1973 Kick Panel Questions

[David C.]

Removed both kick panels today to check out condition of the birdcage around the body mounts there (btw there was only surface rust), and have now a few questions:
1) the screw in corner which secures the right kick panel was loose, and I realized there is no screw hole for it. The AIM is not clear. Is there supposed to be a hole in the fiberglass to accept the screw?
2) There was a thin cardboard like panel behind each kick panel covering the area behind the small ventilation grill holes (not the astro ventilation) it appears to be some kind of thick tar paper board. What is it? Where can I get replacements? How is it secured?
3) There is a rubber insulation flap at the top edge of the carpets in the front footwells. It lays over the top edge of the carpet. Is this correct, or should the carpet lay over top of the rubberized flap? Everything looks very original and undisturbed. What is that rubber flap btw?

Thanks so much. Voyage of discovery!

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Yes the screw should be screwed into the fiberglass
Can't say I have ever seen the card board paper[
The rubber insulation flap goes over the carpet.QUOTE=David Ciaramello (45974);742639]Removed both kick panels today to check out condition of the birdcage around the body mounts there (btw there was only surface rust), and have now a few questions:
1) the screw in corner which secures the right kick panel was loose, and I realized there is no screw hole for it. The AIM is not clear. Is there supposed to be a hole in the fiberglass to accept the screw?
2) There was a thin cardboard like panel behind each kick panel covering the area behind the small ventilation grill holes (not the astro ventilation) it appears to be some kind of thick tar paper board. What is it? Where can I get replacements? How is it secured?
3) There is a rubber insulation flap at the top edge of the carpets in the front footwells. It lays over the top edge of the carpet. Is this correct, or should the carpet lay over top of the rubberized flap? Everything looks very original and undisturbed. What is that rubber flap btw?

Thanks so much. Voyage of discovery![/QUOTE]

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Thank you Russ, appreciate your response. I don't see a hole in the fiberglass, which is odd. I suppose I will have to drill it, or not worry about it.

Does anyone else know about those press board / tarred cardboard pieces behind the kick panels?

[John S.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

David - I realize this is an older thread but I wanted to give you some additional info on your C3 kick panels. I also found the heavy tar paper insulation (brownish color) behind my kick panels. Looks like it was held in place with small amount of adhesive on the vertical sections. I used two small spots of W/S adhesive when I put things back together. Regarding screws in the forward portion of the panel, no screws found in mine and no hole found in the FG behind. I am leaving screws out until someone advises differently.

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Thank you John!
Dumb question - what is W/S adhesive?

[John S.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Sorry, Weatherstrip Adhesive - I used the high tack black stuff from 3m. The world of abbreviations gets carried away sometimes !!

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

You need the kick plate screws for judging but I think most of the screws were never installed. They are very hard to get lined up.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Lyle,
I notice on some of the kickplates out there for sale that some have a hole for mounting on the lower part of the panel just off from the venting holes. What year/years were these correct for? Thanks.

[John S.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

You need the kick plate screws for judging but I think most of the screws were never installed. They are very hard to get lined up.

Thanks Lyle, getting the holes drilled into the body so the screws have something to bite into will be the tougher part. This may be interesting.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

A self drilling and taping screw would make the job easier. I have seen some made that way.

[John S.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

Thanks Lyle, good suggestion. I just think its a little strange to modify the car (albeit an extremely small modification) to match the Judging Manual. I realize we have to have a standard to judge to and it's very difficult to verify what the assembly plant did or didn't do on any given day, it just seems strange to put a new hole in a place it hasn't been for the past 42+ years !!?? The jury is still out on my end, to drill or not to drill ?? Thanks again for the info !!

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Kick Panel Questions

You could put a screw in the hole and some putty on the back side to hold it in and no hole will be needed. The judge will be happy and no new holes.