what do the chassis numbers mean

[Steve D.]

I have a 1970 LS-5 and have found the chassis numbers 3274600-82 with a build date of 3.30.70. what do the frame numbers relate to? I thought 4600 = the car number but the other numbers not to sure.

[Joe L.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

I have a 1970 LS-5 and have found the chassis numbers 3274600-82 with a build date of 3.30.70. what do the frame numbers relate to? I thought 4600 = the car number but the other numbers not to sure.

Steve------


The number is 3974600. That's the GM part number for the 1970 Corvette frame. The "-82" is a suffix and such a suffix is often used in conjunction with frame part numbers. If I ever new, I've forgotten what it denotes.

[Steve D.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

Hi Joe,thanks for that. I want to leave the stencil as it is but once the rocker panel is back on I cannot see the number even after I have cleaned it. is it better to purchase the stencil kit and re-paint or try to leave as is. the car is in an untouched condition and I have just removed the tank sticker and piecing that back together and on the body are lots of markings in chalk which I am carefully cleaning around then just dusting off to leave them intact.

[Mike E.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

My vote goes to leave it alone. It can only be original once, and considering yourself lucky to have such a wonderful original car with a frame clean enough to see even remnants of original markings on the chassis.

Mike

[Steve D.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

Thanks Mike, that is my thought as well to just leave it as is. it is like being on a mission of discovery I find things all the time on the car which amaze me how well they have stood the test of time.

[Terry M.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

Photograph the stencil for posterity, and so you can easily look at it when you want. If you can figure out how to post it here you will get a lot of OOOHs & AAAHs from the peanut gallery.

[Tom R.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

Steve------


The number is 3974600. That's the GM part number for the 1970 Corvette frame. The "-82" is a suffix and such a suffix is often used in conjunction with frame part numbers. If I ever new, I've forgotten what it denotes.

Isn't the suffix, the 82, the Lot number? I have traced a number of late model C3 frame stencils along with their dates and can see where dates cluster within a particular lot number. And they differ whether it is a four-speed frame or auto tranny frame. If you want to get really anal about...trace the trim tag date code along with the frame stencil date code and you will conclude it has no relevance whatsoever!

[Michael D.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

...Isn't the suffix, the 82, the Lot number?...

That is my understanding. 82 would be the A. O. Smith lot number.

[Alan S.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

Hi Steve,
I think you'll find that even with the rocker trim in place a bit of the stencil can be seen by someone getting his eyes in just the right place!
So they'd be VERY nice to preserve.
Regards,
Alan

The pics have been flipped from their natural orientation..

[Joe L.]

Re: what do the chassis numbers mean

My vote goes to leave it alone. It can only be original once, and considering yourself lucky to have such a wonderful original car with a frame clean enough to see even remnants of original markings on the chassis.

Mike

Mike and Steve-----


I agree.