I need some help! During the disassembly of my '71 Cutlass Convertible, I came across this electrical component in the driver lower cowl / kick panel area. Althought rusted and detached, it appeared to be fastend to the metal access plate behind the kick panel on the driver's side of the car. I can't see it referenced anywhere in the Assembly Manual. Does anyone know what this component is / does? It appears to be some sort of fuse. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Were there wires going to it? If so, how many & what colors?

 

No, no wires were attached or leading to this fuse ... or whatever it is. When I removed the plate that accesses the inner area of the lower cowl, I found it laying there detached. There are two threaded studs on the back that appear to line-up with two holes in the steel panel that covers this access.

 

Could be the power window relay that prevents the windows from operating unless the ignition is on. Or it could be a circuit breaker for the windows. Does your car have power windows?

 

No power windows, but could be a power top relay. Prior to disassembly, the top worked fine though. I followed some of the interior restoration on your car. Did you have a top relay mounted behind in this area?

 

Very well could be a top relay as I heard the 71 may have used one (not sure of its locvation though). The 72 does not use a relay for the top - just the switch in the dash connected with heavy wiring. Circuit breaker is in the top left of the fuse block.

In this area in 72, the only part I know of would have been the window relay.
Are there any other wires running in that kickpanel area?
Does this piece look factory installed? If you can get a clear close picture, ID might be easier.