Trunk Masonite Hardboard

[Nitrate]

1981. 2000. The Masonite cover, in my trunk, on my drivers side has a 1"X1" piece of wood attached to the underside of it. It runs just about the full length of the edge, facing the spare tire. I'm assuming it's to give it some strength and to keep the edge from warping. Somehow this does not strike me as stock and may have been added by a previous owner. Can someone tell me if this 1"X1" is supposed to be there? Thanks, RB

[jagonza]

mine does not have it, but i actually will add one , in order to clear the wider (taller on its side) spare tire

[Nitrate]

Thanks jagonza, appreciate the fast reply. RB

[124JOE]

yes mine had it and so did the parts car

[spidernut]

All five of my Spiders had it including my 81 that I purchased brand new.

[njoconnor]

My original wood "batten" (if you will) was cracked, and the hardboard actually bent somewhat near the crack. Replaced it with a ripped down 1x2, screwed it in, and the hardboard straightened out nicely. I just used a basic pine 1x2 from one of the home centers in the area.

Neil

[DieselSpider]

My 78 has it too. Looks like scrap from the packing crates was used.

[mpollock]

My 1979 has this, and based on the condition of the rest of the car I suspect it to be original. There don't seem to be any obvious modifications to the car other than an aftermarket radio. It looks like it rests on top of the spare tire. Without it the fiberboard trunk board would just collapse under any type of load.

[Nitrate]

Looks like I got that one wrong. I will keep the wood support under the new Masonite trunk panel I'm in the process of making. Thanks to all who replied.RB

[baltobernie]

Masonite is not very moisture-resistant. It will warp quite dramatically in the automobile trunk environment, and is almost worthless structurally. 1/4" exterior plywood painted or varnished after fabrication is a much better choice.

[DieselSpider]

Oiled Masonite but not fully hardboard is what is needed in the trunk since its moisture resistant and won't splinter like plywood. Warps a little easier but will be less likely to crack and check from the heat and is also more sound deadening.

There are trade offs to be sure.

[4uall]

Masonite is not very moisture-resistant. It will warp quite dramatically in the automobile trunk environment, and is almost worthless structurally. 1/4" exterior plywood painted or varnished after fabrication is a much better choice.

True story

[Nitrate]

Thanks for the photo 4uall. Exactly what I was looking for. The PO fabed one up but it didn't look just right. Picture is worth a thousand words. A very good referance for all members. Thanks, RB

[4uall]

here is an awesome website that includes a template

http://fiatspider.weebly.com/