Can Anyone Help Me Positively Identify This G Body Chassis??

[texastomeh]

I recently purchased an unfinished 1953 Corvette replica kit car project.

The donor vehicle for the chassis was supposedly a 1980 G Body. There is no question that it is an "A" or "G" body, but since the unfinished project has been through several owners over the last few years, the detailed specifics are very unclear. The only specific markings that I have been able to locate are a "1980" stamped on one of the frame siderails and a plastic medallion inset into the frame on each side over the rear axle. The medallion is approximately 1-1/2 inch in diameter and has the letters "CJ" embossed on it.

Any help in establish the specific make and model would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx,

Tom

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Shouldn't matter. They were all the same except the wagons and El Caminos I believe. Other than that the only differences came in 84(?) when the transmission cross member mounted further back on the driver side because of the longer overdrive transmissions that were optioned.

 

[HOAdrian]

There should be a VIN somewhere on the frame if it hasn't rusted off. That will positively identify the make, model, and year.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Where do they normally stamp the VIN on the frame?

 

[81Regal]

Top of the frame under the pass door, normally.

 

[pontiacgp]

I have never seen or heard of a vin on a G body frame. You can check to see if the measurements of your frame correspond to the measurements of the G body frame..

 

[oldsmobile joe]

i think this was started back in the 60s or earlier. it helps combat vehicle theft where they would change the vin tag on the cowl or where ever the factory put it, with one from junked car. vin tags are usually installed with rivets that are easily drilled out and swapped. by putting a second vin number stamped into the frame, it makes it harder to wash the vin of the stollen vehicle. most thieves won't take the time and effort to swap frames.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

I'm surprised they used a gbody frame. the 53 corvette has a wheel base of 102". the gbody wheel base is 108", sedan or coupe. and the el camino is even longer. if you can find a vin, you may only be able to narrow it down to a one of three variations; station wagons had different rear frame horns, a frame from a gbody with a 200-4r trans necessitating an extension for the trans crossmember on the drivers side or a frame without this frame extension.
my question for you is; why does it matter? all suspension hard points are in the same place.

 

[pagrunt]

Where do they normally stamp the VIN on the frame?

My original frame on my '81 was on the rear cross member above the rear end. It was built at the Leeds (K.C., Mo) plant.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I'm surprised they used a gbody frame. the 53 corvette has a wheel base of 102". the gbody wheel base is 108", sedan or coupe. and the el camino is even longer. if you can find a vin, you may only be able to narrow it down to a one of three variations; station wagons had different rear frame horns, a frame from a gbody with a 200-4r trans necessitating an extension for the trans crossmember on the drivers side or a frame without this frame extension.
my question for you is; why does it matter? all suspension hard points are in the same place.

Agreed, only real issue would be if it had '78 spindles on it, as far as buying components to rebuild all suspension/steering.