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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 36 | Hi, is there a number stamped on the frame of a 1956 1/2 ton Chevrolet Pickup, that is visible without removing the cab or bed? If so maybe a picture of location
Thanks
Charles | | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 | there is on mine. on the top of the driver's side frame rail near the steering box. easily seen. i'm away for the weekend - i can take a pic tomorrow afternoon if you would like. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Chevrolet did not put a mark on the frame in 1956. The Vehicle Serial Number was on a metal plate on the cab, between the hinges on the driver's side. http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1956-t-ser.pdfSome members have reported that CA DMV might have stamped a code on frames in the 50s. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | frame numbers started in 55.2 & 56 like so .... first prefix not added Bill | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Was that in USA & Canada, Bill?
Did the USA specification manual only mention the pillar location, but not the frame location?
Maybe that is the "hidden location" that the DMV officer was looking for on the frame of my 1954 trucks?
It was treated as a "hidden location" from 55-2nd onwards?
Thanks
Last edited by tclederman; 09/30/2017 9:54 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the frame stamp was never advertised - pictured is a US [Janesville] truck - not sure about Canada, don't recall paying attention to it on the CDN made trucks I've had
Bill
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Thanks, Bill
I was editing-in the "hidden location" possibility as you were posting your explanation. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 | My 55.2 3100 has it on top of the frame on the drivers side.
Brian
1955.2 3100 Truck
The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 36 | If is by the steering box is maybe why I cant find it. a section of the frame has been torched to install a power steering box . Cut out about 9 inches then welded a plate in to bolt the box to, pretty messy job. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | The 55-2 and up TF trucks all have the number stamped twice on the frame, once above the front axle and then again about 3 feet back under the cab. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Thanks, Mike
That is what the NC DMV officer told me about my 1954 trucks.
He said he would not ask me to take my Suburban body off the frame (to find those markings/codes), but I would need a bonded title (even though it had been registered in my name since 1971. He said I looked honest (but, I am lucky he did not see me in 1971).
He did take up my invite to come to my garage to see a few 54/55st Chevrolet & GMC truck frames. He then believed me, and sent/saved photos of the frame. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | Tim, Are you saying your 54's have s/n stamped on the frame? Mike B | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Sorry for the confusion, Mike
"He did take up my invite to come to my garage to see a few 54/55st Chevrolet & GMC truck frames. He then believed me, and sent/saved photos of the frame." He believed my statement to him that there are/were no numbers/codes stamped on my 1954 frames.
No - there are no serial numbers stamped on my 1954 frames. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 147 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 147 | I have a 55 Cameo that was built in Flint. I checked the frame back to the front cab mount,
that was as far as I could see, this is a clean, original frame, and there are no numbers stamped
anywhere on the top or the side of the frame.
I have the GM Shop Service Manual, but other than describe how to read the numbers,
it doesn't mention anything about the serial numbers being stamped on the frame.
Bob
55 Cameo 396 TH 400 with overdrive
65 Caliente conv
67 BB Caliente conv
67 Mercury 1 Ton
76 GMC 3/4 ton 454ci
84 Buick Turbo Regal
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the stamping started in 55, but maybe late 55, I have seen 55's without it, but never seen later frames without it ....
GM didn't advertise the frame stamping, you won't find it in any factory literature
Bill
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