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While some may not realize it the "bread box" installed in the 1984-1989 C4 was an attempt by GM to increase passenger safety standards in the early C4's. It was fine in the early days of the C4 as that's all there was. There were no air bags back then. Now many don't like its looks so they want to take it out and place a flat panel there offering no protection at all. Taking any safety device out of a car just for looks is probably not a good idea. Sure, for many years we had nothing at all (seat belts, airbags, etc.) in cars offering any safety as we know it today, but we started learning from those mistakes didn't we?
Last edited by FOURSPEEDVETTE; Nov 6, 2012 at 07:52 PM.
Reason: typo
the cockpit is cramped and crowded and the box makes it worse, the 85 i had i kept in on for the years i had it, the 89 i bought, the po put in a pouch, and i like it that way.
The breadbox on our cars is just like any other part, if we want to change it, we will. I went for many years thinking the breadbox was what I wanted. About a year ago after searching for an aftermarket replacement I decided to make my own. I took the breadbox out carefully so if I decided I didn't like the new panel I could easily put it back. Once I got the panel made I knew I was going to keep it. It's a matter of personal preference. As far as safety goes, my panel is no worse than the hard plastic the govebox kits are made of. I don't feel I have sacrificed any real safety factors. This my .02 worth and is all I have to say, no pi$$ing contest for me.
I also like the breadbox. When I bought my '87, it had the delete panel. I ended up buying a breadbox and replacing the delete panel because it just looked bad. Without the breadbox everything is SO flat.
I like the idea of turning the breadbox into a glovebox. Anyone know if that kit is still available? I check the auction and CL sites every now and then for a used one, but always come up empty.