Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

I am new to the forum so this may have been posted before; my apologies if so. I am trying to locate the hidden partial VIN on the frame of my 1965 GMC pickup as I am about to start restoration; however, I cannot find any numbers except what is most likely a production data stamping on the driver's side of the frame just below the cab (this is on the exposed side, not on the top where it is hidden by the cab). I cannot find a partial VIN stamping on the frame in the engine compartment as with Chevys. I have a 1964 and a 1965 Chevrolet Pickup and they both have partial VINs stamped into the frames in two locations (as well as a production data stamping like the one mentioned above and in the images below).

Did GMC stamp a partial VIN on their frames and if so, where?

Below is an image of the production data stamping on the left side of the frame below driver's door; what this number means I do not know, but based on my other mid-60s Chevy trucks, the 5 in the middle is the production year. The images below are production data frame stampings from three of my trucks: a 1965 GMC Pickup #2443630, a 1965 Chevy Pickup #3829589, and a 1966 Chevy Pickup #3881391; all are short wheel base pickup truck frames. The two 1965 production year frames show a 5 in the eighth digit location; the 1966 shows a change in sequencing, but it appears to me that the 6 in the 10th digit slot is the production year. Looking at these it appears the frames suggest an early production 1965 (#2443630) GMC, a late production 1965 (#3829589) Chevy, and an early production 1966 (#3881391) Chevy.

Can anyone explain these frame stampings? Other than the production years, I see no correlation between these and the VINs.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

Pretty sure GMC didn't put the vin anywhere but on the vin plate. I remember someone saying they had trouble registering in Georgia because it wasn't stamped in two places.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

I have seen the vin stamped on Chevy frames I have scraped, but never on a GMC frame. I recall one member once found the vin painted on the side of the frame rail, but I have not seen that myself.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

It seems strange that Chevrolet would double stamp a partial VIN and not GMC...

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

This is under the hood, forward of the cowl, above the firewall, driver's side.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

That's modern thinking. Back then they were two different companies.

The only place that you'll find the vin is on the title and on the door jamb.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

I understand that, but regulations were for every manufacturer. I cannot find when it became a federal requirement, but I have heard 1966. My 1965 GMC is an early one, and apparently without hidden partial VIN; however, my 1965 Chevrolet truck is late production and does have the hidden partial VIN in two locations.

I have read where Chevrolet and GMC shared many major components as early as 1931. It stands to reason that hidden VIN stampings would have been corporate wide.

As a footnote - there is no evidence of a partial VIN being removed from the 1965 GMC frame, so I am quite certain it was never there, at least not in the common locations on the frame as used by Chevrolet.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

Regulations didn't state that you had to frame (or major part) stamp a vehicle until 1987. Vins were something done by the company not the gob'ment.

Also, Chevrolet's "corporate wide" doesn't apply to GMC, regardless of the parts shared between the separate companies. They were two separate items back then. Like ford and chevy, but both owned by Big Truck Company. They still do their own things and share some parts but they're different trucks until about 1968 if my alzheimers isn't getting in the way of the numbers. That's when Chevy started being made in the same plants and they had a lot more crossover.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

From what I can find - VINs were first used in 1954, but between 1954 and 1981, there were no accepted standards; as a result, auto manufacturers used different formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required a standardized format for VINs - all road-use vehicles must have a 17 character VIN.

For hidden VINs -

1987: autos from this model year forward - that had "high theft" rates - were required to have 12-14 of their major component parts marked with the VIN.

1994: the standard was amended to include multi-purpose passenger vehicles and light duty trucks.

1997: amended to mark VIN major component parts such as - transmission, front & rear bumper, engine, hood, right & left door, sliding cargo door, right & left quarter panels and side assembly, pickup/cargo box, rear doors & hatchback/deck lid/tailgate. Other common locations for VINs are the upper passenger side of the firewall in the engine compartment, the left hand inner wheel arch, steering column, the radiator support bracket, the machined pad on the front of the engine and on various component parts.

From this I can surmise that VINs were not required before 1981; hidden VINs - full or partial - were not required before 1987. So, GMC very likely did not use them, but we know Chevrolet did. I can only guess that GMC trucks were not a "high theft" vehicle and Chevrolet trucks were. Makes sense to me!?!?:confused:

As far as when GMC and Chevrolet followed the same path, I will take your word for it (until I hear something different)!:)

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

1967 was the year that GM started to take more control of GMC & Chevy, they started to requier all Light Truck lines to built by Chevrolet and Med/Heavy trucks by GMC. the V6 was an option in GMC light trucks through 1969. It was use in Med/Heavy trucks of both makes from 1967 to 1974.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

Okay - I have received an "official" response: no VINs - full or partial - on the 1965-66 GMC pickup frame anywhere (and presumed earlier years). The VIN is on a plate attached in the cab door opening only, in the center above the door (65-66). No longer a mystery; aliens do not exist. :biggringmc:

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

:goodjob:

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

Just to add, two weeks ago I purchased another 1965 GMC, VIN I1001PF35005A, 1/2 ton, 230 six cylinder, three on the tree, SWB fender side that was purchased new in May of 1966 (it was titled May 2, 1966); it is equipped identically to my first 1965 GMC. This newest truck had been in the same family since new - until sold to me. There are no hidden VINs stamped anywhere on the frame - full or partial.
I have also determined - based upon these two 1965 GMC trucks I now own - that the stamped number on the side of the frame below the driver door is at least partially a part number for the frame - number 2443630. I once thought the number immediately following this one was the model year, but this latest acquisition proves that theory incorrect. Below are images of the two stampings - the left is my newest acquisition and it reads: 2443630 11 18 77 67; the right is my first and it reads: 2443630 5 24 77 67. Obviously there are similarities, such as the first seven digits and the last last four digits. Any inputs on the 11 18 and the 5 24 would be appreciated (perhaps month and day?).

:biggringmc:

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

can you show us the official response if there is one
thks
ron

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

There is a number on at least some 1960 GMC 1002 Model on the frame. I think I am the member Jolly referenced about this number. I include an attached picture of the number on my trucks frame, red painted numbers stamped upside down on outside of frame, under passenger door. I know the truck was picked up in fall 1959 by the original owner, who is still going strong at 91 years young. Maybe someone can decipher this text. Bottom line looks like date code. 1302 may be truck built number as it is one thousand lower than the VIN Plate. This was hidden by gunk until I pressure washed the frame. I carefully cleaned the paint after discovery and taped over it when we sprayed the frame. Please check your frames Closely ,you may get lucky and find this text on your truck. Please let me know if you do, as we can pool ideas to crack the code. Thanks, Greg Mead

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

I have parted out a lot of 60 GMC trucks and have never seen anything like that. I have a few 60 frames that still have a lot of paint left and I will look. My running 60 does not have that. I powerswashed the frame and did not repaint. But the 9-26-59 is way early and cool.

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

Would you start a thread about this truck. Your truck is the earliest 60 I know of. I have found some running changes and odd things on the 1960 trucks I have and have had. 60 trucks are my favorite of these style trucks. And I would love to chat about it. Barry

Re: Hidden partial VIN on 1965 GMC Pickup frame
 

I would have no problem with that. What exactly should I do to make this? Afraid I am a novice here. I feel like I am walking among GMC Giants on this page. You guys are very helpful to those of us who are feeling our way with our trucks. I learn a lot each time I check in. Thanks , Greg Mead