Early 69 Frame Stencil

[Mark S.]

Starting chassis reassembly after frame blast and paint. Would like to stencil the part # and date on the frame. What I can't find is what number to use after the part number. For example the JM says 3973880 (4spd), next to that is a dash (-) and a number. JM says 60 thru 69. Under the Part # is the date. I assume the date to use is sometime before the build date or order copy date of the car. So the question is what number goes after the Part # (e.g. 60 or 61 or 68...) and what date should be used? Production date was 12-30-68, Vin is 11793. Order copy has date received of 12-12-68.

Thanks for any guidance on this since this is the first vette frame i have blasted and painted. There were no stencil markings on the frame before it went to blaster.

[Ron G.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Mark, The number you are referring to after the dash is called a lot number. Usually the lot number is three digits, but I have seen two digits. The purpose of that number is that every frame that has the same lot number was built the same way which includes welds, drain holes, and etc. I believe the purpose was that is if there was A recall on the frame or if the car was involved in an accident and then it was discovered that something on the frame caused it, then they would recall the cars that had the same lot numbers stenciled on the frame. - Ron

[Mark S.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Thanks. All the pic's in the JM are 2 characters. I also have a chassis restoration book. That also has 2 character number. the car in that book is an early 69 and the number they use is 62 with a date of 10.15.68. I haven't seen any 3 digit numbers.

Mark

[Richard G.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

You can get the proper stencil from Paragon, they will make it for your car. I just did a body off on my 69 435 M-22 car, and I had them make it, cam out fantastic.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Most of the places that sell you stencils will guess at a lot number that is "close enough" for your build date.

If you're really particular you can try and search out original cars of similar date, check their lot numbers, and extrapolate the most accurate for your car. I did that recently for a 1977.

[Chris H.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Mark, here's a photo of my December '68 car.

stencil.jpg

[Joseph A.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

I have a frame date of 12.10.68 and it is also a -61

[Chris H.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Mark, my car is 10255, build date December 10.

[Mark S.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

and is the part # a 68 PN or a 69 PN ??

thanks

[Joseph A.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

My 12.10.68 frame is also 3949093

[Chris H.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Joseph, interesting thanks. Mark, interesting the JG lists a different number (3973880) versus Joe's and mine (3949093). I don't have the new JG. Does it list other frame numbers?

[Mark S.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

One for 4spd and one for auto for 69. Maybe the factory was using frames left over from 68 production...

[Mark S.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

As I try to order a stencil kit I find that suppliers make them based on Vin and configuration which is an issue since my car is vin 11793 and the NCRS books say that the last vin in Dec 68 was 11742. All my documentation says my car was built in Dec 1968, i.e. tank sticker dated 12-12-68, shipping data report has official production date of 12-30-1968. Order copy validation letter confirms this too. All castings on car are late 68.

BUT the numbers published by NCRS indicate the car was a Jan 69 car. I don't know how to reconcile this discrepancy. Speaking with several judges they shrug....Any help in reconciling this would be great.

For now and for practical purposes to complete my restoration, I really don't want a 69 date on my frame stencil so i guess I have to make one one myself unless someone knows a supplier that can do one custom??

Any sage advice is appreciated....

Mark

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Even "if" it was January, the frame would have been made in December of 1969 since the car would have been made January 2, and odds are the frame would have been already on the assembly line Dec 31 (I did not look up days of the week to do this).

So, it's a December dated frame in any event.

[Mark S.]

Re: Early 69 Frame Stencil

Correct but stencil makers want to use Jan 69 dates.....and the Official production date per NCRS is 12/30/68