[napa68]

It's a good question. All a matter of opinion. I suppose, one could only compare to an engine. Does one try to ressurect a POS and expect the same end result (performance)? I wanted a VERY solid car that was not pieced together. That is the simple reason I looked for a car the was unhit as opposed to something I had to hang a front or rear clip on. I'd rather deal with a rusty frame (with a good bird cage) than a bunch of busted up glass.

I personally, have no issue with a replacement frame. There have been more than a few documented cases where a person restoring a car sees a noticable difference in the weight between a solid replacement frame compared to a repaired rusty frame. IMO that is a saftey issue.

I have heard (and read) of people taking the VIN from the original frame, cutting it out and butt welding it into the replacement frame. No different than a rebody on a steel car. I have no problem representing the car as it truly is. I have a bill of sale from the replacement frame detailing the VIN number of the car it came from. For the sake of honesty and authenticity of restoration, I have stamped the frame with an original gang stamp. While it is my intent to keep this car, you never know what the future may hold and I do not want myself nor anyone else to have a problem with the car at say an auction. Much like my engine block,the frame is a stamper.

Again, this is more a philisophical point of my own. I am sure there are others who would argue with my point. Too many times, one would like to make everyone believe the car they restored or are selling is a virgin. Fact is, not near as many cars are the virgins they are represented to be. These cars were beat, crashed, raced, blown up, and driven in the salt. Believe it or not, they were not all sold in California

As for the original frame, The VIN is beyond recognition as I looked for it. The scale had it's way. That is one of the issues with a 63 as it is only stamped in one spot (At least in the early cars like mine).

I hope this answers your question.

All the best and thanks for the interest.

Tim

P.S. I consider myself lucky as I located a frame that was 2 weeks away from the production date of my car. It is my understanding 63's have 3 different frames through production. Again, authentic.

Just for clarification, this car is a REAL and validated F.I. Corvette that is Daytona Blue with it's original F.I. unit.