Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
08-01-2011, 05:56 PM
#1
Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Been hitting the junkyards lately and decided to buy the 82-84(or 85?) hard plastic rear cargo cover panels for each of my later thirdgens that didn't have them. To install them, I had to also get the 82-84 interior piece that covers the rear hatch mechanism and will need to fab up some brackets that have bolts coming out of them to bolt the panel down. I found the parts in hardtop cars so I assume they were offered on all early thirdgens?
As someone who's been daily driving thirdgens for 13 years, I think these early cargo covers are one of the coolest things my thirdgens never had. Even though one of my cars has the roll-away cargo cover for t-tops, I still would like to have the extra hidden compartment that the panel cover would provide in hiding stuff when I open the hatch.
Anyone know why they were not installed on later thirdgens? I think its funny that GM kind of went back to this design on the 4th gens for their cargo covers.
As someone who's been daily driving thirdgens for 13 years, I think these early cargo covers are one of the coolest things my thirdgens never had. Even though one of my cars has the roll-away cargo cover for t-tops, I still would like to have the extra hidden compartment that the panel cover would provide in hiding stuff when I open the hatch.
Anyone know why they were not installed on later thirdgens? I think its funny that GM kind of went back to this design on the 4th gens for their cargo covers.
Last edited by Firebat; 08-01-2011 at 06:01 PM.
08-01-2011, 06:12 PM
#2
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
I know the rear cargo door was included with the Camaro Delco/Bose sound system from 1987 up to the 1992 model year. Prior to that it was part of a custom interior package. A lot of Berlinetta's that I have seen have them. I'm not that versed on Firebirds but some people on here have them on their 1987 on up vehicles from the factory.
Last edited by MY87LT; 08-01-2011 at 06:22 PM.
08-01-2011, 06:24 PM
#3
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
I see, so it was just semi-rare or rare on later years. Here are some pics of a cover panel that I got from the salvage yard.
Last edited by Firebat; 08-01-2011 at 06:35 PM.
08-01-2011, 08:10 PM
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (101)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Levittown Pa
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
17 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi 9 bolt PBR
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
I had one on my old 88 camaro sport coupe
08-01-2011, 09:40 PM
#7
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Keep in mind the rear trim panel in the trunk changed in 86 to clear the power trunk pulldown. 82-85 trim panels won't fit an 86-92. The cover is really redundant with the roll up shade. It was one of those mostly pointless things that went away, like the console clock and the overhead console.
Trending Topics
08-02-2011, 09:57 AM
#9
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2004
Location: new york
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 pontiac trans am
Engine: Procharged 5.7l
Transmission: t-56
Axle/Gears: stock 9 bolt 3.71
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
That Is cool. When I was young a foolish I made a panel for my 85 firebird like that to hold my 12" subs. All it really provided was a good handle to steel two sub's at the same time. lol
None the less I really like this panel.
None the less I really like this panel.
08-02-2011, 02:28 PM
#11
Supreme Member
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
I might add that the third gen one's were made a lot better than the standard 4th gen ones...the third gen has the large hinges, while the 4th gen design has no hinges and two tiny plastic roller pins on the edges (which of course have broken on mine from having to take the cover off so many times to change taillight bulbs, dry out the carpet from soaking wet car cover, dropping things down in there, etc.).
Scored the cargo cover panel and 90% complete overhead console (can you guess what part was missing?) out of the same 86 T/A at a pull-a-part here. Heh think I got both for around $12.
Scored the cargo cover panel and 90% complete overhead console (can you guess what part was missing?) out of the same 86 T/A at a pull-a-part here. Heh think I got both for around $12.
08-03-2011, 09:18 AM
#14
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
I might add that the third gen one's were made a lot better than the standard 4th gen ones...the third gen has the large hinges, while the 4th gen design has no hinges and two tiny plastic roller pins on the edges (which of course have broken on mine from having to take the cover off so many times to change taillight bulbs, dry out the carpet from soaking wet car cover, dropping things down in there, etc.).
Scored the cargo cover panel and 90% complete overhead console (can you guess what part was missing?) out of the same 86 T/A at a pull-a-part here. Heh think I got both for around $12.
Scored the cargo cover panel and 90% complete overhead console (can you guess what part was missing?) out of the same 86 T/A at a pull-a-part here. Heh think I got both for around $12.
08-05-2011, 04:05 PM
#15
Want a title? Post!
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Virginia Beach, Va.
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 RS 1 owner (*ME*)
Engine: LO3 5.0L V8
Transmission: Stock Auto
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
(As an aside, the other "missing" option on my car was the remote hatch release button between the two power windows; I nearly made them add that in at the dealership when I bought the car, and now really wish I had).
My poor RS sat for the last 7 years, and is now in the process of being restored. But as a one owner, complete car, I know where it's been
and she looks GORGEOUS since I had her repainted.
08-08-2011, 10:32 PM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 RS Camaro
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Bill, That trunk release button was the first thing I disconnected. I realized it was an easy way for someone to steal my subs/amps... Of course I didnt realize that until after I found my passenger side window broken and the stereo and boomtube stolen from the hatch area. The thieves popped the trunk with that convenient hatch release button.
Good thing I had just bought that car so I didnt give two ***** that they stole it. The stuff they stole was left in there from the previous owner. I installed my old stereo system in there later that week from my first camaro, the one I totaled a couple months prior.
