Storage compartment frames
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 595
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From: Schuylkill County PA
Storage compartment frames
Any insight into how to remove the rear storage compartment door frames for replacement on my 1978 Pace Car ? Mine are cracked in several places and even though they're now loose I just don't see any obvious screws or rivets holding them in place. I've found many threads here on removing the master frame and doors complete but nothing on removing just the outside frames.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,596
Likes: 3,082
From: Shamong, NJ
You have to crack, break, bust, and/or grind the door frames, off of the doors. The frames were originally attached to the doors by some sort of small plastic mounting pins. Once you get the old frames off of your doors, cut or grind off whats left of the pins and frames, and clean up the edges. Next test fit the new frames to the doors to make sure you got all of the old frame, pins and adhesive off of the doors. You'll need to install the new frames using tiny screws, using the holes in the new frames to line up and drill screw holes into your old doors.
Steps 24 to 31 in the following link, explain how to disassemble and restore your rear storage compartment frames.
https://www.corvettemagazine.com/196...t-replacement/
Steps 24 to 31 in the following link, explain how to disassemble and restore your rear storage compartment frames.
https://www.corvettemagazine.com/196...t-replacement/
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
The little screws are around the 'sides' of the frames. BTW, getting the screws into the NEW frames is a PITA...because of the raised knap/pile of the carpeting. The best method for installing them (that I've found, anyway) is to shave off some of the excess carpet pile that will be under the frame. Don't go so far that this approach is visible to those looking later.
Now get a 1/2" or thicker board that will completely cover the frame to be mounted and a couple of C-clamps. Place the board over the plastic frame [after you have aligned the frame so it will clear], then hold it down in place with a C-clamp on diagonal corners or opposite sides. Now you can insert the screws. DO NOT over-tighten the screws as they will crack the NEW plastic frames. Just seat them snugly into the tapered recess for the screw head. Insert ALL screws before releasing the clamps.
Hope that helps.
Now get a 1/2" or thicker board that will completely cover the frame to be mounted and a couple of C-clamps. Place the board over the plastic frame [after you have aligned the frame so it will clear], then hold it down in place with a C-clamp on diagonal corners or opposite sides. Now you can insert the screws. DO NOT over-tighten the screws as they will crack the NEW plastic frames. Just seat them snugly into the tapered recess for the screw head. Insert ALL screws before releasing the clamps.
Hope that helps.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Open the doors, the screws are on the lips on the front and rear...
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,034
Likes: 9,156
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Are the hinges pop rivetted in or are there screws? Maybe check the AIM or build manual
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,596
Likes: 3,082
From: Shamong, NJ
Correct, the 78 had plastic doors, and the frames were bonded to the doors with some sort of adhesive and molded in plastic pins. The only compartment doors that used screws are the earlier ones with the fiberboard doors, and plastic ones that someone else has already had apart and restored, using the screws.
