'65 deck lid cushions

[Tony S.]

About 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to look at a cobb web ridden '65 convertible that had been in storage for many years. When I lifted up the rear deck lid to examine the underneath side, I noticed that at each end underneath the lid was a small square cushion--perhaps made of some sort of foam--that had been glued with amber adhesive to the underneath side of the deck lid. The foam squares were no bigger than 2" x 2". Is anyone familiar with these foam cushions on '65 convertibles? If so, was that a feature found on all '65 convertibles?

Thanks.
Tony

[Joe L.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

About 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to look at a cobb web ridden '65 convertible that had been in storage for many years. When I lifted up the rear deck lid to examine the underneath side, I noticed that at each end underneath the lid was a small square cushion--perhaps made of some sort of foam--that had been glued with amber adhesive to the underneath side of the deck lid. The foam squares were no bigger than 2" x 2". Is anyone familiar with these foam cushions on '65 convertibles? If so, was that a feature found on all '65 convertibles?

Thanks.
Tony

Tony-----


I don't ever recall having seen what you describe. However, it's possible I just missed it. I think it's also very possible that it was a feature added by the dealer or the owner to solve some problem experienced with the top down. It also kind of sounds like it could have been the sort of fix that a dealer service bulletin might have specified to deal with customer complaints over some top-down rattling or "bumping" issue.

C3 Corvette convertibles had bumper(s) under the deck lid to prevent upward movement of the folding top assembly when in top-down storage. Perhaps the experience with C2 convertibles was the genesis of the addition of the bumper(s).

[Paul D.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

Joe,

You mentioned the C3 decklid bumper(s). Do you know if any C3 cars were ever equipped with 2 from the factory and if so, when the change was made to one? All decklids I have seen have provisions for 2 bumpers but I have not seen what I considered to be a original car with more than 1. I have seen a few "restorations" with 2 and I can't say I have ever looked at a 68. Just curious. Chip.

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

About 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to look at a cobb web ridden '65 convertible that had been in storage for many years. When I lifted up the rear deck lid to examine the underneath side, I noticed that at each end underneath the lid was a small square cushion--perhaps made of some sort of foam--that had been glued with amber adhesive to the underneath side of the deck lid. The foam squares were no bigger than 2" x 2". Is anyone familiar with these foam cushions on '65 convertibles? If so, was that a feature found on all '65 convertibles ?

Tony -- should be; in fact it's mentioned in the '65 TIM&JG, pg 32. [two 1" x 1" yellow foam pads] to prevent the latch assembly from rattling.

[Tony S.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

Thanks Wayne! I always appreciate your input. I'm trying to finish things up for the Heartland Regional. Front carpets being installed today. I made a template for the seat rail cut outs.

Best,
Tony

[Bill M.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

I don't see the cushions on my '65, but in the de-rattle phase of the rebuild, I installed plastic shims in the decklid drain gutter. It's been decades, so I don't remember why, but probably for the same latch rattle.

[Don H.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

The little yellow foam cushion tabs are still on underside of my deck lid. Even after one old repaint. Photos posted here....

by the way, mine is mid-June 65 production

[John H.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

Possible TSB item? They don't show up in the '65-6-7 Assembly Manuals.

[Joe L.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

Joe,

You mentioned the C3 decklid bumper(s). Do you know if any C3 cars were ever equipped with 2 from the factory and if so, when the change was made to one? All decklids I have seen have provisions for 2 bumpers but I have not seen what I considered to be a original car with more than 1. I have seen a few "restorations" with 2 and I can't say I have ever looked at a 68. Just curious. Chip.

Chip------

I know, for sure, that at least one 1969 was originally equipped with two bumpers. I believe that all 1968-69 convertibles had the 2 bumpers. I'm not sure about 1970, though. After 1970, I don't think that the passenger side bumper was generally installed.

I recall very well that in 1969 when I first took delivery of my new 1969, I wondered what these bumpers were for. Since I had ordered my car as a hard-top only, it was not at all apparent what their function was. I eventually removed them since they often caught on things I loaded into the rear compartment. However, I, of course, saved them.

Shortly thereafter, I learned of their function and in 1986 when I installed a soft-top on the car, I re-installed the brackets and bumpers.

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

Possible TSB item? They don't show up in the '65-6-7 Assembly Manuals.

John -- did a quick check of the '64 & '65 TSB and Chev Service News indexes, and found nothing. I wonder if the new '63-4 TIM&JG mentions these ?

[Tom S.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

There is just 1 of these pads on my 65 on the left side. It has never been painted under there. All original and in storage for along time. I am sure it is original. Tom

[Jack H.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

They don't show up in the '65-6-7 Assembly Manuals.

Yep, I've noticed that and wondered the same thing, John. I've seen quite a few 'untouched' 1965 convertibles and it seems to be a coin flip as to whether there's none, one, or two of these tiny bumpers there...

My April build 396 had none and that's the way I restored it. I think reproductions are available from Long Island, but I've always wondered just what the boogie was on these...

[Tom S.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

I noticed my latch rattling yesterday when I was out. The one on the right side is missing. I never knew what they were for. I do now. Tom

[Mike M.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

our 20K mile 65 that we've had since 1970, has the foam squares.its a mid=production 65.mike

[Loren L.]

Re: '65 deck lid cushions

About 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to look at a cobb web ridden '65 convertible that had been in storage for many years. When I lifted up the rear deck lid to examine the underneath side, I noticed that at each end underneath the lid was a small square cushion--perhaps made of some sort of foam--that had been glued with amber adhesive to the underneath side of the deck lid. The foam squares were no bigger than 2" x 2". Is anyone familiar with these foam cushions on '65 convertibles? If so, was that a feature found on all '65 convertibles?

Thanks.
Tony

The foam squares are placed in the area where the retracted softtop front latches would be; they are designed to eliminate the "rattle" while underway. Not used on hardtop only cars.