Ive been thinking about reconnecting that switch but I dont want it to function unless the key is in the ignition for obvious reasons.
Anyone think of doing this?
This is from "Camaro Performance Handbook" by David Shelby. Thought this looked pretty slick. Functional, however I think you'd still have to have a box or at least a partial one? underneath so it sounds good.
I had a custom box that fit perfectly in that spot with two 10's. Sounded amazing. Not just base but had great clarity too.
Good thing I had just bought that car so I didnt give two ***** that they stole it. The stuff they stole was left in there from the previous owner. I installed my old stereo system in there later that week from my first camaro, the one I totaled a couple months prior.
Ive been thinking about reconnecting that switch but I dont want it to function unless the key is in the ignition for obvious reasons.
Anyone think of doing this?
This is from "Camaro Performance Handbook" by David Shelby. Thought this looked pretty slick. Functional, however I think you'd still have to have a box or at least a partial one? underneath so it sounds good.
I had a custom box that fit perfectly in that spot with two 10's. Sounded amazing. Not just base but had great clarity too.
Last edited by CamaroRobb; 08-08-2011 at 10:48 PM. Reason: Edited to attach picture
08-09-2011, 09:45 AM
#17
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Bill, That trunk release button was the first thing I disconnected. I realized it was an easy way for someone to steal my subs/amps... Of course I didnt realize that until after I found my passenger side window broken and the stereo and boomtube stolen from the hatch area. The thieves popped the trunk with that convenient hatch release button.
Good thing I had just bought that car so I didnt give two ***** that they stole it. The stuff they stole was left in there from the previous owner. I installed my old stereo system in there later that week from my first camaro, the one I totaled a couple months prior.
Ive been thinking about reconnecting that switch but I dont want it to function unless the key is in the ignition for obvious reasons.
Anyone think of doing this?
Attachment 223707
This is from "Camaro Performance Handbook" by David Shelby. Thought this looked pretty slick. Functional, however I think you'd still have to have a box or at least a partial one? underneath so it sounds good.
I had a custom box that fit perfectly in that spot with two 10's. Sounded amazing. Not just base but had great clarity too.
Good thing I had just bought that car so I didnt give two ***** that they stole it. The stuff they stole was left in there from the previous owner. I installed my old stereo system in there later that week from my first camaro, the one I totaled a couple months prior.
Ive been thinking about reconnecting that switch but I dont want it to function unless the key is in the ignition for obvious reasons.
Anyone think of doing this?
Attachment 223707
This is from "Camaro Performance Handbook" by David Shelby. Thought this looked pretty slick. Functional, however I think you'd still have to have a box or at least a partial one? underneath so it sounds good.
I had a custom box that fit perfectly in that spot with two 10's. Sounded amazing. Not just base but had great clarity too.
08-09-2011, 10:09 AM
#18
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Actually, it's one of only two options I didn't manage to get on my '89 RS T-Top when I bought it. It wasn't redundant at all, actually, as I quickly learned. The shade was useful for hiding what was in the boot, but the locking hatch would have offered a flat floor that could have had extra groceries, for example, such that you could get more than 8 bags in. By having the locking cover, the trunk space actually formed a useful shelf for any items that you needed to store back there.
(As an aside, the other "missing" option on my car was the remote hatch release button between the two power windows; I nearly made them add that in at the dealership when I bought the car, and now really wish I had).
My poor RS sat for the last 7 years, and is now in the process of being restored. But as a one owner, complete car, I know where it's been and she looks GORGEOUS since I had her repainted.
(As an aside, the other "missing" option on my car was the remote hatch release button between the two power windows; I nearly made them add that in at the dealership when I bought the car, and now really wish I had).
My poor RS sat for the last 7 years, and is now in the process of being restored. But as a one owner, complete car, I know where it's been
and she looks GORGEOUS since I had her repainted.
08-09-2011, 11:12 AM
#19
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
If you sweat over someone using the switch to steal your stereo, how will you feel when they smash the hatch and take what they want? Locks and anti-theft features aren't going to stop a motivated thief.
08-10-2011, 01:08 AM
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 RS Camaro
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
If a thief broke my hatch glass and was able to steal my subs I'd be thoroughly impressed. Do you seriously think it's that easy? The only way a thief is getting my subs is by opening the hatch.
07-09-2014, 11:41 AM
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
So, does anyone know where to get a cargo shade repaired? the shade is pristine, but the roller assy is messed up.... anybody?
07-16-2014, 10:54 AM
#23
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
The hatch shade works exactly like a house roll-up shade. In SOME CASES the shade can be 're-wound' to re-apply tension on the spring inside it- allowing it to 'roll-up' again.
Doesn't always work - but somwtimes it helps !
Doesn't always work - but somwtimes it helps !
10-24-2015, 10:29 PM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Sarnia ontario
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986Trans, 1979 lincoln continental
Engine: Both stock 305HO, & 400 4 barrel
Transmission: 5 speed stick, & stock
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Early thirdgen rear cargo cover panel - why was it not offered on later years?
Could you please send me some pics and dimensions, as I have an 86 trans am and would like to custom build this part. Thank You Tim.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
05-10-2023 07:19 PM
