So for my car I have these things to look for: original part number is 3960798 frame code is CC manufacturer can be HAYES, PARISH, or AO SMITH finally a date code before November of 1969 This would be the best I could hope for correct?
I pulled out my 1970 Assembly Manual...the "CC" code was changed to "BW" on 9-16-1969. The Protoype GSX was built the first week of September, 1969, hence mine has "CC" for the frame code.
My March built GSX Had an AO Smith BW frame. My 71 Stage-1 had Hayes frame. Strangely my GSX still had orange front body mounts and not violet. They must have had a big stash. I still have them.
I wasn’t able to get around the back driver’s side,to get the numbers off the frame rail,but here is the front,in its original state. BBB motor mounts and steering shaft intact and not disturbed. Factory disc brake,but that doesn’t matter. My engine crossmember only has the single hole. This is also a Flint car.
So why were the motor mounts engineered so they are so off center, AND non-symmetrical to each other on the engine crossmember? You would think that from the factory they would be all nice and straight.
One more thing.... on the frame that I currently have and can se absolutely NO markings on the side frame rail in back of the left rear tire. NONE. I sand blasted the area and even under magnification there is nothing. So what is this frame from? Where can I look to find markings to identify it? It had to be made by SOMEONE who put markings on it.
Same here. On my 1,676 original mile, totally rust free, southern Ca. Reynolds car, I did not see any markings. Early build car like Brad's. I can look again, but where exactly would I look?
Different plants,different markings,different workers,etc.,and yes,sometimes none. I had that frame last fall/winter,for sale,and was the closest thing to NOS that you will ever find. It had zero numbers or codes stamped on it anywhere.
This is incredible. So the BB frames are supposed to have 3 holes, yet the picture above disproves that. Plus we can have frames with no markings at all. So there is a chance that my frame is legit after all? I understand that way back then you relied on workers who could sometimes forget things, which makes all this verification difficult. This is the reason I started this thread in the first place. I am just looking for some concrete things to look for to say YES this is a big block frame and YES it is period correct, but I do not think that is going to happen.....unless somebody here thinks otherwise???
I've owned over 20 factory legit big block cars and ALL have had the 3 holes, I have 6 in my possession rite now and they ALL have the 3 holes, all the BB cars ive scavenged parts off of in junk yards have had 3 holes sooo,...
I've got a frame with big block mounts and the 70 aluminum drums with the single hole but like I told you Rob, I believe it was probably switched and swap around as it has a 72 body bolted to it, and the 70 GS body I got with the deal was a rusted pile, it would seem they simply swapped the mounts and brakes. So until I see a BB frame with the Vin that matches the body ontop of it with one just hole cross member hole I can say with confidence that they are 1 thicker and 2 have 3 holes. Is it possible they ran out of said frames and pulled a standard frame off the rack and put the 400/455 in it yea I suppose it's possible but I would find it very unlikely
Did all of your cars from the past also have frame stamps, or did you ever come across one that was blank?
I have two other frames that have 4 holes. Those came from 72’s though,but my own personal 72 does not have 4 holes. The BBB frame pictured above is in my 70 that was built the 2nd week of February/70,in Flint. You also have to remember,they weren’t building concours showcars back then. The workers job was to assemble a car,and they used what was supplied. Improvise if you had to,but get it done.
I think every workplace has had guys who do everything exactly by the book and guys who said ‘they’re all the same, just grab one-see, it fits, we’re done, let’s go home!’ Patrick
Alright, I'm going to have go get some potato salad to help this crow go down ha, I just looked at my 71 stage 1 4speed frame, car has every piece of documentation there is, and the vin on frame matches the car,....and it only has one hole, in all the ones I've ever had this is the only one that hasn't had the other holes, only reason I didn't bother to look earlier was because of prior knowledge and it still has a greasy ass engine in it the chassis. It is a Hayes frame btw