C1 Access panel?

[John A. Salce(# 21388)]

I was visiting a local restoration shop and they had a 58-60 body on a stand. It was completely stripped and gutted. I noticed that there was what appeared to be an access panel behind the radio console. It was between the vertical dash that houses the radio and the firewall and was on the angled part where the bell housing would be. It looked to be about 4" high by 8" wide and was held in place by four what looked like original screws at each corner. As a side note, this body also had the screwed in panel around the shifter. I had never seen this access panel before so I asked someone what it was for and they couldn't tell me. Could this be for an automatic? Is the panel original on certain year bodies and if so why does my 59 (4 spd) not have one? Can anyone satisfy my curiosity out there? Thanks! John

[Don Izzo]

Re: C1 Access panel?

John the panel you speak about is not present on my 60 with powerglide. This is an original car so I believe the one you saw was most likely installed by a previous owner.
Don

[Loren L.]

Earlier car - see pg 112 of Noland's book *NM*

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Access panel?

John, I happen to have my 58 body at a restoration shop on a stand but it is located in Texas? She has been sitting there for couple of years now and I have not visited with her for long time. I think I remember her having the plate you describe. My body had the removalable tunnel and it was originally an an automatic June 1958 build. My point is only that know that the panel was suppose to be there as seen in VOL I pg 112 on pre-58 cars and based on my 58 which is most likely located many States away from the one you saw on bodies up to June 58--and probably for some time beyond. Oh, I found a color photo of this access panel and I will email to you. This probably won't help your curiosity however.

[Terry Leeker]

Re: C1 Access panel?

I have a '58, sn 8490, a mid July car. It has the panel you refer to which covers three, 2" approx dia. holes in the tunnel just below the firewall/ trunnel transition. The trans tunnel assy was bonded and screwed in place(all looked very much original). The car was/is built as a 245HP, 4sp. I have suspected the three discs removed ended up as washers and doublers for the body. Two of outboard, seat back area, body mounting bolts had similar fiberglass disc as washers when I did the frame-off.

[Verle R.]

Re: C1 Access panel?

I have the same arrangement on my 57. On the engine side are three holes in the firewall.

I suspect the plate covers holes that would provide easy access to the upper bellhousing bolts.

Verle