1958 corvette frame numbers

[Anthony M.]

I'm trying to read the frame numbers on my 58 corvette.

We are having a hard time making out the last 2 numbers. From both places its stamped on the frame
We need these numbers since the body numbers are missing off the car.
So far we can make out J58S1005**
Any advice on how to make them more readable.

I would add a picture. But I new to this forum and don't see where I can add one.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Anthony, See this link from the FAQ page at the top row of this page for adding photos....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_photos

What may help is to carefully, using just a rag soaked in acetone or alcohol, rub over the areas to highlight the numbers. Then take photos at various angles and lighting effects. Sometimes it'll show more detail in a photo than the eyes.

Another option is tracing paper over the numbers and a light pencil rub. Several tries may be needed.

Try not to use abrasives or sandpaper, although some have had success doing that.

Rich

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

[QUOTE=Richard Mozzetta (13499);923661]Anthony, See this link from the FAQ page at the top row of this page for adding photos....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_photos

What may help is to carefully, using just a rag soaked in acetone or alcohol, rub over the areas to highlight the numbers. Then take photos at various angles and lighting effects. Sometimes it'll show more detail in a photo than the eyes.

Another option is tracing paper over the numbers and a light pencil rub. Several tries may be needed.

Try not to use abrasives or sandpaper, although some have had success doing that.

Rich

[David H.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Anthony

Welcome to NCRS Tech Board!

VIN on title?

Dave

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Here is a photo of the numbers

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Anthony

Welcome to NCRS Tech Board!

VIN on title?

Dave

its actually title as a 60 and we know that it is not correct. We are trying to get it title right.

The numbers on the title are not even correct for a 60

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

[QUOTE=Anthony Middendorf (69736);923663]

Anthony, See this link from the FAQ page at the top row of this page for adding photos....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_photos

What may help is to carefully, using just a rag soaked in acetone or alcohol, rub over the areas to highlight the numbers. Then take photos at various angles and lighting effects. Sometimes it'll show more detail in a photo than the eyes.

Another option is tracing paper over the numbers and a light pencil rub. Several tries may be needed.

Try not to use abrasives or sandpaper, although some have had success doing that.

Rich

we have tried the paper and pencil. We have used baby powder and chalk also. We are just nit sure on the last two. We think its J58S100530. Just not sure on the 30.


I did get a picture posted of it.

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

The car is actually a 58 big brake car also

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Does the body have true 1958 features?

Or is a 1960 body?

If it's a 1958 RPO 684 body it will have unique tubes in the front fenders and holes for airflow to the rear wheel wells and scoops to direct air to rear brakes. Along with front air deflectors in the front inner fenders, lower corners near core supports.

Does the frame have unique rear upper shock mounts?

What is the vin on the title? State issued?

When I zoom in on your photo, then stand back....

I see 100555, maybe 100565

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Does the body have true 1958 features?

Or is a 1960 body?

If it's a 1958 RPO 684 body it will have unique tubes in the front fenders and holes for airflow to the rear wheel wells and scoops to direct air to rear brakes. Along with front air deflectors in the front inner fenders, lower corners near core supports.

Does the frame have unique rear upper shock mounts?

What is the vin on the title? State issued?

When I zoom in on your photo, then stand back....

I see 100555, maybe 100565

yes it is a 58 body. With the air ducts20221009_101819.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Anthony, I understand your dilemma.

So both sets of numbers have a light hit from the stamping machine?

On the worst one, you could try using some 180 grit as a experiment, very lightly to remove the surface rust. Then use the solvent to clean, then a bit of paint on a rag and wipe it across to highlight the depressions.

Rich

[Gary C.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Suggest you find a good photoship person and send a hi resolution photo to them and request they work their magic to reveal that numbers

Good luck!

Gary
....

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Gary, Yes a higher resolution would help, but he needs to get to a better surface before the photo. Black & White would be best.

I tried enhancing his existing photo using Irfanview which has many image edit features. No smoking gun yet.

First I cropped the last 4 digits.
58_vin_J58S1005xx_mag_R1.jpg

Then Grayscale
58_vin_J58S1005xx_mag_R2.jpg

Then I inverted(Negative)
58_vin_J58S1005xx_mag_R3.jpg


Anthony for reference, here are several C1 frame stamps to compare yours to if you get a clearer view.
car_J59S109573.jpgcar_E57S105151.jpgcar_E56S001261.jpgcar_E54S003053.jpgcar_E54S002860.jpg62_9075.JPGcar_VE55S001139.jpg

[Mark F.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Nice shots, Rich !

All of those numbers appear to have "Curved" bottoms - meaning they could be the lower parts of: 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 0...

So, by process of elimination, assuming the fonts they used are the same as or at least similar to those shown in your shots, we know the last 4 cannot contain the following numbers: 1, 2, 4, or 7

I know that still leaves 60% as possibilities, but at least we'd know what NOT to look for...

[Edward J.]

Re: 1958 corvette frame numbers

Anthony, does the body have any features that looks like it was a race car? Holes drilled in body for added features? How about dated components like wheels ? Any running changes during that model year, something that could narrow the last 4 digits, forgive me I am not a C1 guy, but Rich is Maybe something will ring a bell for him.