Knee pad construction change?

[76911S]

When did the knee pads change from bent metal with material stretched over to the molded type?
Thanks.
Mark..

[70SATMan]

When did the knee pads change from bent metal with material stretched over to the molded type?
Thanks.
Mark..

I always assumed it was the late 70 early 71 time frame. My Jan build 70S had the metal framed type. I've had people tell me that they know for sure their 70MY car had the foam formed type.

......Then I got to thinking of something.....My 70S had factory Air con. Now, the Behr vent assembly gets SCREWED into the bottom of the knee pads. Wouldn't work to well if they were the foamed type. Hence, a need for the steel framed knee pads providing the support for the screws to bite into. So, now I wonder if in 70 onward it depended on whether the car was optioned with Air.

Anyone else care to chime in with opinions?

[orange911]

I always assumed it was the late 70 early 71 time frame. My Jan build 70S had the metal framed type. I've had people tell me that they know for sure their 70MY car had the foam formed type.

......Then I got to thinking of something.....My 70S had factory Air con. Now, the Behr vent assembly gets SCREWED into the bottom of the knee pads. Wouldn't work to well if they were the foamed type. Hence, a need for the steel framed knee pads providing the support for the screws to bite into. So, now I wonder if in 70 onward it depended on whether the car was optioned with Air.

Anyone else care to chime in with opinions?

From what I remember, the Behr A/C vents from the factory screw into the metal dash, not the knee pads. There were 5 or 6 machine screws that screw into the metal clips (j-nuts) that attach to the dash where the bolt/screw holes are.

[RSTarga]

For A/c They removed normal knee pads and fitted ductwork where it was. Even on aftermarket units.

[Dezzmo]

Does anyone have any pics of the back of these dash pads, especially the 1 piece setup? When I acquired my car it was fitted with the plastic aftermarket a/c setup, which of course was cracked so I removed it.

Lately I've been thinking about trying to fabricate a 1 piece dash pad but I can't seem to find any good pics.

[billm]

My '73S has factory installed air. The knee pads are vinyl covered foam. The vent assembly is mounted under the knee pads with the mounting "lens head screws" going up through holes in the kneepads and through the bottom lip of the dash where they are secured with washers and nuts.
So in my case (and according to the parts book) there are knee pads and A/C vents.
BillM

[RSTarga]

BillM pictures please. There were several types of dealer installed a/c units. Mine is a VW of america unit and has the ducts that replaced the knee pads. As far as making a one piece unit, what about the ashtray? that is why they are 2 piece.

[BOYER73S]

My 69S has the dash board style knee pads so I think earlier than 70 unless mine have been swapped out at some stage.

The door tops swapped to the formed style from 70 onwards I believe

[70SATMan]

From what I remember, the Behr A/C vents from the factory screw into the metal dash, not the knee pads. There were 5 or 6 machine screws that screw into the metal clips (j-nuts) that attach to the dash where the bolt/screw holes are.

My car had the factory slim, one piece Behr AC vent unit. It was indeed screwed into the knee pads. Maybe they did screw through the knee pads and into the bottom of the dash. It's been quite awhile since I removed all of that gear. I'll have to review my library of pics but, my Knee pads still show the holes.

For A/c They removed normal knee pads and fitted ductwork where it was. Even on aftermarket units..

For one of the AC types, yes where the AC Vent unit essentially replaced the knee pads. I know which unit you are talking about. However, this is not the case on all AC units factory or otherwise.