63 radio side panel configuration

[Carl M.]

I have a 63 couple built in early December, 1962. I have the original dash pads and side panels for this car and there are clearly two factory installed holes and clips on the aft (seat) side of the dash pad and the panels. The recently revised 63 manual says the side panels are held with one screw at the top front and one at the back. It appears that this is incorrect and that there should be two screws on the aft side of early 63's.

I have seen some posts from several years ago where other owners also had the 3 screw version that I have, but there is no information about when GM changed to the 2 screw version.

If anyone can confirm this, or knows otherwise, please let me know.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Carl, I sent you an email.

Harry

[Stan E.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

My nov.62 car has 3.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

This is a revision to the 63/64 manual that I submitted several years ago. I accompanied the revision with about 50 or 60 examples by VIN number. I believe it is still be reviewed.

**************************************
As stated Today.

Side Panel Trim

Fiberglass trim panels are located on each side of the dash panel center which are painted interior color. The panels are retained at the bottom by the console and are secured with two chrome Phillips screws with integral washers.

Revision

Side Panel Trim

Fiberglass trim panels are located on each side of the dash panel center which are painted interior color. In 1963 there were two designs to secure the panel. The first design uses one chrome Phillips screws with integral washers forward under the dash and two chrome Phillips screws with integral washers in the aft area for a total of three screws per side. The second design introduced at approximate VIN 11700, in conjunction with the AM/FM radio, uses one chrome Phillips screws with integral washers forward under the dash and one chrome Phillips screws with integral washers in the upper aft area for a total of two screws per side. Both designs are retained at the bottom by the console

[Arnold P.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

harry, stan,and carl, my dec 26th 62 swc has three screws on each side of the panels. pappy

[Gerald L.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Harry, are you sure? You seem to have a ream of data.? My 30 Apr conv has 3 screws. I can not attest to their originality prior to 1979. But I would see no reason for GM to drill two holes and place two U-nuts per side on the center tab and not use one.

Not that this is any significance, LICS sells a set of 4 U-nuts for 63 to 67.

[John D.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Harry, The 63 LWC #9900 March2nd or third car has 3 screws. Just looked. JD

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Can someone post a picture of the correct screws that attach these side panels. I have them somewhere and I want to replace the repro screws installed years ago.

[John D.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Can someone post a picture of the correct screws that attach these side panels. I have them somewhere and I want to replace the repro screws installed years ago.

Tim, You said a mouthful. That's all I do on my 63. Replacing the repro stuff with original parts and hardware that I took off almost 30 years ago. JD

[Bob J.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Can someone post a picture of the correct screws that attach these side panels. I have them somewhere and I want to replace the repro screws installed years ago.

Tim, front ones look like this.Bob

[John D.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Tim, front ones look like this.Bob

Nice pic RJ, Woulda been better though with nice wheat penny. JD

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 radio side panel configuration

Thanks Bob for the great picture. I have seen screws like this somewhere in my left over parts. When you say front you mean the single screw that attaches the cover to the heater duct, correct?