[Red80TA]

What early years used the small cover plates on the inside of the rear wheelhousing behind the armrest trim, to cover the holes that access the wheel spoiler/flare hardware? Was it a TA-only feature? Sealed? Are there diagrams or part numbers, I couldn't find anything in the manuals I have. I see in later years nothing has changed with the opening, just no screw holes as no longer used.

[Transamric]

There's a simpler way. Remove the black plastic vent from the quarter panel door jamb post. That'll give you plenty of clearance to see and access the rear flare inside hardware.

[Red80TA]

Not what I was asking, I was more curious of the inner panel covers since I never knew of such a part.

[Formulabruce]

IIRC 1970, 71 have them. Have to look at my 72, in 73 they are Not there

[Red80TA]

These fellas :

1970-75 Trans Am inner panels for rear wheel spoilers by Ben, on Flickr

which go here (78 shown) :

Firebird rear interior primed no insulation by Ben, on Flickr

[Red80TA]

Anyone else seen these on their car? TA only?

[Gator67]

My 70 formula has them.

[Red80TA]

Interesting. I wonder if all early models had them or part of an extra insulation package.

[Norwood]

I’m pretty sure that panel would not be Trans Am specific. I’m curious if that same inner structure was used on Camaros.

[unruhjonny]

my '70 has them.

[keith k]

My '70 Formula has them, too. Definitely not TA specific. Also, since the plates on my car are sprayed over with the factory black undercoating/sound insulation, which would have been applied in the paint shop before any assembly operations happened (like putting the TA wheel flares on), I don't think those "windows" were for accessing the wheel flare attachments.

[Red80TA]

Good info, thanks.
Yes, I picked up a selection of used parts, not arrived in mail yet. The plates were among them, had to ask what they were off, thinking just thrown in extras. The guy said that's what they likely were for. Always learning things.
I'll have to check some early diagrams. I did already, but will look again.

[unruhjonny]

mine were covered in undercoating too;
i’m guessing it was right after the dunk tank.

[Red80TA]

A/C or non-A/C?

[unruhjonny]

the only panel that changed for ac vs non ac is the cowl.

[Red80TA]

Not what I asked.

[Red80TA]

I was referring more to the change in later years that also lost this panel and having full time fan in use and potential increased pressure that was accessed directly via these now open panels. Ideas anyway, something that has so far not been forthcoming.