Recently I was reminded about the two different style of passenger side trap door frame panel used during 1966 production so thought I would take a closer look and post.
For reference and to define the different panels I offer the two below. Location of panel to help understand its location and relationship to other panels in a 66 fastback
On one the panel is basically flat with a few edge bends to help it smoothly attach to the surround panels.
The other version was stamped with a depression or dimple stamped in the upper surface of the panel as shown below.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3/22/2024 Update. Currently my findings so far
Appears that the dimpled panels were installed during two production periods at San Jose during 1966 production. Not sure if this related to a supplier issue or if a single shipment of these panels was sent to San Jose for the second very short time period indicated in the graph below.
Currently - by VIN I have
- Non-dimpled/flat panels starting from the beginning of 66 production to approx 6R1203xx- Dimpled panels installed starting around 6R1209xx and ending around 6R1407xxx- Flat panels again being installed starting at approx 6R150xxx and ending around 6R152xxx- Dimple panels being installed for a very short time around 6R163xxx- And finally the flat panels beginning again around 6R175xxx until the end of 1966 production