Hi Pat,
Yes, the U tab was removed in 73 and above cars. Not sure the exact date but mid 72 seems to be when most major changes took place.
No need for you to take pictures of your car. The pictures of your car in the Engine Compartment thread show the U tab and no buffer.
Thank you for the help. Hopfully someone with a 73 or 74 will read this thread and can add some insight.
Regards,
Greg
QUOTE(Pat Garvey @ May 30 2013, 03:44 PM)
Greg,
I misunderstood also - thought we were talking about the lid.
The lid torsion bars should move away from each other as the lid is rear boot is raised, then come to rest close to each other but not touching when the boot is lowered. Don't if this carried over to later models, but there is a u-shaped structural piece welded in the the center of the rear bulkhead covering the torsion bars (don't see this in your pic, but it may have been removed in the '74s). I don't know for certain, but its purpose may have been to keep the bars in place if a roller broke...?
No rubber snubber on early cars in this location. Mt 72 has not had the rollers replaced (please, please), and the boot raises and lowers with no problem (please, please), and the crossover point still has all paint on the torsion bars. So, it apparently works. Still curious about the deletion of the welded-in u-shaped structure.
I can take pics, but it will be difficult since the car is assembled and that point is tough to view. Will try if any interest.
Pat