1962 Body Lift

[Jeff C.]

My 62 has an "assigned identification number" from the state of Georgia. Numerious attemps by myself and others to read the VIN off the frame have not been successful. There is just not enough room between the frame and the body at that point. I am now considering unbolting the 10 body mounts and lifting the drivers side of the body approximatly 1/2 inch which should be enough to read the VIN. Has anyone done this before and if so did you have any problems?
Jeff

[Rod K.]

Re: 1962 Body Lift

Not a '62 guy, but based on my '57 I'd say you should loosen the right side three bolts but don't remove them to help maintain the body location on the frame. Remove the rest (7 total) keeping track of the shims and pads for reinstallation. Don't forget the front center mount at the radiator support. You might also want to unbolt the steering column at the frame and let it move with the body. Check the clearance at the shifter, radiator fan, etc., any thing that will move with the body. You'll probably find you'll need more than 1/2 inch to see the VIN, but I think you should be able to raise it a couple of inches without any problem. I'd use a length of 2X4 under the rocker and lift with a floor jack or two. Good luck.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1962 Body Lift

On my old 54 I just cut a hole in the floor over the frame rail and the vin was easily readable.
I then glassed in the piece and that was that.
A lot easier and safer then lifting the body.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1962 Body Lift

I just took the body off of my 66 roadster and it took quite a lot of scrubbing to bring out the vin. The numbers were not deaply stamped. I would never have ben able to see them with the body above the chasis.