C3:73 plugs under sill

[Steve lischynsky]

When taking off my sill plates(73 coupe), I noticed that there are two plastic orange plugs on each side. These plug into the bird cage channel that runs from the back to the front just under the door. The fiberglass has large holes to accomodate this plug.

Anyone know what the purpose of these plugs were. They almost look like they could be used as pick up points during a body drop.

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Michael M.]

Re: C3:73 plugs under sill

I've wondered the same myself, but came to the conclusion that the holes are used for visual body alignment during body drop. I don't think you could get any kinda of attachment through the holes because there is only 1/2 inch or so of gap between the bird cage and frame under those holes.

[Joe C.]

Re: C3:73 plugs under sill

Steve:

On midyear coupes, there was 1(one) plugged hole under the rocker plate for body attachment--used by verts, but not coupes. Not very familiar with sharks, but may be a similar situation. In midyears, this hole would have been the #2 mount ( 0,1,2,3,4). It only makes sense if sharks had 0,1,2,3,4,5 , and 2&3 were only used by verts.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3:73 plugs under sill

Their is one hole on each side that goes thru the body and both the top and bottom of the frame. If you put a 1/2 inch rod thru the holes on each side the body should be inline with the frame. It takes a rod about 18 inches long to also rest on the floor. Lyle

[Steve lischynsky]

Re: C3:73 plugs under sill

Thanks,

I was thinking of using these holes to hold a steel plate(with a bolt) that I want to slide between the bird cage channel and the frame. My bird cage channel is corroded to a point that I don't trust it for a body lift. I would then bolt a 4"x4" angle iron onto the outside where the aluminum sill plate was - sandwiching the birdcage channel and the fiberglass between A and B pillars. This way the whole channel under the door would be temporarily reinforced for a body lift. These holes wouldn't actually see much load - they would only hold everything in place.

Steve L
73 coupe since new