Frame VIN #'s
 

Does anyone know how to bring back a VIN # that is partially there, but some of it is missing due to pitting in the frame. I have tried wire brushing, but I still can't tell through the pitting.

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Sometimes a pencil rubbing will show what you cannot see. Use a soft lead

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Depends what year I suppose, But my 32 has the number stamped on the top of drivers rail in 3 places.. If the body is off perhaps you can look elsewhere..

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

If the original transmission is still in the car, the number will be on the bell housing. Ed Pitts

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

On my 34 I found the frame numbers in four places... transmision bellhousing,the left top frame at the motor, top of frame (LEFT)between the two doors of a four door and top of frame on the left near the "Hump" in the rear of the frame...of course it means body removal

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Forensics techs would clean and smooth the surface where the numbers were stamped then apply an acidic solution there. Where the stamping action takes place it condenses the grain of the steel in similar fashion to forging processes. The tighter bond grain of the metal will show in a different gray scale shade than the non-stamped metal. I don't know which acid solution they use or how much dilution but that is the principal way they do it on wepons and other objects that have been altered to change or remove identifying serial numbers. If the area is deeply pitted with corrosion, it may not have anything left to bring back up.

Kerby

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Scary tech from a very experienced restorer of wildly expensive European racecars:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...acid&showall=1

Have 911 on speed dial!

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Try cleaning area until metal shows.put lemon juice on area where vin number should be.You can fill in the blanks for the unknown numbers sometimes if they are in the first part of the vin number
Example;1933 Ford v8 started with 212239 and ended with 561592. Using these numbers the first number would have to be 2,3,4, or 5
A star and number 18 preceded the v8 model 1932 33 & 34. Star and the letter B preceded the 4 cylinder (also the serial number started above 5,000,000 for 1932). If you know the year you may be able to get a closer range LOL lee34

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Give a call to a coin dealer and ask for the stuff that brings the date back on buffalo nickels or standing liberty quarters that have the dates worn off . It really works !!!!!! I don't collect anything but uncirculated coins anymore so I haven't seen this stuff for awhile but I would assume it's still around . It came in a little bottle like eye drops . Rotorwrench talked about this stuff in a post above . David J

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

You might try using a diluted solution of Muratic acid(swimming pool) rather than using battery acid(sulfuric acid).

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

:D I found some " NIC-A-DATE " on ebay . $7.80 with free shipping . Item # 300526542651 . After following the link in Bruce Lancasters post above I see post # 7 from 11-26-07 by alchemy on the H.A.M.B talks about this product . Get the area to bare metal { had good results with Naval Jelly } and it should be clear as a bell . I imagine any good coin store would stock this also . :D David J

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

The number range you stated for 1933 Fords, 212239 to 561592 is a little different from Van Pelt's site. Where did you get your info??

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

I got my info from EARLY FORD V-8 CLUB 1933-34 restoration manual .lee34

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

The rust removal method is the first step, but it only gets you there if the indentations stamped in the metal remain. If areas are pitted beyond that depth rust removal is inadequate. Dr. Bluto's method reveals the compressed/forged metal beneath the surface impressions so that a number can be determined even on a badly pitted or ground frame. It is the sort of thing that would be done in criminal cases involving a gun or car with ground-off numbers...the effects of number stamps on steel are far deeper than the visible grooves.

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

I just bought a Deuce sedan so this was great reading. I had no idea the VIN would also be on the bell housing. Great stuff!

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

if the tranny hasn't been swapped!!

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

She's bone stock! Attachment 33909

Re: Frame VIN #'s
 

Try rubbing a piece of chalk over the numbers.