I'm looking for information on the locking interior hatch panel that my '88 has. I thought all Camaros had this, but apparently it's an option. Anyway, this piece, when raised, folds over to the area just behind the rear seat. When set down into place, it sits almost flush with the hatch motor. My car was missing the interior trim panel that covers the hatch motor.

When I bought a used plastic trim piece, I found out that the brackets that support the locking partition are apparently too big for a standard trim piece to be used. I'm calling out to anybody who has this option--is the interior trim indeed different? I have yet to find another Camaro with this option to compare--and it's driving me crazy having an ill-fitting trim piece around the taillights/hatch motor!

 

well I have the panel you are talking about... but I dont have a camaro with out it to compare to either... so I dont think I am going to be much help....

 

No, if you've got it, that's all I need. You don't happen to have any pictures of the hatch, do you? I need to see how the trim plastic accomodates those extra brackets (they bulge outward to support the locking panel when it's down). Thanks!

 

Im confused as to what you are needing. sorry to sound like a dolt, but I havent had more than 2 hours sleep in the last 48, but I m still n recall so I cant crash for the next 5 hours.... damn drills.... post a pic of what you need me to post and Ill see what I can do.

 

The cars with the locking rear storage(RPO-D27 for '88)uses a different rear trim panel,as you have found out.The correct trim panel will have a plastic ledge molded in it's entire width.It will have 2 rubber bumpers and a cutout for the lock striker to engage the striker plate.Now there are 2 different versions of this panel also.One for the early cars,like my '83,that have just a electric hatch release and another for the later cars that use the power pulldown/hatch motor.I don't have any pictures of the storage panel in my '83 but I can take some for you to give you a better idea.

Also,if you haven't already,you can post in the Interior parts wanted section that you need one.Someone may have the correct one in the right color for sale.

 

Great, that solves the mystery. Is this a super rare option? We have a local wrecking yard in town, and I'm wondering if they would know what I'm talking about if I try to describe it on the phone.

 

It's not a rare option maybe uncommon fits better.It's usually found with RPO-B48 deluxe luggage trim(all the rear interior panels are carpeted instead of bare plastic).It was standard on the Berlinetta('82-'86)and optional on the Sport Coupe and Z28.I'm lucky my '83 came with it.it is a neat option to have.The hard part for you will be finding the correct color for the trim panel.

That's why I suggested checking the classfieds on here or putting an ad in the interior parts wanted.You can also check Hawks(a board sponsor).And Ebay is a good source too but ask questions of the seller vefore you bid.

 

Ok--I do have the carpeted rear panels as well. Kind of strange, as my '88 was a stripper model with only an automatic as an option. So the trim panel in question also has carpet as well to match the other carpeted pieces? Oh, and I have a black interior.