C3 Storeage Compartment

[James Keddie]

I need to replace the main frame on the storeage compartment in my '70 and have a couple of questions for anyone that has done this.
1.How are the rivits that hold the door hinges to the frame fastened? Is there a tool to do this?
2.If I decide to use the repro frame and door assembly available from the major suppliers, is the fit and finish similar to the original?
Thanks in advance.
Jim 42765

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

Some catalog houses sell individual pieces for the rear compartment and you assemble them yourself. Others sell a fully assembled package ready to drop in.

On how close the repro is to factory original, my eyeball detects VERY subtle differnce in the texture of the plastic + the repro's I've seen use a SS piano hinge vs. the factory original which was thin stamped steel painted black...

[Dennis D.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

The repro's I've seen are all painted. My original 70 saddle piece is color all the way through. I've also seem a different style hinge. Metal rod looped on either end that is sort of spring loaded. Maybe someone knows the application for it.

[Mike Baker]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

Someone smarter than I will need to confirm this but that hinge may have been for a '68. I understand that the storage compartment doors did not initially have the straps to pull them open. I believe that they were spring loaded. My car did not have the original frame when I purchased it and I'm not sure that I have ever seen an original frame in a '68 car.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

Original 68's are spring assisted. I need to do some repair to mine because the spring action is strong. I was thinking of using JB Weld to do repair on the plastic frame. Does not have pull loops or staps. Don't know about the 69's, but my 70 does have the loop staps to pull open the door.

[Pat K.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

According to Bizzoco's book early '69's did not have the vinyl pull ring. It was added sometime between mid-March and April.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

The earliest documented car so far with pull loops is about 13,100 VIN

[Terry F.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

There was one of those dealer service papers that was sent to the dealerships because 68 owners were having trouble opening their compartment doors. They gave part numbers and instructions for retrofitting 69 pull loops on 68 cars. There were also a couple different versions of 68 spring used on the door hinges. Pretty much look the same but I have two different sets to compare. Just some observations. Terry

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

Oops! I should have said in 1969 for the earliest documented car

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Storeage Compartment

Jim, I replaced the frame and re-rivited the old hinges on my '74. Check the archives for September 19th thru 22th 2003 for advice on the riviting. It was a little hard to line up the hinge so that doors fit in the openings. I checked the alignment several times before the final drive home of the rivit. I had the use of a friends machine shop, I could not have done it at home. The end job came out OK but I would think about buying the whole assembly if I have to replace the frame again.

I purchsed my frame and rivits from Rik's Unlimited.

Bill