C1: 59 Seat divider question

[Wes P.]

Gents,

Drawings in the AIM show the seat divider (glove box) as being removable. In my '59, it seems to be glassed or glued to the panel that runs behind the seats. I initially thought there may be more screws or bolts from behind the panel that I would find after removing the gas tank but alas, no such luck. Whatever the reason, the thing's not coming loose without a sabre saw, and I don't want to do that. Has anyone else experienced this? Was there a change to the AIM in 59 that I am not seeing? The car has been remarkably original thus far, so I can't imagine someone doing a "Bubba" to the glove box but you never know.

Another thing I noticed: The AIM shows 3 screws on either side of the seat divider screwing into the back panel. Mine only has 2 screws on either side, but as I stated, they are hardly needed. Could this be a change from '58 to '59?

Any advice will certainly be appreciated.

Regards,

Wes

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1: 59 Seat divider question

Wes...

Your seat separator is removable. Four screws (two each side) at the bottom under the carpet. The AIM does show three screws on either side, My 61 also had only two. The glove box fiberglass is bonded to backseat panel as you stated. Using a thin putty knife, and tapping with a hammer,start any where there may be a gap in the bonding material,the bond can be released fairly easy. There may be bonding at that bottom joint which requires lefting of the carpet. No need to use the sabre saw, for old bonding cement will release once you get it started.

[Wes P.]

Re: C1: 59 Seat divider question

Thanks Dennis,

I found (and have removed) the bottom screws as the car has no carpet, but wasn't sure how to - or if I even should - break the bond to the backseat panel. I suppose one would re-bond w/ cement when re-assembling?

Regards,

Wes

[John M.]

Re: C1: 59 Seat divider question

Wes,
About the only reason to remove the glovebox is to tighten up the gap at the decklid. My 60 had such a large gap, that I could not live with it, so I removed it and tightened up the gap until it was a perfect gap. You should re-bond the glovebox with bonding cement if it is necessary to remove it, and do not attempt to reinstall without the decklid being installed and adjusted first.

Regards, John McGraw

[Dennis C.]

John makes a good point...

... do you really need to remove it?

[Wes P.]

Re: John makes a good point...

Yes, John makes a very good point. I was going to remove it if it meant only removing a few screws. Since it means needing to break a bond, I think I'll leave it in. Thanks, guys.

Wes

[Dennis C.]

Wes, Brilliant decision, Best, DC *NM*