[GM Kid]

What are these things for? I just noticed 'em. They're like little plastic T-handles.

 

[dealernut]

What are these things for? I just noticed 'em. They're like little plastic T-handles.

Got a picture?

 

[johnebgoode]

May be a release handle for lower seat cushion.

 

[GM Kid]

May be a release handle for lower seat cushion.

That's what I'm thinking. Sorry, no pic. This wee little handle just barely pokes out from under the seat cushion. Kinda white, opaque plastic. There's even a little foam pad stuck to the black plastic under the seat right where the handle emerges, evidently to keep the little thing from rattling against that plastic.

The reason I noticed this thing: I had the dealer replace my rear package shelf under warranty because the Arizona sun had made the cloth bubble up in a couple spots. To my surprise, they had to remove virtually the entire rear interior of my car--side panels, seat cushions and seat backs--to get to the package shelf.

Oh, a side note: I've heard GTO Forum members tell of how challenging it is to get the rear window tinted on account of the giant center stop lamp, so while the rear interior of my car was gutted, I had the dealer tint my windows. From what I gather, the tinter appreciated the extra freedom. This also should help keep my new package shelf from bubbling when summer rolls around again.

Anyhow, when I got the car home last night I got into the back seat to make sure everything was reassembled properly. As I ran my fingers over everything, I found these little handles. I really believe these must be releases for the bottom cushions, but I don't want to pull them to find out.

 

[dealernut]

That is also a new issue I had never heard about. Is that common in the desert?

I agree they are more than likely pull tabs for the seats.

 

[GM Kid]

That is also a new issue I had never heard about. Is that common in the desert?

I don't know whether this is common for desert-dwelling GTOs, but yeah--the sun does a number on your car here. It's absolutely merciless. Outside air temps in June and July can be 115 or more, but on a blacktop parking lot it's even worse. Although the GTO doesn't have an outside temp gauge, my wife's Envoy does and it'll sometimes register temps in the 130s when you first start it up after it's sat in a parking lot. Interior temps, naturally, are way higher.

The GTO's fastback rear window faces practically straight skyward, making for a nice little terrarium back there. In those concave areas where the speaker bulges transition to the flat area, the adhesive on the back of the cloth let go and the cloth just stretched straight across that void. I could stick it back down, but it'd just come up again.

On this same visit, I also had the steering wheel replaced. My hot, sweaty palms had etched the finish off.

 

[05GTO]

May be a release handle for lower seat cushion.

:agree

Here is a picture from where I removed my seats to run a wire for the rear escort sensor.

 

[b_a_betterperson]

There's a manual trunk release handle between the headrest and top of the passenger side rear seat.

 

[05_HUMBLER]

:agree That's it:agree

 

[GM Kid]

:agree

Here is a picture from where I removed my seats to run a wire for the rear escort sensor.

That's the handle. And I guess it's black, not white. Wow, looks like those bottom cushions will just pop right out with a little tug on that handle, huh?

 

[PEARL JAM]

Outside air temps in June and July can be 115 or more, but on a blacktop parking lot it's even worse. register temps in the 130s when you first start it up after it's sat in a parking lot. Interior temps, naturally, are way higher.

In those concave areas where the speaker bulges transition to the flat area, the adhesive on the back of the cloth let go and the cloth just stretched straight across that void.

I thought I had hot weather!
GOOD GOD THATS HOT!! can you get me a deal on a slightly melted Corvette?