Infill panels to rear suspension turret on 2003 chassis, what are they for ?

[Simon Owen]

On the front side of the turret my car has infill pieces riveted on thus reducing the size of the slot for the spring and damper.

 

Some cars seem to have these and others not 🤔 🤔 does anybody know what they are for and how easy they are to remove, looks like drilling out the rivets will do it but just wondering.

 

Thanks chaps.

 

[Drumster]

Simon,

 

Not really sure what you're referring to, but are you referring to the triangular pieces that are rivetted on? If so, behind these on each side is a cavity where the inertia reel used to to be bolted. Removing them, by drilling out the rivets as you say, won't increase access though.

[Simon Owen]

Ah is that what they are for , not had chance for a propper look yet but just trying to free up some space around the damper unit.

 

Removing them looks like it will widen the turret space ?

[Drumster]

I can only speak from experience on my '93 chassis when I say removing them won't increase access area for damper.

 

If you have a look here and scroll down you'll see some photos of a bare chassis and that the triangular plate is rivetted onto chassis tubes on all sides. The rear section of the cavity is a steel plate and it is this which lies in front of the dampers. If you scroll down to photos of the bare ali rear section you'll see the chassis/bodywork before the triangular plate is fitted.

[Simon Owen]

Clearly part of the chassis here then, wonder if this is the same on later cars.

 

Somewhere structural to fix the belts I guess, don't have them so never noticed.

[Paul Richards]

Clearly part of the chassis here then, wonder if this is the same on later cars.

Yes