VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Frame Markings

Need help interpreting the stenciled markings on my '31 Sedan. The date 5/28/31 is readily visible which is about the time the vehicle was built. But not sure what the AOS means. And there are some other illegible markings after the date. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

"AOS" stands for AO Smith Corporation (Arthur Oliver Smith) and they made automobile frames for Peerless, Ford, General Motors and etc., along with many other products as well. The company is still in business today manufacturing hot water heaters.

You will probably not find anyone who knows what the markings after the build date are.

Thanks. Good to know. Thought it would be right to duplicate the markings when I get to that point in the rebuild.

I duplicated the original frame stencil on my car when I restored the frame.

a little discussion with links to history and info on AO Smith in regards to frames

You can go to Google and type in "AO Smith Corporation" and you can get links with the entire history of the company.

Thanks again. I was able to make out the rest of the markings after a little scotch brite and wetting it with rubbing alcohol. I believe it reads: AOS 5/28/31 N-4 SP