1963 Early Gas Door

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Early Gas Door

I found a guy who says the following about the spot welds that hold the (second design gas door) latch on the back side...

"Those three spot welds are really only two spot welds. The one you guys think is a third spot (more defined than the others) is really a locater pin. Take a door apart and see the indentations that the two center spots line up with."

I have not got a door that I want to take apart. Any comments on this?

Yes, this is correct. See the two attached photos.

There are four spot welds, one at each corner. The other two items are "alignment nubs" that index into two holes in the backing plate. These were probably used to position the latch cover prior to spot welding it. The repro backing plates usually lack this feature.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 Early Gas Door

Joe: The '65 JG, on page 71, says the inner plate "obtained" a tapered dimple "early in production". Here is a photo of the one from no. 1616.
The JG goes on to state the dimensions of the dimple. I think because the "repro dimple" has a slightly different shape or size.

Car #1275 has the no dimple backing plate like #1616. Although Buba has been there to replace the emblem.