With the body still on the '72 GS, I have located rust-through on the driver-side just passed the driver door on top and some on the bottom, quarter-side according to my trusty flat-head screwdriver. I have also located rust-through on the rear frame rails around one of the bushing holes. The pitting is very bad at the two locations where I know I should find the VIN and body numbers - driver-side door area and rear driver side frame rail. I haven't been able to identify any numbers or letters. My three questions, and advice requested: 1. Should I not anticipate finding the identification numbers and/or letters as the original stampings were shallow already considering the rust pitting? 2. Considering the rarity of the '72 GS convertible, should I attempt to media blast and find out? 3. Would swapping a rust-free '71 Skylark convertible frame devalue significantly the '72 GS convertible I intend to restore?
Depends on what the car is. Stage-1 Most value. 455 Less and 350 least value. It would be more cost effective to find another car if this car is a base 350. You are getting in deep.
Personally I would not use a rusted out frame and I would rather have a rust free frame that is not all patched up. At least it is a convertible frame so physically it would be the same. You could post a poll in your thread. You have some that would cut the numbers part out of the old frame and patch them in the replacement. I am sure there are many different opinions. <o></o>
answer to question #3 is NO unless u are trying to perform an all numbers matching concours restoration. Use the '71 frame and be safe.
