Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

[Kirk M.]

I posted yesterday that I re-stapled my dust shields this past weekend. Everything went like clockwork on the driver's side, but when I got the pass side wheel off, I noticed some odd things.

1. There seemed to be two pieces of fiberglass surrounding the dust shield opening.

2. I followed it backward and found an open junction line of the "new" panel (Pic 1, red outline) just in front of where the wheel well turns back to meet the side of the car.

3. Following forward, the panel seems complete up to the nose junction.

4. On the inside (engine side), I found the original panel with staples and holes. This panel has been "sistered" to the "new" panel and ends in Pic 2 on the inside (engine side) where I have drawn the red outline.

5. This caused some significant problems for stapling the dust shield as all of the staples along the top edge and back edge had to pass through two thicknesses of fiberglass.

6. The "double" fiberglass can also be seen in the spark plug access holes (Pic 3).

7. In addition, I noted that the inner fiberglass at the top of the front quarter panel had an oragnish tinge under the blackout (Pic 4) that appear very different in color than the driver's side.

8. Also, in Pic 2, notice that there is a lot of fiberglass work at the upper junction (yellow area).

So, take home seems to me that my original no hit 67 has actually been damaged in the passenger side wheel well. Does this type of repair suggest anything to those in the know? Is it normal to simply sister two panels together? How about the orange fiberglass, does that mean anything? Please let me know. Thanks.

Kirk

[Wayne W.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Yep, Your no hitter just went up in the ninth like Lackey`s.

[Douglas L.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Turn signal panels were an easy crunch - and usually, the front part of the inner fender well went with it.

[Jim T.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

The fourth picture you posted I believe the holes serve a purpose. My 64 Corvette convertible with factory air had two holes in the fender panel. I discovered that it was easier to use extension/extensions on the spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs under the air conditioner compressor through these holes. Your 67 has air, so perhaps this is the reason for the two holes. My 64's holes were individual cuts and lined up as a straight access directly to each plug. Looked like they could of come that way from the factory.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Turn signal panels were an easy crunch - and usually, the front part of the inner fender well went with it.

Maybe that is what happened here since that portion of the panel is the part that is missing on the original panel. Was it normal to sister panels like this? Does anyone have a pic of the front half of the pass side wheel well showing the junction of the nose with this panel including mounts? Would like to compare an unhit to hit version. Thanks.

Kirk

[Wayne W.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Maybe that is what happened here since that portion of the panel is the part that is missing on the original panel. Was it normal to sister panels like this? Does anyone have a pic of the front half of the pass side wheel well showing the junction of the nose with this panel including mounts? Would like to compare an unhit to hit version. Thanks.

Kirk

No it is not " Normal". The car has had some history. They all have. Dont worry about it. The overlay repair is seen quite often though. Not the nicest looking, but effective. The bubba holes are Bubba peep holes. See how close together his eyes are.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Thanks Wayne. Jim is actually correct about the holes. If you have a car with AC, those holes were put there to access the two spark plugs in the front since the compressor, hoses and brackets completely obviate you accessing them from above. So, as I have been told, it is a factory nuance specific to AC cars. Anyone care to chime in?!

[John H.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Thanks Wayne. Jim is actually correct about the holes. If you have a car with AC, those holes were put there to access the two spark plugs in the front since the compressor, hoses and brackets completely obviate you accessing them from above. So, as I have been told, it is a factory nuance specific to AC cars. Anyone care to chime in?!

I've never seen those access holes on an original car; they were added later by mechanics or owners. The 1st-generation Chevy II with an optional V-8 and A/C had a similar situation, but the access holes were to be cut in the steel side panel with a hole saw for access to the spark plugs per the Shop Manual (the Chevy Monza with a V-8 had the same issue).

[Kirk M.]

Re: Pass-Side Dust Shield - Interesting Damage??

Thanks John. Cleared that one up. It's amazing what gets passed around as valid information. That's why I always ask!