Flap for escape hatch?

I have started installing the carpet kit I bought from VS.

Everything seems to be fitting OK in my CMC so far.

The only question I have is whether anyone knows what the flap on the rear seat base is for? Is it for the escape hatch in a VS?

Jim.

I would think it is for gaining access to the shifter connection to the trans. and or ser. no. stamped on the pan.

Hmmm I have that part on my gas tank....That part is supposed to have a bench seat. Now I am questioning myself!.... I had another piece that had the shifter coupler flap. The one you have the flap is sewed on with no hole underneath correct?

Actually, the thing I didn't mention was that the seat base material is intact underneath where the flap is sewn - there is no hole there that would need to be covered!

The carpet piece for the tunnel also has a flap that I would assume was for access to the VIN on the frame.

"Curiouser and curiouser," said Alice...

I just checked my Vintage drawing that came with my carpet kit and that part you are talking about is "SEAT BASE" so I guess it's supposed to cover a hatch that you can hide your WMD's

Jim,

That's exactly the color that I want for my car! When you ordered it, do you remember what color you specified?

Thanks !

TC

TC,

It is the OATMEAL carpet that VS sells.

IF you are going to buy the trunk carpet kit, and have a 16 gallon tank, mention this when you order as they may have a different gas tank cover for the 16 gallon tank. the cover i got is obviously designed for the standard tank and there is a gap between it and the rest of the carpet.

Jim.

I use a straight edge razor and ...carefully.... cut the stitching away to remove the flap

Jim, my VS has your exact same carpet color; by the way your car is looking good! I'm positive the flap is there to gain access to the shifter coupling area/VIN number.

Jim,

I was reading through one of my books on the 356 last night, mainly looking for engine details and noticed that flap of yours. I THINK(?) that you may have a rear carpet piece similar to what would be used on a genuine 356.

On the orignal cars there was a kicked up area at the rear, like a bulged area on top of the tunnel that went upwards and blended into the platform, that your "flap" would have covered over.

I THINK, anyway . . . if you have no luck, I'll scan and send you the picture(s) from the book.

Luck, looks GREAT ! !

OR . . . . it could just be a VIN access flap . . . as Ricardo is about to post . . . below . . .