Other: How far back did Studebaker Use Frame Numbers and Where?

[hausdok]

Hi All,

I'm talking to a fellow about purchasing another P.H.. The car has been repainted. The owner is not in the same state as the car but he had someone go over to copy off the frame number on the A-post plate and from the body number plate on the cowl, after I told him where to find them. He contacted me this morning to tell me that the serial number data plate and the body number plate aren't there. I'm wondering if, in addition to the serial number data plate, S-P used a stamped frame number; and, if so, where I might find that in order to be able to a.) confirm that it is a P.H.. and 2) re-title the vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

Mike O'Handley
Kenmore, Washington
hausdok@msn.com

[StudeRich]

At least back to 1953, certainly it WOULD have been on a '58 Packard Hawk, IF still ledgeable.

It is stamped in lightly, near the center of the rear flange of the rearmost crossmember, just forward of the rear bumper.

It usually takes a wire brush to clean dirt & rust.

[hausdok]

Thanks,

Top or bottom of that crossmember, and do you think some Navy Jelly and/or some light sand blasting would obliterate it? I've got a blaster but I don't want to use it if it's going to ruin it.

Mike O'Handley
Kenmore, Washington
hausdok@msn.com

P.S.

When I was an investigator in the army, I learned a technique for bringing back obliterated serial numers on guns. I wonder if it would work on these too?

[Flashback]

On the bottom. The one on my 53 is just off center to the drivers side on the flat lip of the crossmember. Brush and then use a little soapstone.

[hausdok]

Thanks, that helps.

Mike O'Handley
Kenmore, Washington
hausdok@msn.com

[whacker]

Do not sandblast. The number is usually very faint.

[Dick Steinkamp]

Here's what it looks like on my '54 Starliner...

[hausdok]

Thanks, Dick.

That helps a lot to visualize it. I've forwarded that to the seller so that he understands what I described to him.

Mike O'Handley
Kenmore, Washington
hausdok@msn.com

[dynolou2]

Pryor to purchase ARE YOU planning to inspect this car yourself? Rust and title issues could make this a very expensive purchase. If you can't get to it yourself, maybe a club member in the area it's located in is familiar with the car or could look it over for you. It's worth a try anyway. Good Luck Lou Cote

[hausdok]

Pryor to purchase ARE YOU planning to inspect this car yourself? Rust and title issues could make this a very expensive purchase. If you can't get to it yourself, maybe a club member in the area it's located in is familiar with the car or could look it over for you. It's worth a try anyway. Good Luck Lou Cote

Definitely. If it checks out and is a P.H., I'll make a drive down there to check it out. It'll take me a day to go there, check it out and come back. It's worth it to me if it turns out to be as solid as the owner says.

Mike O'Handley
Kenmore, Washington
hausdok@msn.com

[Jeff_H]

near the center of the rear flange of the rearmost crossmember

The one on my 53 is just off center to the drivers side on the flat lip of the crossmember.

Interesting. The one on my '53 was to the passenger side.

I think the key point here is don't assume that number is in a consistant location on the rear X member, check the whole thing!!

[Retired]

I restored a 1942 Commander Sedan Coupe and the frame number was on the flange of the frame rail under the drivers seat side.

[jackb]

my 41' Commander had the same ID located driver's side frame rail...clear as day on a NH car...