Chassis numbers

[Dale S.]

Should I leave the original stenciled numbers or repaint, also is there a process to document other than pictures. Thanks for your help. I am doing a full frame off restoration. I have had this car since 65 all matching numbers and has been in my garage, thanks again.

[Gary C.]

Re: Chassis numbers

Dale,

Depends on how bad the stencil is.

Options that you should do are:
1) trace stencil onto tracing paper - good enough to make a stencil from if need be
2) take detail measurements of stencil; a) length and height of each number/letter, b) dimension (space) between each letter, c) dimension (space) from all frame holes, d) dimension (space) from the top and bottom rails, e) determine if number/letters justificationl, left, center or right

Good luck,

Gary
....

[John F.]

Re: Chassis numbers

And take photos of the frame sitting there with the clear shot of the stencil.

[Jim D.]

Re: Chassis numbers

You may also want to use a mild cleaner, like Simple Green, and clean the areas where the pull date and shim markings would be and document them as well.

[Edward B.]

Re: Chassis numbers

Take your lead from Forensic Photography 101 and include a ruler in the picture to allow accurate scaling of the characters and their placement. Including a date stamp on the image is also highly suggested. Take more pictures from various angles than you think you will ever need.