Topic: convertible seat access holes, can anyone explain....

[Oz390]

Why the two big ones with the special metal "clamp-in" plates... they go near the ebrake cables but really make no difference I can see for any maintenance, access, or other obvious use....

Why the extra cost for fab/assembly (and especially for the repro plates!) for a part that seems to have little function???

?

[ruppstang]

The larger holes were to give access to rout the E-brake cables through the bottom crossmember. Yes those Scott Fuller reproductions are pricey but they are perfect. Marty

[TLea]

I've always wondered about them too as its not that difficult to route cables without the holes. As far as cost even though its expensive to reproduce quality accurate parts now that metal plate was probably 2.6 cents to make originally

[CharlesTurner]

I have seen the big holes on other Ford's built during that time.  Maybe a cost saving?  Don't Cougars have 4 big holes on each side?

[J_Speegle]

I have seen the big holes on other Ford's built during that time.  Maybe a cost saving?  Don't Cougars have 4 big holes on each side?

+1 at least some years

[ruppstang]

Boy at $135 a set that's some big money to fill them holes!

[CharlesTurner]

Boy at $135 a set that's some big money to fill them holes!

I don't think the Cougars had covers, Jeff can correct me if I'm wrong.

It's plain to see in that picture that there is absolutely no benefit of the larger holes being on the rocker end of the metal section.  Which would lead me to think that it was done for cost savings on sheet metal.

IIRC, Mustangs and Cougars shared some components.

[Oz390]

Yeah, from 2.6c (OK 5.2c for two!) to $135 is a bit more than the appreciation of the cars! 

I had to put a piece of cloth over the tab before grabbing it with pliers to bend it in place so I wouldn't scratch the pricey parts!!!  (that no one will ever see!!!)

And on "Which would lead me to think that it was done for cost savings on sheet metal."  It really wouldn't save on initial cost of the sheet, as the were probably punched out during forming, not sure how much "savings" the extra scrap going to recycling was back-in-the-day...

[CharlesTurner]

And on "Which would lead me to think that it was done for cost savings on sheet metal."  It really wouldn't save on initial cost of the sheet, as the were probably punched out during forming, not sure how much "savings" the extra scrap going to recycling was back-in-the-day...

Take into consideration how thick the sheet metal is on this piece.  I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest it was a cost savings approach.

[Oz390]

Looks to be more required for access to get the floor plugs in up above.  Had to cut at least a ~1 1/2" hole to fit them in, but that leaves no access to install, so a slightly larger hole to get in there and fit them.  There would be some added scrap value in the slightly larger items...

[specialed]

jeffs photo is 69 & up all 4 holes same mustang & cougar.

[Scott Fuller]

Yeah, from 2.6c (OK 5.2c for two!) to $135 is a bit more than the appreciation of the cars! 

I think NPD sells a cheaper version if you don't care about the correctness. 

Scott

[Oz390]

I bought your parts, they are great!   Just a comment on the escalation and wishing the cars went up as much (I could retire then by selling a few!) 

The NPD are just a plastic/rubber stopper... 

[CharlesTurner]

There are metal covers that are plain, but like Scott says, they basically just cover the hole and aren't remotely correct.