Frame Identification

[Hug E Bear]

I just purchased a 1965 "C20" to restore. Turns out, the vin # on the cab and the title confirm it is a 65 C10. The problem I am having is that the serial number on the frame is behind the cab on the passenger side top frame rail. I know for the 65 that the serial number should be either on the driver side frame rail right in front of the upper a-arm or on the driver side frame rail underneath the cab. The first part of the serial number is 1CAZ..... I haven't been able to find any chevy frame identification numbers that start with those particular letters. It is a coil spring/disc brake front end with leaf spring chevy 14 bolt rearend and it is 8 lug. Any help is greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I get the correct parts for the chassis and suspension.

[tismy65]

The frame ID # should be the same as the VIN# found on drivers side under cab.

[Hug E Bear]

I've looked in both places and have no vin# stamped on the frame. The only one is on the frame, under the right front side of the bed. I'll post the complete number when I get home tonight.

[PGSigns]

Pictures would help a bunch. Show the cab mounts.
Jimmy

[Hug E Bear]

Here is a pic of the number that's on my frame.

[padresag]

the frame is a GMC frame usually if it has rear leaf springs.
they do not put the whole vin nbrs on the frame. the last 5 or 6 digits from the frame sould match the last 5 or 6 on the vin plate. that is the production # and that shpo;d match. GMC frames of these years did not seem to the ser# on them.
sounds like someone perhaps stuck a GMC 3/4t frame umder a Chevy c10 body
this is what happens when these guys cobble all of this crap together and dump it off on someone witout doing the proper registration
ron

[Hug E Bear]

Well, I spent all night looking online for anything that could tell me what year this gmc frame is and i found nothing. The last 6 digits don't match the title or vin plate because the title is for the 65 c10 cab. I'm not sure how different the 3/4 ton frames were between the different years of gmc trucks but I just don't want to spend money on parts that are for the wrong year.

[bpmcgee]

Hug,

I agree that it doesn't line up very well with any VIN scheme I can find for GM. "1C" looks like the beginning of a '61 Chevy VIN, but it wouldn't be followed by two more letters. The two letters together looks like a GMC VIN, but it wouldn't have THREE letters.

'72 vins DID have 3 letters, but I can't find any reference to "A" being a valid letter in that position.

Two thoughts -- is it possible that it's NOT a VIN but a part number? And second -- it's also possible to identify a frame by the dimensions of the frame members. That information is well documented. Care to post a picture and frame member dimensions for us to cross-check?

Brian

[61K10]

As PGSigns said need pics of the cab mounts (how the cap is mounted). whateng? power steering? more pics needed.

[Hug E Bear]

Front cab mounts are intact. Rear cab mounts have been cut off. Truck does have power steering but didn't come with an engine. I have a 4 speed manual transmission that came with the truck but who knows if it was the original one. I will try and move the cab off of the frame tonight and post a picture of just the chassis. Thank you everyone for your help.

[PGSigns]

The more pics of the frame the better. The front where the bumper mounts also helps.
Jimmy

[Hug E Bear]

I didn't get a chance to pull the cab off the frame last night but I did get some pics of the bumper mount and front of the frame. I'll try and get the cab off tonight.

[jtrichard]

That looks to be a 73 and up frame

[bpmcgee]

This thread has dimensional drawing of all years 60-66 frames. Do your frame measurements line up with the '65?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=325736

[jtrichard]

from the frame location (right rail half way from cab to axle) and what I can find about vin break down it looks to be 1980 Fremont truck

[Captainfab]

I agree. It is a '73+ frame.

Originally Posted by jtrichard

That looks to be a 73 and up frame

[Kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by jtrichard

That looks to be a 73 and up frame

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I agree. It is a '73+ frame.

Just out of curiosity, what indicators from these photos would identify this is as a 73+ frame? I'm always trying to educate myself so when looking at these trucks for friends I can spot the differences in various years.

[PGSigns]

What I see is the shape, the formed section for the power steering, the spot for the brake lines for the front disc brakes, The body mounts and the bumper slopes the other way.
Jimmy

[Hug E Bear]

Thank you everyone for the help. I really do appreciate it.

[jtrichard]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

What I see is the shape, the formed section for the power steering, the spot for the brake lines for the front disc brakes, The body mounts and the bumper slopes the other way.
Jimmy

X2 above...YES bumper, mounts, brake line location,PS gear indent, front frame member. engine mounts,fuel lines,charcoal canister line from gas tank, NOTHING looks like it has been modified from late frame to a pre 72 frame

[Hug E Bear]

So we're definitely looking at a '73-'80 3/4 ton chassis?

[jtrichard]

YES ......I would put money on it

[Slow Build]

I'm not a frame expert but it does look like the frame horns aren't 63-66. But those lower control arm bushings look like pre 73 with zerk fittings.

[Captainfab]

I see the same things as PGSigns and jtrichard as well as the style of engine mounts

Originally Posted by Kenfuzed

Just out of curiosity, what indicators from these photos would identify this is as a 73+ frame? I'm always trying to educate myself so when looking at these trucks for friends I can spot the differences in various years.

The '73+ C20 and C30's did not have the rubber control arm bushings as the C10's do. They retained the greasable steel control arm bushings that the '72 and earlier C10,20 and 30's did.

Originally Posted by Slow Build

I'm not a frame expert but it does look like the frame horns aren't 63-66. But those lower control arm bushings look like pre 73 with zerk fittings.

[Slow Build]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The '73+ C20 and C30's did not have the rubber control arm bushings as the C10's do. They retained the greasable steel control arm bushings that the '72 and earlier C10,20 and 30's did.

I learn something new every day. Unfortunately I forget two things I used to know in the same amount of time.

Thanks for the knowledge.