C3 Frame Stamps

[Tim S.]

Can anyone tell me the significance of these frame stampings? I am trying to help a fellow out on his 70 LT-1 that is needing frame repair / replacement.

Thanks,
TimIMG_9817.jpgIMG_9818.jpgIMG_9819.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Is this your 70 in the pictures? It surely doesn't look like a frame needing repair.

[Tim S.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Is this your 70 in the pictures? It surely doesn't look like a frame needing repair.

It is Patrick. I posted my car for a visual reference of the stamps. Thankfully this car does not need a frame

[Mike E.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Tim, I can't tell you about the significance of those stampings, but I can tell you that they are already on frames '62 and earlier. Good to see you at Bloomington!

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

I can't recall if they're a vendor stamp, or a part reference stamp that A. O. Smith used in assembling the frames. However, they all have the same numbers in the same locations.

[Tim S.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Good to see you at Bloomington!

Likewise Mike! It's been a while.....that's for certain!

[Tim S.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

I can't recall if they're a vendor stamp, or a part reference stamp that A. O. Smith used in assembling the frames. However, they all have the same numbers in the same locations.

I did see a -70 on a different one

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

I did see a -70 on a different one

Not the same number everywhere, but each corner gusset is -10, for example. I've seen other number on other pieces.
Think of your Ikea furniture having the pieces numbered.

[Eric S.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Those are inspection stamps on an original frame.

[Mike E.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Those are inspection stamps on an original frame.

[Eric S.]

Re: C3 Frame Stamps

Hi Mike. I might be full of beans and I understand that we're talking about a C-3 but I was looking at the stencils on my C-2 (65). In the manual there is a notation about inspection stampings " Original cars have been observed with a 1/2" circular inspection stamping with a 2 digit number inside on both sides of the frame bottom corner triangular reinforcements" The manual also has a picture which looks a lot like the ones in the post. Again this is on a '65 but they may have continued to use them.