[1968] Trunk Tailight Filler Cardboard

1968Cally · 03/13/2018, 06:33 AM

I am almost done with my Trunk and interior refresh. It is looking good.

One more task left that I have been putting off is installing the trunk mat and the cardboard filler panels.

Two questions.

1) The creases at the bottom of the panels. Based on the old ones, it appears that they should be bent at the crease to a right angle to the rest of the board. Is this correct? If so, do you bend these strips to face the front or the rear of the car?
2) Do the filler panels sit on top of the trunk mat or do you put the filler panels in first and then lay the trunk mat up against them?

I have reviewed other threads about these panels and the tricks for installation but did not see these two questions answered.

Thanks in advance

Dave

1968Cally · 03/15/2018, 06:14 AM

Gee, 61 views and no replies! At this point, I would take a reply of "I don't know" Just kidding guys.

somethingspecial · 03/15/2018, 07:52 AM

The filler panels were originally folded at the crease and the folded tab was screwed to the raised lip in the trunk floor. The screws were only used in early production (probably the first 200) then the screws were deleted. The tab still sits on the lip, tab toward the taillights, then bends back to to hook under the upper lip of the trunk. Hope this helps. Mike

franklinair · 03/15/2018, 07:59 AM

Don't know if I'm right or wrong, but here's what I did: I have the lower strips bent facing forward, as it seems to offer more surface area contact for security. I also installed the panels on top of the trunk mat which again, I thought was more secure to hold the trunk mat in place. (It wouldn't surprise me if this was counter to factory process, as the trunk mat may have been installed later in the assembly process.)
Before installing, I moistened the cardboard by spritzing water on them in order to soften the material in order to avoid creasing the cardboard when bending it to fit. (Be generous with the water softening- it will dry out OK.)

Neil

1968Cally · 03/15/2018, 09:59 AM

Thanks, Guys!

1968Cally · 03/15/2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by somethingspecial

The filler panels were originally folded at the crease and the folded tab was screwed to the raised lip in the trunk floor. The screws were only used in early production (probably the first 200) then the screws were deleted. The tab still sits on the lip, tab toward the taillights, then bends back to to hook under the upper lip of the trunk. Hope this helps. Mike

Mike, Just took a closer look as my car was built on February 9th. I believe it was about the 150-175 CS built. Son of a gun, the screw holes are there. So, where they are situated, It looks like I do not bend the creases to a right angle. Just a slight bend should do it.

1968Cally · 03/16/2018, 11:11 AM

So, how wet do you get these cardboard fillers. Is it best to put them in wet or get them wet and then wrap them around something round and secure them until dry?

So, how wet? Spray them with an atomizer bottle? Both sides? Baptize them in a bathtub?

franklinair · 03/16/2018, 11:57 AM

Spritz BOTH sides, VERY wet. If you have something round for curvature (while wet) there is less chance of creasing. Once they have a curvature, dampen them again when installing. They'll dry out just fine.

Neil

1968Cally · 03/16/2018, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franklinair

Spritz BOTH sides, VERY wet. If you have something round for curvature (while wet) there is less chance of creasing. Once they have a curvature, dampen them again when installing. They'll dry out just fine.

Neil

Thanks, Neil

whodat · 03/16/2018, 07:21 PM

What I did was trace the filler on a piece of masonite and painted it black. This way if it was to get wet it wont ruin it.

Misread the question, sorry.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

J_Speegle · 03/16/2018, 08:21 PM

Don't check here every day. Here are two shots from two original unrestored San Jose coupes with original filler boards

Hope this helps

1968Cally · 03/17/2018, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whodat

What I did was trace the filler on a piece of masonite and painted it black. This way if it was to get wet it wont ruin it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How did you get the Masonite to bend into a curve? I was thinking that something like 1/16 plastic would work nicely. Have no idea where to get that. Maybe black poster board

1968Cally · 03/17/2018, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Speegle

Don't check here every day. Here are two shots from two original unrestored San Jose coupes with original filler boards

Hope this helps

Wrong "filler" board. We are discussing the taillight panel boards. Wish they were as easy to install as the floor filler boards!

whodat · 03/17/2018, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968Cally

How did you get the Masonite to bend into a curve? I was thinking that something like 1/16 plastic would work nicely. Have no idea where to get that. Maybe black poster board

I misread the title as well

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1968Cally · 03/17/2018, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whodat

I misread the title as well

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Too many trunk "filler boards."