C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

[Greg L.]

Does anyone know what the time frame was for each of the different styles of storage trays used for the C3s? I'm mostly interested in the early deeper trays and the later more shallow ones.

Also, what was the material of the "cardboard like" material actually called?

Thanks.

Greg Linton
#45455

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Greg,

You have it backwards. The shallower fiberboard tray material was used for the '68, '69 & '70 year models, this tray used a spring steel type latch system. The molded deeper fiberglass tray was used for the '71 & '72 model years and incorporates a pushbutton latch mechanism similar to the compartment lids.

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Greg,

I mistakenly answered a question you didn't ask....sorry. I believe those pieces are referred to as fiberboard.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

JACK compartment tray -- the deeper style was used in 1970-72 (I believe 1968 & 69 as well). We have generically referred to this material as "fiber board" in the TIM&JG, however there may be a more specific material name used by the supplier or Chevrolet but I don't know what thaat name might be. A shorter fiberglass tray was used sometime later in Corvette production, but others will have to enlighten that area.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

I believe the deeper tray extended into the mid-1970s, but like Terry my knowledge pretty much ends at '72. I have seen some with dates too late for the cars I was judging. Perhaps Lyle or someone who knows 1973 and later will answer.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Greg----

There were 4 different right side compartment "trays" (actually called a "cover" by GM) over the 68-78 period.

1968-E1969 used GM #3936303. I believe this piece was of pressed fiberboard construction. I believe that it was "flocked" with black. I am not sure of the dimensions of it or other information.

L1969-1973 used GM #3963114. This piece was also of pressed fiberboard construction. It was "flocked" on the inside with the typical GM glove box black "flocking". It measures 12-3/4" X 10-1/8", measured at the maximum dimensions at the top. It is 6-3/8" DEEP. It has 2 7/8" holes on either side for "fingerholds". If the jack is stowed EXACTLY as it should be, this tray will just barely rest on the upper lips. Otherwise, it will not seat properly and will rest on the jack. It's possible that this piece was replaced before the end of the 1973 model year PRODUCTION with the GM #333578, described below. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible that what I believe to be a 3963114 is actually a 3936303. So, I would greatly appreciate it if folks with 70-72 models who are reasonably sure that their trays are original would take them out, measure them, and otherwise describe their configuration;

1973-75 used GM #333578. I don't know very much about this tray. I THINK that it may have been of pressed wood construction. It was black "flocked", as above, and I think that it's dimensions were similar to the 76-78 piece described below;

1976-78 used GM #362962. It's POSSIBLE that early versions of this piece were also of pressed wood construction (or, the 333578 were boxed and sold as this part number). Most, if not all, GM #362962 were black plastic and "flocked" the same as the above described. The dimensions were 12-3/4" X 10-3/8" at the maximum dimensions at the top. It is 5-1/8" DEEP. It has 2 7/8" holes in either side for "fingerhold".

From a FUNCTIONAL perspective, the GM #362962 is the best one to use for any 1968-78. Absolutely, positively. Unfortunately, it's discontinued, but I think it's available in reproduction. Save 68-73 originals for "show" and use this piece at all other times. Especially important since the 68-73 originals are somewhat "fragile".

[Larry M.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Joe,

The tray from my '72 comes close to your measurements: 12-1/4" x 10" x 6/1/4". The sides are slightly warped from age, making it difficult to establish exact dimensions. I'm reasonably certain it's original to the car; the numbers ink-stamped on the bottom, 212177, may prove or disprove that.

It's black-flocked inside, 'natural' fiber finish outside, with a 1-1/2" wide band of black paint on all outer sides at the upper edges. In addition to the cut-out on the leading-edge upper-lip to clear the compartment latch, there are two 1/2" semi-circular cut-outs on the leading-edge for screw clearance.

It's nice to be able to respond to an inquiry of yours; thanks for all your past help!

Larry

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Greg,
The tray in my 71 #6589 is molded black fiberglass with no flocking and uses a formed spring steel clip as a latch. Don't know if this contributes to the time frame you're interested in or not.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

My original 68 over the jack storage compartment is about 12 1/2" X 10 1/2" and is 6 3/8" deep. It came in my FEB built 68. Is pressed fiberboard construction with a lip completely around the top. It is black flocked on the inside. Has the two holes on each end.
My 70's original storage compartment is of the same pressed fiberboard construction. It has no lip at the back of the storage compartment. It has the numbers 2 618 70 stamped on the bottom. It is about 12 6/16" X 10 5/16" and is 6 3/8" deep. Has 2 cut holes in each end. 70 built in July.

[Jack H.]

According to NCRS JG books...

The 'deep' version of the storage tray (6-3/8 inch) in pressed fiberboard with flocking was used '68-76. The 'shallow' version of the tray (5-inch deep) came into production for the 1977 model year and continued through 1979. The short flocked plastic version (current service replacement) was used begining in 1980....

[Greg L.]

Thanks guys. *NM*

[Mike G.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

now i have to find another part. my 70 and my 72 only has the shallow box in the center compartment. the deep box on the pass side in both cars has no tray. the jack is in the bottom with no cover. i need to find a shallow box that covers the jack for both cars?

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Joe,
The original from my 1970 is 12-1/2 X 10-1/8 and is 6-7/16 deep. It is black flocked press-board with two ~7/8-inch finger holes on each side. There is no back ledge on the top, and the front has a 2-inch wide by 3/4-inch deep notch to clear the compartment door latch. The front ledge has two 1/2-inch semi-circular cut outs, near each end. There are also two small (perhaps 1/16-inch) holes in the front ledge, between but not centered between the semi-circles and the center notch. It looks like they might be for small rubber bumpers, but none were installed on my car.

There is a black paint band on all sides of the outside of the box, perhaps one inch down from the top. There are some black smudges on the outside as well. There is no date or number stamp on the unit.

The SERVICE unit I have is #333578, and in almost all ways, except the most minute details, looks like the above -- except it does have a date stamp that is consistent with the date on the shipping container and my purchase date. I'll PM you all the details.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

Contact John Wallick -- I hope I spelled that right. He advertises in The NCRS Driveline that he repairs these storage boxes. Perhaps he has some rebuilt units on hand.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 storage tray over jack compartment question

One thing I left out about my 68's original box. It has small rubber bumpers in the box, two on the back, two one front, and one each on each side. The flat portion of the bumper is down and the tip extends up through the storage unit. My 70 has the holes for the bumpers in the storage unit but no bumpers, I know it did not come with any when I bought it new in August 1970. Did the 69's or early 70's have the rubber bumpers?