1958 Trunk Access Panels

[Buddy J.]

I have an early (January) 1958 with the trunk access cutouts. These have both metal and fiberglass access covers. My steel panel covers are crudely cut and were drilled for screws on the assembly line. They have the turn downs on the back edge but do not look like the replacements for sale. The replacements are very refined. Can anyone tell me what these originally look like? Thanks!

[Dan H.]

Re: 1958 Trunk Access Panels

Hi Buddy, I wrote an article for the Restorer about early 58's in Fall 1991. It's in Volume Eighteen- Number Two. Has a good picture of my metal trunk covers from 1958 Serial 297. Was held in place by countersunk clutch head screws.
Dan

[Buddy J.]

Re: 1958 Trunk Access Panels

Thanks Dan!
Do the early '58's have both the metal and fiberglass panel covers. Mine has both but the my metal covers are obviously hand made.
My VIN is J58S102963. I had read your article and highlighted the areas concerning the hood supports and related features but alas 20 years had erased it from memory. I'm just starting to restore the car and found the access holes in the trunk and thought someone had hacked up the body. Thanks again!
Buddy

[Dan H.]

Re: 1958 Trunk Access Panels

Buddy, no sign of F/G covers on my early one. The bumper mounting system changed later so the early metal covers were no longer needed for access after body drop etc. Never seen 'both' styles on one car but who knows, might have already been cut so they needed covers still.
Dan

[Buddy J.]

Re: 1958 Trunk Access Panels

Thanks Dan!
Your article states that the fiberglass panels served to cover the access holes and provide more trunk space. I bought my car in 1989 after the owner "refurbished" it. Guess he put in the metal covers. These were installed from under the car and not in the trunk itself so I guess they were scabbed on. Thanks for your help. Buddy Johnson