Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

[Steve G.]

OK, I've searched the archives, pored through my JG, and read through Noland's book. I am having a dispute regarding the 1958 VIN tag in the door jamb.

No, not the screw vs rivet argument. Its the "are the numbers stamped in or stamped out" argument. I cannot see this question addressed anywhere. There is a picture of a '60 VIN plate where the numbers are stamped "out", but does not specifically address this issue for any year, in Noland's book.

Can anyone clarify this and point me towards a legitimate reference source? thanks.

[Donald S.]

Re: Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

Steve,

In no way am I an expert on VIN tags for '58, but my experience has shown that these were "stamped in" quite deeply into the plate; so much that you can see a slight distortion from the impact at the bottom of the plate. Another fact is that you will rarely see the number completely straight; it appears the number "roll" up and down starting with the "J" being slightly higher than the rest.
Not that the cars that Pro-Team sell are all legit, but check out their site; most of the '58's shown have pictures of the VIN tags. On the ones I checked there this morning, I would guess that one has been reproduced becasue it lacks those features I mentioned.
See the attached picture of what I would consider a "correct" VIN tag.
Don

http://www.proteam-corvettes.com/

[Ray G.]

Re: Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

OK, I've searched the archives, pored through my JG, and read through Noland's book. I am having a dispute regarding the 1958 VIN tag in the door jamb.

No, not the screw vs rivet argument. Its the "are the numbers stamped in or stamped out" argument. I cannot see this question addressed anywhere. There is a picture of a '60 VIN plate where the numbers are stamped "out", but does not specifically address this issue for any year, in Noland's book.

Can anyone clarify this and point me towards a legitimate reference source? thanks.

Hello Steve;
Metal car tag picture attached.

[Roy B.]

Re: Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

1955 only 700 built so the last three numbers were added along with the V , seen here different looking V's numbers on some tages look like they were machine added not hand stamped ( most are restored 55's for sale?) . 99% of original 55's I've seen the V and last three numbers were hand stamped and look like they were!! ( center pic)
You decide some one now repro's them

[Steve G.]

Re: Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

Hello Steve;
Metal car tag picture attached.

This one looks pretty light compared to the ones usually considered original.

[Ray G.]

Re: Good Reference, re: '58 VIN tag stamping

This one looks pretty light compared to the ones usually considered original.

Hello Steve;
This is a sample of 35 plus images we have collected over the years to authenticate 55-57 and later metal cars.
It is typical. Will send more if it will help.
Hope this helps your research.
Ray