I started cleaning the frame off a bit last night to see how bad the pitting was under the core support mount, but also attempted to clean up the VIN stamping. It is REALLY faint towards the end and removing the last of the rust only made it worse. Is there a stamp set available that matches the originals so I can re-stamp the faint letters? I was thinking of trying to free hand with some kind of engraving tool, but I think it will end up looking sloppy and doctored so as to draw suspicion on a legitimate VIN. Anyone have a better idea of how to restore the VIN stamp? I already got the VIN inspected and passed by the DMV, so that is not an issue for me. I am hoping to make it enhance it and make it clearer because when I paint the frame, it is so worn that I think it will be gone forever and cause headaches in the future.

 

The #s are also stamped on the top of frame on the right side about mid to forward part of the door. Need mirror and a very tiny person and good luck.

 

The cab is coming off sometime in the (hopefully) near future and I am definitely going to look to see if it has the second stamping. If so, this could be a good backup plan. As I understand, not all of them do. Even if it does, I would still like the easier access one to be readable if I can do so without making it look suspicious. But a backup would allow me to get more adventurous with this one.

 

I've never seen one without the 2nd stamping but I guess anything is possible.