1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

Back to the license plate frames, does anyone know of somebody that can restore mine? While trying to detail mine on the buffer, it got away from me. The buffer ripped it out of my hands and threw it on the floor. Hate it when that happens! It is/was an original '63 frame. It is magnetic and has the small rivet as shown in Chucks first picture, second from the bottom.

IMHO, that would be a tough project.

The metal is thin. It bends easily... and "stretches" easily too.

Best bet would be to call around. Where are you located?

[Jeff S.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

Chuck

The patent # on your photo was applied for by Norman Bauer, Allen Products Corporation, in 1964 and awarded in 1967. Recommended material spec for the frame surround in patent (pg 1, column 2, lines 60-61) is type 430 stainless. This is highly ferromagnetic grade, nominally 17% Cr, balance Fe. It was very commonly used grade 'back in the day' on many Corvette garnish, reveal, trim & shielding items -- (not used much anymore, however). Probably fair to assume that '63 original-issue frames were same material, but would not yet bear the patent number stamping ... maybe all midyears, same logic?

Jeff

[Perry M.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

IMHO, that would be a tough project.

The metal is thin. It bends easily... and "stretches" easily too.

Best bet would be to call around. Where are you located?

It didn't get too badly bent. I straightened it the best I could but it is not good enough to be on my tanker car. I'm on Whidbey Island, Seattle, Puget Sound area.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

Chuck

The patent # on your photo was applied for by Norman Bauer, Allen Products Corporation, in 1964 and awarded in 1967. Recommended material spec for the frame surround in patent (pg 1, column 2, lines 60-61) is type 430 stainless. This is highly ferromagnetic grade, nominally 17% Cr, balance Fe. It was very commonly used grade 'back in the day' on many Corvette garnish, reveal, trim & shielding items -- (not used much anymore, however). Probably fair to assume that '63 original-issue frames were same material, but would not yet bear the patent number stamping ... maybe all midyears, same logic?

Jeff

Here's a link;

https://www.google.com/patents/US3314181

The "no patent number" would make sense for 1963.

It didn't get too badly bent. I straightened it the best I could but it is not good enough to be on my tanker car. I'm on Whidbey Island, Seattle, Puget Sound area.

Other side of the world from me, Perry. I'm near Tampa, Florida.

Maybe someone on the West coast can make a suggestion.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic



Has anyone seen a lic. plate frame like this, I have a friend that brought this to me, as this was on his 64 in 1970. It is magnetic with rivits and has no pat. number on the clips

[Mark M.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

Perry, One of the best SS restore artist if not the best is Bob Mayle in Depew, NY. He does work for cars of every caliber and type for customers around the world. He's done work for me and other local restorers and his work is always beautiful. The only down side is he's so busy now , he's getting selective on work accepted. The good side is that frame is small. He's very personable so give him a try. 716-683-4018 Mark

[Chester C.]

Re: 1963 Corvette License Plate Frames. Magnetic or Non-Magnetic

Anyone know the part or pat number on frame for 63