[SCG] 1964 Decklid update

[Bill Hubbell]

Rich Thompson brought up a question about 1964 engine Deck Lids having to do
with a mid-year change in the underside venting.  I think I can narrow down
the date of change to late March, 1964

My 1964 Ember Red Sedan (40960W22477    WR15189) has a build date of 03C.
It has the eight oval drain holes found on all earlier models.  However, it
also has the extra holes for the longer rear weatherstrip.

Smitty's 1964 Daytona Blue Spyder Convertible (40667W?????  WR3709) has a
build date of 03D.  It has the 2 oval drain holes and 6 "pads".

So at the present time, it looks like there were 3 different versions of
1964 Deck lids, with the third version appearing near the end of March.  We
obviously should get more cars to confirm this date.

As for the reason for this changeover, I haven't a clue.  I don't think
Rich's assumption that it had something to do with cooling makes any sense,
as the engine fan draws air into the engine compartment and it wouldn't make
any difference how many drain holes are in the lid.

Bill Hubbell
SCG President


> One change though, of note that I have seen with '64 deck lids: there was
> some sort of change made with '64 deck lids in the underside venting.
> Somewhere between late November 1963 and early April 1964 cars, the eight
> ovals holes found on the underside of the rear edge of the deck lid (four
> of each found on the right and left of the deck lid spring) were changed
> to
> only have two (one only to the right and left of the spring). My Spyder (a
> late November car) has all eight holes. My sedan, a early April car, has
> only two and my 500 coupe (a late week of July/last week of '64 model
> production) also has two holes (the stamping for the eight holes are still
> their, just not pierced through on six of them). This is an assumption on
> my part, but the eight holes might have been their to provide adequate
> draining of water through the deck lid to prevent rusting on the inside.
> But, (this presented as a possibility) it was also found that the eight
> holes let too much cool air out of the top access vents of the deck lid
> engine cooling, robbing the engine of some much needed air. Maybe that is
> why it was switched to two holes to reduce cool air loss. Any other '64
> owners see similar difference in holes in the deck lid?
>
> Rich
> SCG Historian