The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Mystery Inspection covers

This question may have been asked before but I am unable to find it in this forum. Why are there so many inspection covers (6) in the back of a 1958 Panel? They don't seem to serve any purpose. Or are they used for something on a Surburban?
Here they are.

they're called 'access covers' in the assembly manual, same in both body styles, the back 2 are to access the wiring for the taillights, no explanation for the others, so they likely have to do with some procedure at the factory

Bill

thanks Bill

I have this factory brochure for 1947 AD's that actually discusses the use of the covers. They are for body work and wiring access. I will scan those pages in tonight. I don't think things would have changed much in the succeeding models.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8131108161/in/set-72157631872034068

thanks Brad

I realize my panel is a different series, but the AD series also has 6 access covers. They are handy for getting at the nuts that hold the fender bolts.

Here is the photo and the reference to the panels use.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8708462920/in/photostream

Wow...I know yours is an AD, but don't recall having those in my previous TF. My current TF has a finished interior(for now)so I can't see.
Interesting!

Highsider, check the pic linked in the original post here to see where the ones are in the TF series, the only useful ones are right at the back on both side, allow access to the back of the tail lights

Bill

I missed catching the photo link. Thanks, Bill.
Okay...gigantic flashback to my 55.2 in '68. I don't think mine had covers over the holes, just like shown in the photo. I think we stuffed trash down them...hey, I was only 16!

Thanks all. Brad, thanks for scanning the picture. Interesting that they changed the design when, as Bill said, the only useful ones are at the back. I guess they might be handy for pounding out dents although they haven't provided much help with my bodywork.

There are braces between the inner and outer "bodies" of TF burbs and Panels. I always thought the access holes were for MFG, as stated, to get a spot welder or hand welder in there for those braces or other welding procedure. Since I always take the tail light off from the outside and let it hang for re-wire or servicing. Rear speakers fit in there nicely.

They are also for accessing the retracters and cables for a clam shell rear door set up. One of the forward holes gets you to the retracter mounting point. The rearward one gets you to where the cable meets the retracter tape. Without looking at it, I can't remember which is which. If you have barn doors you won't have to worry about it.

I'm in the process of trying to find cables for my 58 Burb with a clam shell rear door.

You are right Larry. The Assy Manual, sheets 115 and 116, shows the reel at the center access cover and the clevis pin connection to cable at the rear access cover. (I think). The maintenance manual shows a picture in Sec 3, pg 160 that says reel is in "front access hole", but verbage on the next sheet says "center" access hole. The picture in the ASSY Manual shows center access hole between side windows. So the place it says "front" is wrong. (I think). Check it out somebody.

well, learn new things alla time - and reinforces my poor opinion of the clamshell gates, never had or wanted that feature so never paid any attention to it

Bill

The speaker idea sounds good, but i will have to seal the back because my inner wells are rusted, as well as lots of other stuff back there.

Bill;

You're killing me. :-)

The clam shell doors are one of my favorite parts. To each their own.