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Wondering peoples thought on a replacement chassis and the effects on the value of a car. Given a choice and all things being equal would you choose the car with a replacement chassis or a numbers matching car.
There are so many other factors involved. That said, I think the provenance of the replacement chassis is important. If it were a brand-new chassis from Vette Products of Michigan with receipts and such, I think that would be better than just about anything other than a true survivor chassis with zero rust (how many of those exist?).
For me, I would look at the car, drive it and the one that turns my key would be purchased. I think ownership is all about personal enjoyment. As long as the cars are properly presented and honest about any changes I could like both options.
I put a new frame from Vette Products of Michigan under my 65 convertible. The fit was great. I have the sales receipt of it ever became an issue (which I'm not really worried about).
Keith, a new frame will not have the VIN stamp(s). I’d be interested to hear what others have done about this. I have a Vette Products of Michigan frame. I cut the VIN out of my old frame and have it in case I ever need it.
Unless it is a uniquely optioned car, why would anyone care? The other question is: if one has to consider putting a replacement chassis under an existing car, what choice do you really have? The assumption is that the original chassis is unsafe and needs to be replaced. In reality, it is Hobson's choice.
Keith, a new frame will not have the VIN stamp(s). I’d be interested to hear what others have done about this. I have a Vette Products of Michigan frame. I cut the VIN out of my old frame and have it in case I ever need it.
From what I've read, frames didn't look too hot when plopped down on the assembly line in some cases, have been stored outside. That can be the starting point for a '60s Corvette on Day One.
A replacement chassis....to me it's like anything esle: is it right and is it safe? A new chassis can be built wrong, it's no guarantee of anything but that it's been replaced.
I also have a Vette products of Michigan frame, absolutely a perfect fit.
As far as "vin # on the frame" concerns go, you know, that vin nobody will ever see until they take the body off the frame to view (which will never happen) I would have liked to find mine, just for nostalgia sake, but my old frame wasn't bad & there was absolutely zero sign of the vin # on it. There was just enough scale & pitting to make it completely undetectable when I cleaned that entire area off, so I wouldn't worry too much about the frame vin. I don't think you'll find it unless your car was born & raised its entire life in a very dry climate.
(Now insert all the comments on how excellent your frame vin is)
Last edited by Rob_64-365; Aug 22, 2022 at 05:50 PM.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Replacement chassis
why not frames
