idea. Depending on your particular state, it may be clearly listed as illegal per statute... check with your DMV site.

vjjack04

I get it. And I have pictures of the frame before and after; am just curious about re-stamping it. Admittedly, I don't know what AZ state law says....but I can tell you here near Mexico, we dont have a periodic vehicle inspection requirement (just an example of how loosly things can be done). When I was considering buying another frame (before having this one repaired) the guy from corvetteUSA in CA said he would stamp the VIN on the frame (he intended to sell me) as long as I ground the number off of the bad frame...but, as mentioned, I understand the concerns some have.

Subfixer

So, here's a question.....

If the frame is repaired in the area of the VIN (either one), do you cut out the original VIN stamp and tack it to the repaired area, or stamp the repaired area?

Mike Ward

Neither.

Roger Walling

If you sandblast the VIN, use fine sand or the numbers will disapear. Mask off the numbers when you re paint the frame and then spray a few coats of clear over the numbers.

A thick coat of primmer and two coats of black will fill in the numbers and make them unreadable.

DZAUTO

This issue has come up 8 bazillion times-----------------AND I'VE NEVER HAD AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER!!!!!!!!

And here is my question.
If a car is badly wrecked, and the frame is bent, twisted, buckled, whatever (for example, the car is rearended and the rear part of the frame is buckled), and the rear of the frame is cut off and a new rear frame section is welded on, JUST HOW MUCH OF THE FRAME CAN BE REPLACED AND STILL RETAIN THE VIN???????????????????
So, now, one step further. If MOST of the frame is badly bent-------------BUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE LEFT FRAME RAIL IS STILL STRAIGHT, WHY CAN'T THAT PART OF THE FRAME RAIL WITH THE VIN BE SPLICED INTO ANOTHER FRAME????????
Again, HOW MUCH OF A FRAME CAN BE CUT OFF AND REPLACED BEFORE IT BECOMES ILLEGAL????????

vjjack04

ok. I have no answers, and I did originally inquire...If I am keeping 80 percent of the original frame. And it matches my original motor, trans and rear diff....I think one could re-do the vin in the original location(s)...nothing crooked about it.....I do appreciate the comments......but....

Vette Daddy

"Crooked" is not the issue. Just make sure you don't get yourself into trouble.........You've already hung yourself out there by posting this thread.

66jack

Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it matches your pink....

You don't want to stamp it wrong...

Could make for some interesting legal/lawyer issues if you sell it out of state..

John BX NY

For what it's worth the very same type of machine was used well in to the 1980's when I went to work for GM. Unibody cars were stamped on the front fender side rail.

vjjack04

Interesting; sort of. I expect that whatever I do, I am the responsible party....I'll be cautious.....


My original question wasn't really about the legality, but rather, could I do it and what is required. If done, I will accept whatever legal repercussions....

vjjack04

This is solid advice...I could just stamp my name in the frame...that would be interesting in so many years...

Mike Ward

I don't of any place where replacing a frame is illegal.

vettebuyer6369

One reason why you cant get an acceptable answer is there's probably 50 of them. Questions that affect the VIN, or possibly doing so much structural repair to a car/frame that a car is now a "handbuilt" or some designation, is up to the state you are registered in. I know for a fact some states are very lax. Those states' DMVs are so loose people wash titles through there routinely. However, in other states, the DMV or the local LE (in IL, its the Secretary of State Police) is so nasty they will take a frame off your truck if you dont have a matching title with it.

The short answer is, check with your state.