Trunk brace hole?

[Wallington]

I noticed the LH trunk brace stiffener on some cars has this slot and hole, others don't. In a quick look of my saved pics that don't have a mat in the way, some 77 do, some 77 don't, and all my 78-81 that show it do.

It looks like where you would insert a U-nut retainer, push it across, then use the screw hole....but what was it's purpose, if any was ever realised?!

1978 TA low mileage original trunk spatter paint 3 brake lights bumper bolts by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Firebird trunk brace hole by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

[FormTA]

Interesting.  I'm curious as well. Maybe a planed spot change from he air cylinder for the spare or something??

[roadking77]

I had to rebuild that piece on my 77 but dont recall the hole being there. Will have to look at my 79. Def looks like a spot for a clip and screw.

[sreta]

It's for the taillight wiring harness ground clip

[Wallington]

Interesting..what model is that? Mine doesn't have one like that and mounts to the trunk latch housing.

[sreta]

Mine is '79 TA

[Wallington]

Well there you go. Must have been setting up for the new model a year early. I'm not terribly familiar with the 79-81 details and don't recall seeing that grounding clip before. Pic saved. Thanks!

[Maxthe222]

Both my '79's had a ground in that little hole, one had rusted away so badly it was fused together, when replaced with an aftermarket panel, that hole is no longer present, I may cut one out for that ground