Having trouble locating the frame VIN on my 67 special. Car came on a boxed frame so I'm guessing it's off a skylark convertible or a GS. Any info greatly appreciated! Thanks, Garret
Found it! Can anyone help decode this? My searches are coming up empty... Reads: 03 1 66 N2 9783404 (S) 51 Guessing the first set is the date, with N2 being night shift? Confused on the lower set, shouldnt there be a 4 for Buick motor division? Any help greatly appreciated
Based on the date and part number the frame is from a '66 Buick or a '66 Pontiac. I've not seen a frame that has the VIN stamped on the side of the frame with the date and frame part #. On the frames we've seen it's usually in a more hidden location like on the top edge of the frame rail. I've also seen some excellent condition stripped down frames that had no VIN stamped on them anywhere. Of course if the frame is rusty or crusty the VIN will be very difficult to find and if it was stamped lightly it may be completely gone now. According to the Hollander manual: Frame 1201: GM part number 9783404 Fits Buick Special 64-66 convertible, Buick Special 65-66 GS, Tempest 64-66 convertibles. Here is a guy that has a blog about frame interchangeability: http://phscollectorcarworld.blogspot.com/2015/02/gm-body-frame-interchangeability-1966.html
That's the same pn as my '66 GS. Mine is: 2 16 66 N1 9783403 s 50 There are a a few differences on '67 frames: - There is are extra holes in the frame side rails to mount the longer st400 trans. - Rear springs are different, 64-66 has tangental (flat) spring end, 67 has pigtailed end. So if you need to replace the rear springs, use 64-67 springs. My vin was stamped on the top side of the frame, about where the front door ends.
Thank you all for the info, it's been most helpful. I bought the car (67 California gs) knowing it was transplanted onto a boxed frame because that fit directly with my plans of putting a 455 under the hood, wanting the extra frame strength. If I'm understanding correctly, the frame is off a 66 GS or convertible. Will the frame not being a 67 interfere with my plans of a 455 swap mated with a short shaft th400? Any idea what I'll need besides different Trans crossmember, correct springs, and big block frame pads? Currently has small block frame pads so I'm guessing it was a convertible Thanks
You can use the 66 trans crossmember, you just need to weld some brackets on the frame to attach it to...... basically extend the original ones further back for the longer st400.
