Western Cars-Secret Serial Number

[Dick Steinkamp]

You've got to love these western cars .

I was tearing down the '63 Hawk today to get ready for paint prep, and while removing the rear bumper and related sheet metal I thought I'd look for the "secret serial number". Found it immediately. It's not stamped very deep, but is certainly there...



(it's 63VC 2416)

Not as sharp as my LA assembled '54



I wonder how many of these secret serial numbers actually survived?

[JDP]

I find them on about half of the non rust belt cars where I've looked, nearly zero on the rust belt cars.


JDP
Arnold Md.
Studebaker On The Net

http://stude.com

My Ebay Items

http://www.stude.com/EBAY/

64 GT hawk
64 Commander 2 dr.
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black) #2
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[JDP]

I find them on about half of the non rust belt cars where I've looked, nearly zero on the rust belt cars.


JDP
Arnold Md.
Studebaker On The Net

http://stude.com

My Ebay Items

http://www.stude.com/EBAY/

64 GT hawk
64 Commander 2 dr.
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black) #2
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[bradnree]

What's the secret hiding place ??...'47 Champ, '52 Commander, '60 Lark. Why was there a secret number ??......Brad

[bradnree]

What's the secret hiding place ??...'47 Champ, '52 Commander, '60 Lark. Why was there a secret number ??......Brad

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by bradnree

What's the secret hiding place ??...'47 Champ, '52 Commander, '60 Lark. Why was there a secret number ??......Brad

Rear cross member on the flange closest to the fuel tank-about center.

I think it was so the law enforcement types could ID a stolen car if the SN plate was removed.

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by bradnree

What's the secret hiding place ??...'47 Champ, '52 Commander, '60 Lark. Why was there a secret number ??......Brad

Rear cross member on the flange closest to the fuel tank-about center.

I think it was so the law enforcement types could ID a stolen car if the SN plate was removed.

[GTtim]

The actual function of the number, as I have heard it, is that it was a reference number for the workers on the line, to give the car the right equipment/options.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[GTtim]

The actual function of the number, as I have heard it, is that it was a reference number for the workers on the line, to give the car the right equipment/options.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[gordr]

I think even on a rusty car, the secret serial number potentially findable. I seem to remember reading that crime labs could acid-etch the serial number location on firearms, where it had been filed off, and the etching would reveal the altered crystal structure of the metal. In other words, the stamping alters the metal beyond the actual depth of the indentation.

So maybe one could carefully and slowly grind smooth the frame on a rusted Stude, etch it with acid, and "develop" the latent serial number.

Would make a neat experiment for somebody, and could potentially be useful for someone with a numberless car.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[gordr]

I think even on a rusty car, the secret serial number potentially findable. I seem to remember reading that crime labs could acid-etch the serial number location on firearms, where it had been filed off, and the etching would reveal the altered crystal structure of the metal. In other words, the stamping alters the metal beyond the actual depth of the indentation.

So maybe one could carefully and slowly grind smooth the frame on a rusted Stude, etch it with acid, and "develop" the latent serial number.

Would make a neat experiment for somebody, and could potentially be useful for someone with a numberless car.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[StudeRich]

Since none of us were line workers, it is anybody's guess. Mine is that I know that the LINE NUMBER and model were written on the outboard side of the frame rail about where the drivers flooboard would go. That was WAY easier and quicker to read and match to the daily "build list" or the build slip attached to the body frame assembly after body drop.

Anyway all cars must have been mandated by all the State DMV's to have more than one identification, look at the late models, it's on every major part, plus the engine, dash, door post and frame!

quote:Originally posted by GTtim

The actual function of the number, as I have heard it, is that it was a reference number for the workers on the line, to give the car the right equipment/options.
Tim K.

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[StudeRich]

Since none of us were line workers, it is anybody's guess. Mine is that I know that the LINE NUMBER and model were written on the outboard side of the frame rail about where the drivers flooboard would go. That was WAY easier and quicker to read and match to the daily "build list" or the build slip attached to the body frame assembly after body drop.

Anyway all cars must have been mandated by all the State DMV's to have more than one identification, look at the late models, it's on every major part, plus the engine, dash, door post and frame!

quote:Originally posted by GTtim

The actual function of the number, as I have heard it, is that it was a reference number for the workers on the line, to give the car the right equipment/options.
Tim K.

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[bradnree]

I have found the easiest way to see numbers or letters is to apply chalk to the area and then gently remove the chalk stroke after stroke with a really damp rag so that the chalk remains in the numbers and letters. I identified several old tools that were in the '47 Studebaker that way. One tool was "Craftsman" "3/4" wrench. If you want to make the letters semi permanent spray it with clear from a rattle can. "Remember to shake the rattle can until it stops making the sound." I also did the engine number on the '47.......Brad

[bradnree]

I have found the easiest way to see numbers or letters is to apply chalk to the area and then gently remove the chalk stroke after stroke with a really damp rag so that the chalk remains in the numbers and letters. I identified several old tools that were in the '47 Studebaker that way. One tool was "Craftsman" "3/4" wrench. If you want to make the letters semi permanent spray it with clear from a rattle can. "Remember to shake the rattle can until it stops making the sound." I also did the engine number on the '47.......Brad