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I uncovered the original, or what I assume to be, frame stencil on my 65 project. In researching many threads over the last 10 years on frame stencils, I am confused as to why my car has three rows of numbers and not 2 rows like I commonly see. A few have commented that 2 rows are factory correct. My car build date is F30 with final date of 2-2-65. Let me know if this is common or I have something done by someone else from 65-75 when I don't have any history. I believe the numbers toward the bottom of the frame are 3064676 but I can't get much more grime off without removing paint. 12-10-64 is date stencil.
The frame number in 1965 was 3864676 up until approximately 9-1-64. It then changed to 3871317. Some very early cars have been observed with three lines of stencil numbers including a date like the 64 frames.
I would say the top line on yours read 3864676, the second line is 303196 - 20.
How accurate the 9-1-64 cut-off date is not known IMO.
The frame number in 1965 was 3864676 up until approximately 9-1-64. It then changed to 3871317. Some very early cars have been observed with three lines of stencil numbers including a date like the 64 frames.
I would say the top line on yours read 3864676, the second line is 303196 - 20.
How accurate the 9-1-64 cut-off date is not known IMO.
Thank You for that info A-Snake. Once I get the body off and find the vin number matches the frame stamp then we may be able to move that 9-1-64 date back a few months. What significance is the "303196-20" number? Any information on what it means?
Thank You for that info A-Snake. Once I get the body off and find the vin number matches the frame stamp then we may be able to move that 9-1-64 date back a few months. What significance is the "303196-20" number? Any information on what it means?
The 303196 is the GM part number. The 3864676 is the AO Smith number (mfg of the frame)
BTW, Do you have a 1965 Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide from NCRS?
Thank You for that info A-Snake. Once I get the body off and find the vin number matches the frame stamp then we may be able to move that 9-1-64 date back a few months. What significance is the "303196-20" number? Any information on what it means?
Are you saying you want to verify the VIN frame stamp to the vehicle? The VIN frame stamp has nothing to do really with the frame stencil.
Are you saying you want to verify the VIN frame stamp to the vehicle? The VIN frame stamp has nothing to do really with the frame stencil.
My thought process is to confirm that the frame is the "born with" frame for the car. Assuming these stencils are original to the car then that would confirm the 9-1-64 date is not correct. Again, lots of assumptions and not sure I could ever prove the stencil is original but this could show proof that these 3 row stencils existed after 9-1-64....which may be pretty insignificant but interesting none the less.
This is very interesting. The NCRS books have been wrong on the 63-64 frame date markings for years. This is the first time I have seen a 65 with a 63-64 style….I’m very excited!
I believe this stencil type date is original and probably from an early car. As are the 63-64 dates.
65 Frame Stencil Question
