I've had the car for 52 years. They have never been changed. The cardboard goes between the tabs and the flange. The flange keeps the cardboard from going outboard and the tabs keeps it from coming inboard. I've had it since 1962.
I've had the car for 52 years. They have never been changed. The cardboard goes between the tabs and the flange. The flange keeps the cardboard from going outboard and the tabs keeps it from coming inboard. I've had it since 1962.
Last edited by 5Clint7; 04-22-2014 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Wrong dates
I just looked at my car. The parts look just like MP&C's repros. The tabs on mine have never been bent up. Hence my comments on them not being used. But used on others. Looks like the 57 is the same except that the taper on the vertical leg is at a steeper angle.
My thought is that in the real world that the carpet and padding under it will keep the kick panel in place from moving inboard. And in the modified world, you'll need a small gap between your Dynamat/clone and the part, that' will capture the kick panel. Something to think about as you apply the sound deadener/insulation.
As an addendum to this really good conversation, today 5Clint7 posted a manual that may just may shed some light upon the subject.
Well there we have it.
Should I send mine back to Janesvile to have the tabs bent up?
Isn't it odd how the truth is multi-faceted even on these relatively simple cars?
I don't think the workers on the assy line got the memo until about late 56- 57 or so.. Would the ones missed be covered under warranty?
Item 7 in the picture above indicates to refer to page 459, which was not included. Perhaps this gave instruction to bend up the tabs after installation of the kick panel??
Last edited by MP&C; 04-24-2014 at 12:08 PM.
Sold out of the original run, and have been getting requests for more of the kick panel retainers. I made up another batch last night and have 14 sets ready to go, get them while they're hot. Welds to the toe pan, made of 19 gauge cold rolled steel, tabs punched as per originals. Price is $25 per pair plus $6 shipping to US. Cash, check, USPS money order.
Spoke to Mikey Domoracki about the tab up or straight out discussion. He stated that once the kick panel was installed on the assembly line the two tabs are bent up to hold the bottom of the kick panel in place. I've seen quite a few examples in the cars, especially 55's, where some of the tabs were never bent up, so there may have been lots of Fridays on the assembly line in 55.
Keep in mind the bottom of the tabs will be visible after bending upward to hold the kick panel, so you may want to get some primer paint on them prior to welding in place.
With the orders taken I have about 8 sets left. These are priced at approx. half what you'll see on any online store, so if you have this repair to do you may as well save some money and use a quality built piece..
Still a few sets left, get yours before they're gone!
Anyone else need any kick panel retainers?