1980 Frame Stencil

[Kenn S.]

The attached image shows a 1980 frame on the line in St. Louis (really glad to have these photos). I'm to the point I've painted the frame and am working suspension components, but I need to get the stencil in place. Couple of questions if anyone is familiar with later C3 stencils.

First, and this might apply to any car, given a build date, how much earlier would a frame have been fabricated? I have a May car, and I'm thinking a frame built in March is about right. I seem to recall a 2-3 month lag in frame fab to car build.

Second, I read the part number as 14041144. Agreed? This frame would have been mated to a car in, oh, February or March, but a May car would be using the same part, I would think. My 1982 parts book shows the P/N as 14050682, but I suspect that's for cars more in the 1982 timeframe.

Third, I see the build date, but I'm not sure what the "301" represents. One could guess shift time, but seems unlikely, or at least odd to me. (Castings often have cast date/time, but a frame?)

And finally, where do folks get stencils made up? Paragon shows stencils, but none are listed past 1972. I was thinking I'd call them and have one custom-made, but just wondered if someone specialized in stencils.

Thanks for any guidance... It's great to be at the point things are going back together...

[Tom R.]

Re: 1980 Frame Stencil

Lots of questions here!

The attached image shows a 1980 frame on the line in St. Louis (really glad to have these photos). I'm to the point I've painted the frame and am working suspension components, but I need to get the stencil in place. Couple of questions if anyone is familiar with later C3 stencils.

First, and this might apply to any car, given a build date, how much earlier would a frame have been fabricated? I have a May car, and I'm thinking a frame built in March is about right. I seem to recall a 2-3 month lag in frame fab to car build.

I have studied build dates frames versus trim tag for 1978 and it ranges anywhere from a few weeks to nearly five months. These are Corvette frames that I have documented both frame date codes and trim tags so. Given your 1980 was a St Louis built Corvette, I would be cautious before drawing comparisons to Bowling Green built Corvettes as productivity improved and methods changed.

Second, I read the part number as 14041144. Agreed? This frame would have been mated to a car in, oh, February or March, but a May car would be using the same part, I would think. My 1982 parts book shows the P/N as 14050682, but I suspect that's for cars more in the 1982 timeframe.

Your AIM would have the part number frame assembly # but there probably is a different number for auto versus four-speed. The parts books is showing a REPLACEMENT part number and I suspect that would be different.

Third, I see the build date, but I'm not sure what the "301" represents. One could guess shift time, but seems unlikely, or at least odd to me. (Castings often have cast date/time, but a frame?)

That would be the lot # and several lots were produced during a model year. What I have done is trace lot#s by frame date assembly code to approximate a correct lot # that would accompany the date code I need for a Pace Car. But few chassis judges would know that level of detail...you are wanting it to be reasonable and representative.

And finally, where do folks get stencils made up? Paragon shows stencils, but none are listed past 1972. I was thinking I'd call them and have one custom-made, but just wondered if someone specialized in stencils.

Ok...that's four questions and you only got two I see where Zip has gotten into stencil kits but Paragon is who I would use. I have corresponded with them and they will prepare a stencil (custom cut) for your requirements. When I talked to them, they had not developed the databases beyond 1972 and as you can see the part # requires the lot # as well as the date code.

Also, the factory varied the height of the characters from 1/2" up to an 1" depending on year. I have cataloged some of this that has included other model years so I can check what I have for 1980. 1978 used 3/4" characters.

Hope this helps!

[Tom R.]

Re: 1980 Frame Stencil

I have a photo of a 1980 frame assembly # with 11/16" numbers in red. Send me an email and I'll send a copy. Also note that periods were used in later years in place of dashes. This 80 photo shows a date code format with 12.12.79

[Kenn S.]

Re: 1980 Frame Stencil

Ok...that's four questions and you only got two

Rolly-eyes?

Well, hopefully I didn't commit a social faux pax by asking. How else do we learn the fine details? Thank you for your answers. For me, learning the details is part of the fun, and you always provide great details. I learned a lot.

I see where Zip has gotten into stencil kits but Paragon is who I would use. I have corresponded with them and they will prepare a stencil (custom cut) for your requirements. When I talked to them, they had not developed the databases beyond 1972 and as you can see the part # requires the lot # as well as the date code.

I called Paragon, and they don't produce them but rather have a vendor produce them. The vendor doesn't and wouldn't produce a 1980.

As you mentioned, I'm looking for something that's representative, and I believe I found Dr. Rebuild has such a stencil. Given information specific to my car, they'll produce a stencil. When I receive it, I'll see how it compares to what you've told me here. They did mention the variances that occur, so I'm curious to see what I get. At $14 it isn't an awful loss if it's not quite right. I'm sure I can talk with Geoff directly and get the details ironed out.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1980 Frame Stencil

Often if you stop at a local print or sign shop you can have a stencil made for you.
Pick the font and size, and tell them what you want it to say. Many Corvette restorers have been doing that for years.