'68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

[Dennis O.]

I read Michael Carl's thread about the quarter trim panel removal problems he is having with his coupe. All I can say is "Boy, am I glad I have a convertible". Getting the panels out was simply a matter of removing 6 screws (one was a little hard to find).

That being said, I have a couple of questions. First, can anyone tell me if my panels are original or not. I believe that are, since they were on the car since I bought it in 1988, and they weren't new by any chance then. The are made of some sort of plastic covered in a textured vinyl. They are part numbers 3921501-1 (driver) and 3921502-1 (passenger). Below the number is a capital "W" in a vertical rectangle. The AIM shows the part number as 3921500, but it shows only one side so therefore may be using a "generic" part number.

Secondly, the rearmost screw on the passenger panel has never been installed. It misses the tab on the wheel well by a good inch. I have tried to stretch it to fit, but bit's not even close and I am afraid of breaking it. I don't know much about plastic, but I am wondering if applying a moderate amount of heat would soften the plastic and allow it to be "unbent" a little so it could be made to fit. I have a good quality heat gun to use for this. Any help is appreciated.

[Wayne W.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Vinyl covered is very common for 68 especially in non std. interiors.

[Edward B.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Dennis, 3921500 was the "chart" the guys on the line used to look up the actual part number of the panels your car needed, which depended on the interior color.

3921501 and 3921502 are the actual part numbers shown in the P&A under Group 12.170. Unfortunately, my book is dated 1973 so they aren't in there (interior trim parts were usually discontinued a year or so after the model year was up), but maybe someone with a 1969 P&A can look it up for you. I would imagine with that low of a part number (3921501 and 502), they're probably black, right? Usually the less common colors would be higher, like 3921503, 504, 505, 506, etc...

Ed

[Dennis O.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Thanks guys. This car has interior trim code 402 (Black Leather) on the trim tag. (it is Safari Yellow) I never knew there was a difference in these panels between STD and optional interiors. Nice to know. Can I assume that because they have what seem to be the proper factory part numbers that they are original?

[Wayne W.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Most likely original.

[Edward B.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

I agree. More than likely they're originals and not repops.Ed

[Dennis O.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Thanks. I was pretty sure they were originals, but the passenger side is so far off, I thought it might be a repop. I guess bad fitment is to be expected on a '68.

[Terry B.]

Re: '68 Convertible quarter trim panel question

Dennis,

68's get a bad rap. I have found them to be typical of any Corvette from that era. They were mass produced and the labor force may have missed a hole or two.

Terry